OUR PACIFIC COLONIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15998, 28 May 1924, Page 6

OUR PACIFIC COLONIES.

LECTURE BY RffTJ J, A. YOUNG, M.P.

A lecture of more than usual interest and full of instruction was delivered by Mr J. A. Young, M.P., at the. Y.M.C.A. Hall on Monday night, the subject mailer being the "Pacific" possessions of New Zealand. The lecturer dealt principally with the islands of the Cook Group; Rarotonga and the more important outlying islands of Mangaia,, Ailntaki, and Niue, and with Ihc Dominion's recent responsibilities under the mandate of the League of Nations at Western SamoaMr Young expressed his indebtedness and thanks to Mr J. D. Gray, Secretary of External Affairs-, for the use of valuable lantern elides and recent information con-cerning several of the islands. The lecturer pointed out that through the good offices of the Naval Commodore, commanding the New Zealand Station, that the Government had secured a complete survey or Avarua Harbour at Rarotonga. The Government had established a powerful light on the wireless mast at Aorangi, which was much appreciated by shipping in picking up their bearings in approaching the main island. Wireless plants and leading lights were being installed on the more important islands of the Lower Cook Group. At Niue much useful work had lately been done in improving tbe landing accommodation, and the Union S.S. Coy. had rendered valuable assistance in that connection. This fertile island has suffered much on account of its isolation and lack cf adequate shipping service. A steamer has been secured to trade with Niue, and it is felt it will not be necessary to go back to the dangerous and haphazard condition obtaining with the old schooner service.

In dealing with Samoa, Mr Young referred to the New Zealand Government Crown Estates as about the only reparations which New Zealand was likely to get for her great expenditure in the war, nevertheless she was in a most disinterested way devoting any proceeds which may arise from the leasing- of the properties, to promote the welfare of the Samoans, and in furtherance of those obligations which the Dominion lias accepted under the mandate of the League of Nations as "a sacred trust of civilisation to peoples who arc not able to stand by themselves under the strenuous conditions of the modern world." The good work being done by New Zealand in the Pacific groups has received appreciative testimony from international tourists who are able to make comparisons with what is going on under the administration of other nationalities. As the political history of Samoa has been most checkered and of more or less international concern, it was pleasing to read of the speech delivered by Toelupe, an inffuential faipule at the recent fono (meeting) to hear the report of General Richardson, the Governor, on his recent visit to New Zealand. Toelupe in expressing fervent thanks to the GovernorGeneral, the Parliament, and the Government of New Zealand and to General Richardson said of the report, "it is like a refreshing drink of pure water; our hearts are satisfied. We, the fona of faipulcs, arc satisfied."

Mr Young said that the native population of Samba was on the increase and the present administration under Geenral Richardson was doing good work. Some 75 lantern views were shown on the canvas depicting the industrial and social life, and the physical features of the groups, and were much appreciated. Mr Jas. Christie, of Claudelands, manipulated the lantern and slides. At the close of the lecture Mr Young passed round some specimens of the rhinceccros beetle, the insect which has played such destruction with the cocoanut palm at Samoa.

Mr W. T. Coad occupied the chair, and a most instructive evening concluded with votes of thanks l»a Mr Young for his lecture and to Mr Christie, for the use of his lantern.