25 Years In Samoa

Rev. Meyer Honoured

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, August 30.

THE anniversary of twenty-five years’ hard work among Samoan natives of Rev. Father Edouard Meyer of the Roman Catholic mission was celebrated by the native community by a great feast of honour on August 15.

A splendid performance was attended by a large crowd at Mulivai; smartly exe cuted sivas and songs were intermingled with war dances of New Britain and Fiji and athletic displays by boys of the Mar ist Brothers’ schools. The taalolo was preceded by a native feast at which all kinds of native foodstuffs and delicacies were in ample supply.

Among those present were His Lordship Bishop Darnand and the clergy of Apia, numerous Europeans, Chief Faamuina (the Mau leader), and other High Chiefs and natives from all over the group.

Rev. Father Meyer, who at the same time celebrated his 50th birthday, was born in Alsace Lorraine and educated in Belgium, France and Italy. After be ing consecrated as a priest he was sent out to Samoa in 1909. For nine years he was stationed as a district priest at Leauvaa village on the West Coast of Upolu, and in 1918 he was appointed pro vicar and assistant to the Bishop at Apia.

Since then he has been in charge of the lands and finances of the Roman Catholic Mission and in this capacity he has earned the respect and confidence of all those who came into touch with and the love and esteem of the native Sa moans.

As tokens of the respect of the native parishioners, Rev. Meyer was presented with more than 30 fine mats, 60 pigs, a large sum of money and other presents.

The pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School presented him with an illuminated ad dress.

The European community intends to celebrate the anniversary at a later date.