Samoan News.

Brisk Christmas Business.

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, January 20.

CHRISTMAS in Samoa was much quieter than for many years. The merchants had tuned down their business expectations; but they were pleasantly surprised when business during the festive season turned out to be very good indeed.

Sidewalks and stores of Apia were thronged by busy buyers, and it seemed as if Europeans and natives had saved up in their proverbial stockings for a long time, to be able to celebrate Christmas much in the usual and normal way. Nobody will grudge the long suffering commercial community this well deserved good-luck, when fateful 1932 has spelt mostly losses and disappointments for them.

MALUA college breaking-up.

The Administrator and Mrs. Hart last month paid an official visit to the old-established London Mission Society College at Malua. The premises were tastefully decorated, and a guard of honour of 100 students paraded to wel come the visitors.

At the annual prize-giving of Malua College, Mrs. Hart graciously distri buted the prizes to the students.

Later, the adjoining Boys’ High School was inspected, and Mrs. Hart also distributed prizes for the year’s work. As at the College, His Excel lency again addressed the scholars in appropriate words. In the afternoon, a native ta ’a colo (dance and song) was given by the students in honour of the Administrator’s visit, and some beauti ful presents were handed to the guests.

The proceedings were terminated by the students singing the National Anthem.

Tamasese’S Memory.

On December 28, a memorial service was held at the handsomely decorated graves of the late High Chief Tamasese and other dead Samoans. A procession of about 400 Samoan Mau women, clad in Mau uniforms, marched in proces sion through Apia to Lepea, to attend the service.

Farewell To Rev. Shinkfield.

The Rev. and Mrs. Shinkfield were guests of honour at a farewell party at the Casino on January 17, when about 25 friends foregathered to say “Tofa” to the popular minister. Rev. and Mrs. Shinkfield received the good wishes of all present for their departure from Samoa’s shores.

Native followers of the Wesleyan Church from all parts of the group, had gathered at the Faleula Mission to bid farewell to Rev. Shinkfield. Large numbers of natives attended the gathering, and many valuable presents were given to the departing minister.

New Bathing And Boating

Club.

A club is being formed for bathing and boating amongst the younger sports of Apia. It is proposed to erect a bathing shed and boat houses for canoes etc., on a site conveniently Situated at Valala,

Anglican Women’S Guild.

An Anglican Women’s Guild has been formed by Apia ladies to promote the work of the new Anglican chaplaincy under Rev. Morain. At a gathering at the Casino, Mesdames McCarthy and Smyth acted as hostesses at tea to a large number of Apia ladies, prominent amongst whom was Mrs. Hart, the wife of the Administrator.

Personal.

Mrs. and Miss Turnbull left for New Zealand by last “Maui Pomare.”

Mr. C. McKay, of the Secretariat, returned from Furlough by the “Maui Pomare.” Mrs. McKay is staying in New Zealand for an extended holiday.

The Auditor, Mr. Gair, and Mrs.

Gair, left by the “Maui Pomare” on furlough.