"Shall We Sing It Again?"

When Paama Showed its Loyalty

IN, her cruise through the New Hebrides Group H.M.S. “Wellington”, with Sir Harry Luke (High Commissioner for the Western Pacific) and Mr. R. D.

Blandy (Acting Resident Commissioner) on board, received a right royal welcome from the natives of Paama.

As an expression of loyalty to King George, and as a mark of appreciation of the visit of the warship, the chiefs pre sented to the High Commissioner two boat-loads of native food-stuffs, including 200 drinking coconuts.

As the vice-regal party marched from the boat-landing to the school-house, which was gaily decorated for the occa sion. dense crowds of bewildered native spectators lined the path. Never before had the people seen such a regal display, and there was intense excitement.

The High Commissioner received a loyal address for transmission to King George. It said: “The people of the New Hebrides, who listened to the address of King George in Winnipeg, Canada, to his subjects throughout the world, are delighted that he thought of them and included them in his greetings.”

As the High Commissioner rose to re ply, the whole audience sang, in Paamese, “God Save the King”. .

At this moment, there was a comic in terlude which only served to make the display a truly native demonstration. On the conclusion of the Nationo.l Anthem the choir leader, anxious to impress upon the High Commissioner the loyalty of South Seas natives to the Crown, stepped up to the platform and, in a whisper which every one could hear, asked, “Shall we sing it again”.

The Commissioner was greatly delight ed with the reception, including the amusing but well-intended interlude.