Stevenson’S Tomb In Samoa

Report of Neglect By the New Zealand Authorities

\ REPORT has gained currency, in . Europe and America, that the tomb of Robert Louis Stevenson, on Mount Vaea, behind Apia, in Western Samoa, has been neglected by the New Zealand Government.

Many years ago, when there was a similar complaint, the responsibility for caring for the tomb was accepted by the German Governor, and, thence forward, until 1914, the great Scottish writer’s resting place was carefully protected.

But another story now is told.

Early in 1937 Captain Arvid Rignell, master of the Swedish ship Tolken, wrote to the Robert Louis Stevenson Club, of 2 Hill Street, Edinburgh, and described a visit he had made to the tomb on March 16 n company with Mr. Harry Moors, of Apia. captain Rignell said: “The resting place is fully worthy of this great man. 1 am sorry to say, though, that the tomb

is vandalized by people cutting their names or initials by hammers and cold chisels into the concrete. ‘‘The bronze tablet, on the right-hand side, is bent out about half-an-inch, in the upper further corner. This has ap parently been done by a steel bar. . . .

In my opinion, some clearing might be done ta give a better view of the sea, but this is all a matter of taste. Some shrubbery could at least be cleared and make the appearance more attractive, also more flowers planted.

“The seat that is placed in front of the tomb is full of names cut in to the wood, as is the board telling people to show respect. It is a sacrilege to see things spoiled as they are now. The path up to the tomb could also be in a better condition. In places it leaves a lot wanting.”

The Club, on July 9, wrote to the Administration of Western Samoa, and also sent a copy of the captain’s letter to Mrs. Isobel Field, of Serena, Carpin taria, California, who is the step daughter of R.L.S. The Club, writing to Mrs. Field, said that the Administrator had reported that it was “extremely dif ficult” to stop vandalism, and that the path to the tomb, from time to time, was cleared of the quick tropical growth.

Mrs. Field, on August 15, 1937, wrote to the Club in Edinburgh as follows: “All these years I have been under the impression that the New Zealand Govern

rnent tv as responsible for the preserva tion of the tomb.

“When I went to Samoa in February, 1914, at my mother’s request, to find out why there was such an insistent demand for a road up to the summit, I dined at Vailima with the Governor. The islands were then owned by Germany, and the Governor asked me if my mother would let the German Government take over the property, as it would give him a better right to protect and care for the tomb. I said I was sure Mrs. Stevenson

would be glad to do so, and he accepted that as full permission.

“When I returned to Western Samoa in 1916 (to place the urn containing my

Stevenson’s grave on the summit of Mount Vaea, overlooking Apia.

Photo: Tattersall’s Studio.

mother’s ashes in the tomb). I found the islands were under a mandate to New Zealand. The tomb, which had been im maculate under the rule of the German Government, was scribbled all over with the pencilled names of Colonial soldiers, each giving their rank and regiment.

“I complained to Governor Logan, the Administrator, and asked him if the( pro perty were mine. He said no, the New Zealand Government had taken it over from the Germans. He considered him self responsible for the care of the tomb, and he sent workmen to wash off the names and clear the path. When I left, he assured me the place would be looked after by the New Zealand Governemnt, as it was considered a great attraction to travellers.

“That the present Government is aware of this fact is shown by the recent issue of Samoan stamps, one being a picture of Vailima; another of the tomb.

“It is almost unbelievable that vandals could have done such terrible damage.

Pencilled names were bad enough, but cutting into the cement and even trying to gouge out one of the bronze tablets is appalling.

“As for the road, there is none. It is a wandering zig-zag path under forest trees, steep but very beautiful. The only obstructions are ferns and large-leaved weeds, easily cut away with a cane knife.

The reason for a road would be to make the way easier for tourists to climb. The damage already done to the tomb is a very good argument against cutting a road to the summit.

“The man who origingjly built the tomb is a half-Samoan, Mr. Stowers. My husband engaged him to put the urn in the head of the tomb, and place Mrs.

Stevenson’s tablet over it, which he did, and made an excellent job of it. That was in 1916, and if he is still living in Apia he would be a good man to engage for restoring the damage to the tomb.

“I am perfectly willing to bear the entire cost of the restoration, but that is not the point. With many other Stevensons, all over the world, there is anxiety about the future. What guaran tee have we that the tomb will be cared for in perpetuity? Would the Stevenson Club, as an organization, take this matter up with the Premier of New Zealand, for it would be a great relief to know that Stevenson’s tomb would be assured of preservation under the British flag—the flag of his country.”

Mrs. Field, very courteously, has sent a copy of her letter to the editor of the Pacific Islands Monthly, and it has been published in the hope that New Zealand- Samoa interests may be encouraged to make a better and permanent and more creditable arrangement for the care and preservation of the tomb.