Faumuina

Secures Coveted Samoan Title of Mataafa

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Mar. 20.

AFTER a hearing of several weeks at Mulinu’u, with evidence by numer ous native witnesses, the Samoan Land and Title Commission, composed of European and Samoan commissioners,

under the presidency of His Honour Chief Judge Harley, awarded the title of Mataafa, the former Royal family of Samoa, to High Chief Faumuina Fiame who is Inspector of the Samoan Police.

The title was also claimed by Joane, son of the former holder of the Mataafa title, for the High Chief Fonoti, another mem ber of the Mataafa clan.

Serious trouble was expected during and after the hearing of the case, and the police took precautions to prevent the carrying of knives and shotguns by adherents of the rival factions. As a re sult, a serious clash was averted. The Joane-Fonoti faction have the right to appeal to New Zealand against the ver dict of the Commission.

The new High Chief Mataafa is of striking personality, 6ft. 5 ins. in height, and very powerfully built. He speaks ex cellent English, and his home at Lepea is an attraction for tourists and visitors to Samoa. Here, many distinguished guests have left souvenirs and mementos of their visit to the hospitable High Chief. For a number of years, the latier occupied the position of President of the Samoan Nationalist Mau Movement.

Mr. R. Caten, Acting Deputy Regis trar of the Fiji Supreme Court, arrived in Australia on leave by the March “Niagara”.

High Chief Faumuina Fiame, new holder of the Mataafa title, with his wife, in front of their home at Lepea. —Tattersall, photo.