SAMOAN AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 183, 7 August 1935, Page 6

SAMOAN AFFAIRS

INTERESTING CENTENARY FIRST METHODIST MISSION ( Per Press Association ) WELLINGTON, Aug. 6. An interesting centenary was celebrated on the island of Alanono, situated in the straits between the principal Samoan islands of Lpolu and Savaii, On July 17, writes the Apia correspondent of the Press Association. A memorial stone to the Kev. Peter Turner, the first European Methodist minister to reach Samoa on June 38, 1835, whs unveiled by the Administrator (Sir Herbert Hart). The Administrator, in a sympathetic speech, eulogised the good work done by missions and referred to the feeling of goodwill and co-operation which exists between the Administration and missions. 'Rhe general secretary of Hie Methodist General .Society of Australia (liev. J. \V. Burton), who bad made a special trip from Sydney to attend the celebrations, gave an impressive address which was inter* preted to the natives by the Bev. R. J. Maddox, chairman of missions in Samoa. Over 3000 Samoans, in-hiding many natives representing . _»eral other de nominations, were present. The visitors were entertained with Samoa* dances, givas and song. Sir H. Hart Far excelled Many farewell entertainments were held in honour of the retiring Administrator (Sir Herbert Hart) and Lady Hart, and numerous presentations were made, testifying to the esteem and affection in whicu they are held by both Europeans and. the native sections of the community. The final farewell was given at Mulinuti, an historical spot in Samoa and the seat of the native Government. Here Sir H. Hart was met by the chiefs of the villages adjacent to Apia, and was their guest at a kava ceremony and a subsequent The final departure of Sir Herbert and Lady Hart by the Maui Pomare was witnessed by a large gathering of Europeans and Samoans. The natives gave a musical farewell and a convoy of four long boats escorted the official launch tv the steamer. A salute of 15 guns, fired by the shore battery sig nailed Sir H. Hart’s final relinquishment of the office. Mr. A. C. Turnbull, of the Administrator's staff, is now Aeting-Adminis-trator.