Assembly and of other governmental bodies, there have also been many who bring to public affairs a similar blending of traditional and modern ways of thought. In some cases, their very presence in public life has shown the complex way in which Samoan tradition has been modified in response to present needs. This has been possible because of the lack of rigidity in Samoan custom. For example, certain villagers and the holders of certain titles have traditional rights of precedence in a district; but this can be made a largely formal matter when there is reason for placing practical responsibilities in other hands. The right to speak for the district of Aana, for example, resides with the orator group of the village of Leulumoega; but the first representative of Aana in the Legislative Assembly was the Hon. Tofa Tomasi, the holder of a relatively minor title in the less important village of Faleasi'u. Tofa's political position, which he occupied till his death with the full backing of Leulumoega, was probably as secure as that of any man in Samoa. It was based on his personal qualities and knowledge. Besides being an extremely adroit politician, Tofa was both a man of wealth (made in trading) and the Samoan authority on economics. The matai of Aana were well satisfied to be represented by such a man, who, by his talents, brought credit to the district as well as to himself. Although Samoan society is changing, traditional ways in work and dress have persisted. (NPS Photograph) The present Samoan members of the Executive Council—men who are carrying out something like ministerial duties—all exemplify, in their different ways, the same broad trends. The Hon. Tualaulelai Mauri has been engaged during the whole of his adult life in commercial and administrative work; he has spent long periods in both New Zealand and Fiji; he has represented Samoa at overseas conferences and in varied negotiations. The Hon. Tuatagaloa Leutele—a man of powerful influence in the traditional social system—had led his home district most effectively in the development of education, medical services, and public works before his energies became so fully engaged in national politics. The Hon. To'omata Lilo-maiva is both a man of high title in the island of Savai'i and a wealthy cocoa planter. The Hon. Fonoti has been the leading figure in more than one commercial company, as well as a planter in his home district of Lotofaga. These men do not under-rate the importance of the intricate and sophisticated forms of Samoan social life, but they are also accustomed to the atmosphere of the modern board-room. They are both Samoan chiefs and men of affairs In the control of district and village affairs, the same type of leadership is found in many places. The formal structure of district and village fono has not been changed; but often the real work of administration has been delegated to committees which are dominated by the younger and more progressive matai. Generally, where there is a leader of outstanding qualities, he finds a full outlet for his talents. One notable example is Vaisala, in the district of Vaisigano, which for many years has had the progressive leadership of the Va'ai family. The former head of the family was a government clerk in German times; later, as a Faipule in the 1920's, he visited New Zealand and Tonga. He became imbued with the importance of education and sent his own sons and several other boys to boarding school in Apia. Now, these men are playing important roles not only in Vaisala itself but in a number of other villages in Savai'i, as planters, traders, teachers, introducing progressive methods into the administration of the places where they live. The son who has succeeded him in Vaisala, a former school-teacher, continues his work there. The village has an excellent school, which also functions as a community centre for adults. Young Planters' societies have been formed both to promote improved standards of production and to provide mutual aid for members in times of illness or other trouble. Many of the people of Vaisala make quite large incomes from the growing of cocoa. These examples are only a few amongst many. The Samoan scene is not, of course, one of Continued on page 64