Mr. Nelson Returns To Samoa

15,000 Natives Greet the Mau Leader

From Our Own Correspondent

APIA, July 30.

'T'HE sun was shining brightly, and all the foreshores were packed with thousands of gaily-dressed Samoans when, on July 22, the Maui Pomare came into Apia Bay with Mr. O. F. Nelson and his three daughters aboard. Mr. Nelson, in 1934, was exiled as a result of alleged activities against the Government. The new Laboilr Government cancelled the ban, and sent the Mau leader back to Samoa, at the Government’s expense.

The steamer immediately was sur rounded by a large number of the long and graceful Samoan fautasis, all de corated and showing the purple Mau flags, with white cross and star, and each carrying 40 hefty Samoan oarsmen. An imitation of an ancient Samoan war canoe carried a throne and baldachin of flowers, under which pretty smiling Princess Sala, daughter of High Chief Faumuina, was seated, to bring Ta’isi ashore.

The New Zealand “Goodwill” delegation (Messrs. F, Langstone and J. O’Brien) joined the Acting Administrator of Samoa (Mr. A. C. Turnbull) and the highest Chiefs of Samoa in extending the first welcome to Mr. Nelson on board the steamer, Mr. Nelson finally landed, visibly im pressed and embarrassed by the unpre cedented greeting given him by his countrymen.

Mr. Nelson is 50 years old, is of Swed ish and Samoan descent, and is a British naturalised subject. He was born and educated in Samoa and by diligent work, endowed with high intelligence and com mercial ability, he greatly extended the commercial firm taken over after his father’s death. Since 1926, when he be came the power behind the Samoan national Movement (the Mau), working in strong opposition to the New Zealand Government and its Administration in

Samoa, Mr, Nelson has twice been exiled for his political activities. The last term of exile was for 10 years, from 1934.

Those years of exile and tribulation have left their indelible mark on the man. Political fights and personal an guish. sickness and worry over family and business matters in an uncongenial climate, have served to undermine his health and vigour.

Mr. Nelson, appears sincerely grateful to the New Zealand Government for their action towards him. and he will surely do all in his power to pave the way for a settlement and understanding between the New Zealand Government and the Samoan natives, on whom he exerts a very considerable influence. It may be taken as certain that he will use this influence to assist the Administration.

With the impulsive, suspicious and some times overbearing character of the Samoan natives, some moderating in fluence is at times very necessary.

On the day after his arrival in Samoa, Mr. Nelson assisted the “Goodwill” Dele gation (leaving on the same day on their return voyage) to bring about an under standing with the Samoan representa tives, in preparation for a complete settle ment of outstanding grievances.

Following this last meeting with the delegation, and after the departure of the Ministerial Party, the Samoans for some days gave monster ta'alolos (cere monial dance feasts) in honour of their returned leader. Crowds of natives in gaily-coloured dancing costumes, with chiefs and taupous (village virgins) in the picturesque tu’uigas (head-dresses), and with wooden or steel beheading knives, danced their ancient war-dances, to the tune of songs specially composed for the occasion. District after district passed in review before the national hero, in an endless procession of colour, beauty and rhythm. ,

It is estimated that not less than 15,000 Samoans, men and women, participated in these feasts and ceremonies, during which the needs of the body were by no means neglected and enormous quantities of food were devoured. Practically one third of Samoa’s total native population assembled to pay tribute to one man, Ta’isi—truly a unique tribute to the popularity of the leader.

The celebrations continued at Vaimoso, near Apia, until July 28. From then on, parties have been leaving for their homes in other parts of the group.

The New Zealand "Goodwill" Missioners and Mau chiefs with Mr O. F. Nelson, shortlu after he landed at Apis. From left to right High Chief Tuimalealiifano, Mrs. J. o'Brien, High Chief Malietoa Tanu, O.B.E, M.L.C., Mr. A. C. Turnbull(Acting Administrator), Hon.F. Langstone, Mrs. Langstone, Mr. O. F. Nelson, Miss Sina Nelson, Mr, J. O'Brien, M.P., Miss calmar Nelson, High Chief Tamases, Miss Olive Nelson.

Photo: Tattersall’s Studio, Apia.