SAMOA ISLANDS.

Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 15, 28 July 1874, Page 187

SAMOA ISLANDS.

Samoa, or Navigator's Islands, lie a little to the east of north from New Zealand, and are distant from Port Nicholson about 2,000 miles. They consist of four principal islands and five smaller, reckoning Rose Island. to the eastward among the number. They were first seen by Bougainville in 1768, and by La Perousc iu 1757, both French navigators. In 1539, the " United States Exploring Expedition" paid them a visit, and in the same year, H.M. sloop " Favorite" called with the remains of the enterprising missionary, Mr. Williams, who was killed at Erromanga, one of a group of islands lying a little to the west of north from New Zealand, and distant about I,SOO miles from Port Nicholson. The islands are evidently of volcanic origin, the remains of extinct craters being visible in many places, more particularly on the ridge of Opolu, which is 2,570 feet above the level of the sea. During the first four months of the year hurricanes occur, productive occasionally of most destructive results, sweeping everything before them, levelling the fruit trees, and consequently depriving the natives of the means of support. A case of this kind occurred at Mangia, one of Cook's group, in March, 1546. This group lies about N.N.E. from New Zealand, and is distant from Port Nicholson about 2,200 miles. During the winter months a great deal of rain falls, attended at times with high winds and northerly gales; the climate is variable, and during certain seasons very hot and humid. Tropical fruits grow in great variety, and most luxuriantly ; nature being a most bountiful parent to the natives, supplying them most liberally with every necessary requirement.

The area embraces some 2,650 square miles, and a population of about 30,000. There are a number of Europeans engaged in the culture of sugar, coffee, &c, the great natural product being cocoanut oil. Labour is paid at the rate of ten dollars per month, which is generally represented by trade, money playing a subordinate part as a medium of exchange. Anyone desirous of enjoying a holiday will have an opportunity of feasting his eyes on one of the fairest scenes in nature; but those going with the view of supporting themselves by their own labour, will return sadder if not wiser men. On the South Sea Islands, a white man must have caqital, as the humblest white labourer would not entertain the idea of competing with the native article. The native inhabitants resemble the Maori of New Zealand in physiognomy, their language and the Maori language have a close affinity, and the superstitious customs and manners of both possess a general similarity. Opolu lies in a north-easterly direction from Kandavau, distant some 650 miles.