Samoan Personal Notes
pp. 49-50 · Read in the full issue
Watut Gold Alluvials N.L., operating on the Morobe goldfield.
Samoan Personal Notes
From Our Own Correspondent- APIA, December 23.
A N epidemic of weddings has broken out in Apia, where within a few days half a dozen “tie-ups” have been celebrated.
A very popular wedding was solemnised, when Mr. C. E. H. Quin, eldest son of Mr, and Mrs. H. M. Quin, of Otorohanga, New Zealand, was married to Audrey Mary, second daughter of Mrs. J.
O’Neill, of Pukengahu, Stratford, New Zealand, at Apia Cathedral. The bride had just arrived from New Zealand by the Matua. The bridegroom is the Assistant Secretary of the Samoan Administration, and is well-liked, both as a man and an official.
Mr. J. Fisher, a well-known Labourite and Douglas Credit adherent, has paid an extended visit to the territory and has renewed old friendships and made new ones. Mr. Fisher, who hails from Christchurch, was a member of the Samoan relief force during the Great War, He took a very active part in fighting the influenza epidemic in Samoa in 1918/19, which took a terrible toll of life amongst the natives. Though now over 80 years of age, Jack Fisher is remarkably hale and hearty and, while wandering about 47
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He has acquired a first-hand knowledge of Samoan conditions and problems.
Amongst recent departures is the Director of Education, Mr. D. A. J. Rutherford, who after 17 years of service here, retires on superannuation. Mr. Rutherford, who is very popular among both his European and Samoan pupils, has been the guest of honour at numerous farewell functions during the last few days, and at a Samoan to’alolo (dance feast) by the boys and girls of the Government Samoan schools. He has also received numerous valuable gifts and souvenirs, given in true Samoan fashion.
Various younger officials of the Administration —Messrs. L. C. Sutton of the Police Department, W. H. Roberts of the Customs, J. W. Prout of Apia Post Office —left by the December Maui Pomare, after having completed their respective terms of service. All of them were popular, and they were duly farewelled and feted by their numerous friends.
Mr. Mclver, from Wellington, is replacing Mr. J. W. Prout at the Apia Post Office. Mr. Prout goes to the Napier Post Office.
Mr. E. G. Theodore, managing director of Emperor Mines Limited, arrived in Fiji after a visit to Australia by the Aorangi on December 11.
Mr. W. H. Thompson, A.R.M. at Kairuku, in the Central Division of Papua, arrived in Australia by the December Macdhui on three months’ leave.
Dr. M. N. Ansari arrived in Suva on December 11 by the Aorangi. He intends to practise in Fiji.
Mr. Norman Izod, of Samarai, arrived in Sydney by the Macdhui on holidays on December 16.
Mr. Johnny Wray, Auckland’s Pacific wanderer, returned home just before Christmas in his yacht Ngataki, in which he has made many voyaaes in the Pacific.
In his latest venture, which lasted over five months, he took his tiny vessel to Sunday Island, and Tonga, where extended cruising interspersed with deep-sea fishing occupied several months. Mr.