Samoan News

Famous “Adler” Wreck May Be Removed

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, June 28.

VARIOUS matters of interest were discussed at a recent meeting of Apia Chamber of Commerce.

In view of the announced visit of the Duke of Gloucester in February next, it is intended to improve and beautify the beach —a very necessary step, as the tourist traffic from New Zealand and Overseas is happily on the increase, and several large tourist steamers are expected during the coming months.

The wreck of the “Adler,” lying in front of the township of Apia on the reef, where the German warship was wrecked in the never-to-be-forgotten hurricane of 1889, is an eyesore, and the Chamber resolved to ask the Administration to remove the wreck.

Increased police protection during the night hours on the Beach Road and in the business quarter of the town was also demanded, as several burglaries have occurred lately.

“Laburnum” Visits Tokelau Is.

The N.Z. sloop “Laburnum” reached Apia on her South Pacific cruise on June 19. She left for the Tokelau Islands, which are administered from Apia, for an official visit of the Administration Secretary (Mr. Turnbull) and the Native Secretary (Mr. McKay). She returned on Monday, June 25.

20 Years Under N.Z.

The occasion of the 20th anniversary of the raising of the British flag over the territory of Western Samoa is to be celebrated this year in a special way by sports competitions and festivities on a large scale. A committee will be elected shortly to make preparations, and collect the necessary funds.

Lepers Leave Apia.

The motor-vessel “Tuitekaneai,” from Fiji, took a number of lepers aboard on June 24, to convey them to the Fijian Leper Settlement of Makogai.

Leprosy seems still to be very prevalent in these islands, and it is believed that a number of lepers are still living among the natives undetected, and so constituting a considerable danger to the people.

Rubber Tapping.

The New Zealand Reparation Estates (which is a Government establishment) encouraged by the rise in the rubber price, have taken up rubber tapping, again at their Aleisa Plantation, where they have about 120,000 Hevea trees available for tapping. About 35 Chinese coolies are employed for this purpose on the plantation.

Morris, Hedstrom Extending?

It is rumoured that Messrs. Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd., intend to erect a modern and up-to-date emporium on the Main Beach Road. In spite of the depression and hard times, there seems indeed to be a lot of confidence in the future of our happy little Islands Territory.

Australians Make Merry.

When three members of the “Jeunesse Doree” of Apia, all three hailing from Australia, had a merry time on the Swed ish steamer “Boren,” lying in Apia Har bour, they felt so happy that they made up their minds to continue the spree on shore.

Unfortunately, the three Australians forgot all about the fact that Samoa, or at least the Western portion of the islands, is still under a draconic prohibition rule.

So when they came on shore with their pockets bulging with some suspicious looking bottles, and, in addition, a few cases of very smokable cigars on which they had paid no duty, a native police man quickly took an interest in them.

The result will be a trial in Apia Court, and, probably, a sobering fine.

Niue Islanders.

The s.s. “Maui Pomare,” on her last trip brought as passengers 45 Niue natives to Apia, some to visit relatives residing in Samoa, and some to look for work here.

Personals.

The Inspector of Police, Mr. Braisby, with Mrs. Braisby, recently left for America and England on a well-deserved holiday trip.

Dr. Ernest Hunt, Chief Medical Officer, left for Fiji by the "Tiafau” and Matson liner. Dr. Hunt has resigned his position and was the recipient of a testimonial by the officials of the Administration at the Central Office before his departure. Dr Monaghan is acting C.M.O.

Mr. A. G. Smyth, former manager for Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd., at Apia, has entered the firm of O. F. Nelson and Co , Ltd., as a director.