Knighthood for General Hart

A KNIGHTHOOD has been conferred upon Brigadier-General H. E. Hart, D.S.O., C.B., C.M.G., V.D., who has been Administrator of Western Samoa since 1931.

All who are acquainted with conditions

in that part of the Pacific will be glad that this honour has been awarded to General Hart. His has been an unenviable task. He took charge of the Territory when it was seething with discontent, the result of blundering administration, and of stupid interference by politicians totally in experienced in tropical government; and his exemplary patience and unvarying kindliness and

courtesy have done much to bring peace and quietness to “the Ireland of the Pacific.” It is doubtful if New Zealand will ever re-establish the prestige of the Union Jack in Samoa, but that is not the fault of General Hart. He can be congratulated upon his work, and upon his well-deserved award.

It was reported from Samoa at the end of May that General Hart’s term as Administrator of Samoa will terminate in July. His successor has not yet been named, but it is believed in some quarters, that Judge Ayson, Resident Commissioner in the Cook Islands, may receive the appointment.

Brig.-General H. E.

Hart.