Stevenson's Grave at Voilima Cared

Voilima Cared For by Samoan Administration

LOVERS of the works of R. L. Steven son can rest assured that the grave of the famous writer (on a moun tain-top near his former home, Vailima, Apia, Western Samoa) is kept in good order by the Administration.

Every month the Acting-Administra tor (Hon. A. C. Turnbull) receives a report as to the condition of the burial place from the Public Works Depart ment. When it was reported, a year or so ago, that the grave was neglected, the

Administration received a deluge of let ters in protest from many parts of the world.

“We know how that report originated,” said Mr. Turnbull, during his recent visit to Sydney, “but it had absolutely no foundation in fact.”

Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull and their daughter reside in the old “Vailima” home, which is now Government House, and there are several Stevenson relics there. “There are said to be other pieces of furniture on the island used by the Stevensons in the old Vailima days,” said Mr. Turnbull, “but it is not always easy to identify them nowadays.”

Not long ago Mr. Turnbull received from Isobel Field, the step-daughter of “R.L.S.” (who has been a resident of

California for many years), the original plan of Vailima. This proved to be a document of considerable historic value, as it not only identified the rooms used by members of her family, but proved that the building was originally erected in two sections.

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