ISLANDS TOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 8

ISLANDS TOUR

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT THE SITUATION IN SAMOA. I Per Press Association. ] (Special Representative) AUCKLAND, May 5. The Diomede, with the GovernorGeneral and Lady Bledisloe on board, returned from the South Sea Islands this morning. During her cruise, which commenced on April 11, the Diomede called at Nukulofa and Vavau, in the Tongan group; Apia, capital of Wester u .Samoa; Pago Pago, the American naval station in Tutuila, Samoa; and finally at Rarotonga, the principal island and town of the Cook Group. The Diomede encountered a severe two-dav storm shortly after leaving Auckland. After that the weather conditions were calm to moderate. The return run to Auckland commenced on Saturday evening, some hours later than the scheduled time owing to a fault developing in a steam joint in the engine room. The time lost was made up. Though calls were made at other places, the principal objective was Western Samoa, which, is under mandate to the New Zealand Government. The history of the connection has not always been smooth and the hatchet has not yet been buried. His Excellency, however, was invariably received with impressive demonstrations of loyalty and esteem. The disaffected element presumably held aloof, but quite a number of its supporters could not refrain from adding their presence to the festivities. It was freely stated that many of the opposition were heartily tired of the conflict, which, was getting them nowhere, and. would welcome an opportunity of withdrawing from the impossible position. Fear of ridicule, however, is a powerful influence with the native Samoan, who is therefore bound to a cause with which he has little practical concern or real sympathy. Strength of Opposition. It was impossible to assess during the brief visit the strength of the opposition to the present system of government in Samoa. That opposition still exists is undeniable, but it has not the universal support of the Samoan people. The fact remains that the Administration is governing the country and all its departments are functioning freely and efficiently. The Administration has the solid and almost unanimous support of the white community, and the large attendances at the different functions demonstrated that the native population sincerely desired to honour the representative of the King.

His Excellency’s visit to Samoa was eminently successful and it is expected by the European community that it will have a pronounced effect in bringing about a reconciliation. His Excellency exhibited a lively interest in the various activities and occupations of the islanders. There was conclusive evidence that they keenly appreciated his presence. His Excellency’s message to the people of the islands was one of loyalty to the Administration and hope and encouragement for tho future to improve the quality of their evportable produce and with the aid of scientific research explore the possibility of developing new fields of production. He showed his practical interest in the subject by personally visiting plantations in each of the islands and learning all he could of the methods followed. Visits to schools and other institutions were made, and his Excellency saw as much of the islands as could possibly be seen during the time available. The system of education, and the results achieved made a deep impression on all the visitors. His Excellency was delighted with the singing at the schools and at several of the gatherings. He has presented several trophies, with the object of fostering the islanders’ natural proficiency in the art of music.

The departure from Apia gave occasion for a popular demonstration, which indicated how much the whole community appreciated the Vice-regal visit. It was a splendid send-off, indicating that Their Excellencies had won the esteem, and confidence of the people and sown the seeds of a brighter era of loyalty and devotion to the Crown and Empire.