OUR PACIFIC COUSINS.

Wairarapa Age, 19 December 1924, Page 5

OUR PACIFIC COUSINS.

THE SAMOAN FAIPULE. VISIT TO MASTERTON. The nine Samoan chiefs who are at present visiting New Zealand paid an official visit to Masterton yesterday, When they were the guests of the municipality. The party, comprising Mrs (General) Richardson, Mrs H. M. Griffin, the nine Chiefs, Mr J. D. Grajl (Under-Secretary for External Affairs), and Mr H. M. Griffin (Undersecretary for Native Affairs a.t Samoa), were met at the station on arrival of the Wellington express by the Mayor and Councillors. After an exchange of greetings, the party were conveyed to the Borough Council Chambers, where a civic reception was tendered them. Wairarapa’s Greeting.

Despite the unseasonable weather, about Il>o citizens gathered to pay homage to these distinguished guests from New Zealand’s dependency in the Pacific. In welcoming the visitors, the Mayor (Mr Griffin interpreting), greeted them cordially to the district with their native greeting “Talofa tali’i. ” Masterton greeted them with a downpour of rain, but also with a. downpour of affection, for the Samoan taco. Mastertonians also welcomed Mrs Richardson, wife of the popular administrator of Samoa (Applause.) On every hand one heard General Richardson spoken of in terms of affection, and it was understood that the Samoans were pleased to be under the mandate of New Zealand, and that under General Richardson they had progressed in every respect. “We greet you,’’ continued His Worship, “as the legislators of the native race of Samoa. You have come to fortify yourself in your endeavours to carry into force laws to make Samoa a healthy place by improved health conditions. We hope that you will jlrogress in commercial and civic life, and on behalf of the district we hope that your visit will bo a pleasurable one. (Applause.) Ecclesiastic Welcome. In view of the fact that the majority of the Samoans adhere to the Congregational faith introduced by the London Missionary Society, the Rev. J. H. Datson, Congregational minister, on behalf of his denomination and the other churches of the'town , extended a welcome to the visitors. He would like them to say to their people that they would endeavour to keep the flag planted by John Williams flying in their delightful islands, Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., expressed his confidence that the present administration would prove satisfactory to the native race, and that they would not only learn to respect the British race, but to love it. He hoped that the time would come when the British flag would fly over all the islands of the Pacific, making for t(he good of the native races and for civilisation. Grateful Appreciation. Toelupe, the spokesman of the delegation, a fluent Samoan orator, said the people’s kind reception had touched their’ hearts, and they could only express their gratitude in the Samoan custom by raising the hand to the brow. They were surprised to find this kind reception, for they had heard little of this fair countrty. They had imagined that oil the towns were along the sea coast, but here'they had found a beautiful city after travelling for miles inland. Though they had cold hands they had warm hearts for New Zealanders. They looked upon New Zealand as their guardian and father, and were grateful for the many public works-which had come with the new administration. In Samoa they purchased things manufactured in other parts of the world without knowing whence they came or how they were made. Now they could see, since visiting New Zealand, how many of them were made, and could realise how complete New Zealand was in supplying everything to sustain life. It encouraged Samoans to do better things, for now Samoa was wealthy through being part of N»*w Zealand,, "heir only hope and prayer was 'Long may the British flag fly over Samoa. We hope this,'’ he said, “because it was Great Britain that brought the Gospel to us, and on this our Government is founded. "Anciber reason is, that iNow Zealand’s son» delivered us from German rule, and that is why wo wish to remain under the New Zealand mandate. Some nations advanced rapidly only to fall into decay, but we know that Great Britain will not , as it is founded on Christianity, and has joined in the war to help the smaller nations. We wish to thank New Zealanders for their invitation, whereby we can learn to increase the prosperity of our land, and are most grateful for the medical assistance and educational facilities New Zealand has given us. Our one wish is ‘God Bless New Zealand, may it prosper; God Bless the King.’ ”

In a Shearing Shea. After lunch at the Hotel Midland, the party left for “Tyneside’’ station, where shearing operations were witnessed. The visitors expressed astonishment and admiration at the wonderful dexterity with which the fleece was taken in one piece from the sheep, and were loth to leave. While there, the Mayor, on behalf of Messrs Casclberg Bros, and Lang, presented the visitors with a splendid sheepskin mat, for which they expressed their grateful appreciation. Owing to the delay through the greasy goads, the return journey was made to Carterton, where the express was joined for Wellington, the visitors being unanimous in their approval of the trip as one of the best they have so far experienced. To-day they will be shown over the Gear Moat Company’s works at Petone,