Flag Day.

Celebrations in Eastern Samoa.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Pago Pago, May 12.

THE thirty-third anniversary of the raising of the American flag in Tu tuila was celebrated on April 21 in clear, bright weather. The day was the first fine one for about a week and heavy rain fell all the previous night.

Samoan chiefs from all parts of the Group came in as usual to the Station to meet the officers of the Administra tion, see the ceremony, and contest vari ous games.

At 9.15 a.m. the Fita Fita Guard par aded, their band being joined by the Poyer School Band. Afterwards came the in vocation by the native preacher, Lakopo.

District Governor Mauga then made an impressive speech, emphasising the aid the Governor and Administration are giving to the Samoans, and pointing out that the policy of the Government is “Samoa for the Samoans”, and that foreigners cannot buy land and are not allowed to exploit the natives. He stated it was very necessary—if the present welfare of the Samoan people was to continue —that the present land law never be changed. He further stressed that, as the population of the islands had doubled in the last 30 years and was continuing to increase, it was ne cessary that the Samoan plant more bananas, taro, and foodstuffs. He called attention to the Governor’s encourage ment of all kinds of industry, especially agriculture.

The proposed Organic Act for Samoa passed the Senate but was not passed by the House. Mauga stated that the Governor and Administration were not opposed to the act and were putting into operation all the beneficial features of the Act; but that many are of the opinion that the Samoans would suffer under the Act if it were passed and went into effect as at present is drawn up. He called attention to the fact that the taxes are not too high, roads fairly good, the schools good, the Department for Health is excellent, there is a sur plus of money in the bank. He ended by exhorting his people to join in a Christian spirit, become good and useful citizens, work together with the Gov ernor, co-operate with him and with each other —for “The Advancement of Samoa.”

In the afternoon races, games, and dances were held. Tug of war, tree climbing, poapoa races, Fautasi races, copra cutting, basket making, and siva ing teams contested various events.

In the evening a smoker was held, consisting of some eight or nine three round bouts of boxing.