SAMOA.

Western Star, Issue 31, 13 June 1874, Page 2 (Supplement)

SAMOA.

The following, in reference to Samoa, may . be any contain plating a \ttt* ■=*• Samoa, or Navigator’s Islands, lie between the latitudes of I3|deg and south,and the longitudes of 168 deg aud 173 deg west, and consist of four principal islands and five smlaller, reckoning Rose Island to the eastward among the number. They were first seen by Boueainville in 1768, and by La Perouse in 1787. In 1839 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. The islands are evidently of volcanic origin, the remains of extinct craters being visible in many places, more partieulary on th* ridge of Upolu, which is 2,570 ft above the level of the sea. During the first four months of the year hurricanes oceur, 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, 1846. During the winter months a great deal of raip falls, attended at times with high winds and northerly gales ; the climate is variable, aud 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, till the white man introduced his civilization, which has been followed by the usual demoralizing results. In the ahsanSßof the imported article, illicit distillation is extensively indulged in, a liquid called orange beer and spirit extracted from the pine apple, being drank with avidity, till the inevitable consequences ensue. 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, vc , the great natural product being cocoa nut oil. Labor is pai I at the rate of ten dollars per month, which is generally represeated by trade, money playing a subordinate part as a medium of exchange. Any one 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 labor, will return sadder if not wiser men. On the South Sea Islands, a white man must have capital, as the humblest white laborer would not entertain the idea of competing with the native article. In reference to the existence of gold, which admits scientifically of grave doubts, as none has been discovered in similar localities, it has never been seen among the Natives in any of the Southern Islands, except that which bears the. stamp of some foreign potentate, hixperieace does does not always inculcate lessons, and tance lends enchantment. The reports in reference to the Nortaera Territory in Australia were of the most glowing description, but, unfortunately, have not been realized, and have ended in disaster, and, I may say, collapse. Upolu lies in a north-eastery direction from Kandavu, distant some 650 miles.