Exile’S Return.

O. F. Nelson’s Enthusiastic Reception in Samoa.

MR. O. F. NELSON has returned to Samoa, after five years of exile.

After attending many impressive Maori functions in Auckland, given in his honour, Mr. O. F. Nelson, accom panied by his family, Judge E. W. Gurr and Mr. George Westbrook, sailed from Auckland on the “Mariposa” on May 9.

It was obvious long before he arrived at Apia that his welcome by the Mau would be enthusiastic; for, in Suva, a party of Samoan residents were waiting the arrival of the “Mariposa”. Formal speeches were few and the welcome was entirely a personal one, the leading chiefs and ladies of the Samoan com munity entertaining Mr. Nelson and his party at a kava ceremony.

For several months prior to his re turn, Judge Gurr’s health has given anxiety and on arrival at Pago Pago, where the party left the “Mariposa”, he was immediately taken to hospital. At the port were a large party of Samoan friends, for besides sympathisers in Eastern Samoa a host of people had made the journey from Apia, six ves sels having left instead of the usual packet boat. Mr. Nelson had arranged to leave Pago Pago for Apia the day the “Mariposa” berthed; but, complying with the wish of many friends, he de layed his departure and was able to make a call on Governor Landenberger.

The party also visited Judge Gurr in hospital,

Arrival At Apia.

O. F. Nelson & Co.’s two motor vessels, “Calmar” and “Voipapa” carrying Mr. Nelson and his party arrived at Apia in early morning.

They were met outside the reef by a number of decorated fautasis which escorted them to the landing stage at the Customs House wharf. In accord ance with a wish expressed by Mr.

Nelson that no demonstration be made which might be construed as a breach of the laws, the reception arrange ments were left to the women’s Mau, though the proceedings were directed

by High Chiefs Tuimalealiifano, Tamasese and Faumuina and a repre sentative committee of Samoan leaders.

The women's Mau, about 3000 strong, and in uniform formed a guard of honour. About 4000 Samoans and Europeans were there as well and the whole waterfront was packed with people in festive mood. Port formal ities occupied little time and Mr.

Nelson stepped on to the wharf amid cheers from thousands of voices to be greeted first of all by the directors and staff of O. F. Nelson & Co. While enthusiastic shouts were filling the air Mr. Nelson inspected the guard of honour and, passing under the wel coming arches and decorations, pro ceeded to Vaimoso and Lepea where the chiefs assembled. Here he greeted Tui, Tamasese and the others and, after a religious service at Vaimoso church, “Kings Kava” was served at Tamasese’s residence while official speeches were delivered. Breakfast was taken at Lepea and then Mr. Nelson laid wreaths on the graves of the late High Chief Tamasese, Lealofi and others who lost their lives in Decem ber, 1929.

Further festivities were held at Vaimoso later in the day and leading European citizens were invited to meet Mr. Nelson and his party while songs and sivas composed for the occasion, were given. A speech by Mr.

Nelson was received with delight by the people.

At a special request from Mr. Nel son the thousands who congregated at Apia to meet him returned home that night and the following day. It is intended that the various districts will now prepare to bring their taalolcs to Apia one at a time; but Mr. Nelson hopes to put these off altogether or at least cut them down to a very few.