Samoan Governor
p. 32 · Read in the full issue
Native Honours For
American
From Our Own Correspondent FAGATOGO, April 2. rE Governor of American Samoa, Cap tain H. A. Houser, USN, in conse quence of his recent appointment as Commander, South Pacific Area and Force, was tendered Samoan ceremonial honours by the people of Tutuila. This makes him the first American Governor to be so honoured since the cession of this part of Samoa to the United States of America 46 years ago.
Saturday, March 30 will live long in the memory of Tutuila, for on that day the nine counties of the island came together on the “malae” at Fagatogo, to partici pate in strictly Samoan ceremonies cele brating and otherwise “consecrating” the elevation of their Governor.
The actual transfer of command took place, inside the sheltered waters of Pago Pago Harbour, aboard the USS “Vin cennes,” flagship of Rear-Admiral Hen dren (the retiring ComSoPac) on March 10.
The Samoan ceremonies began with “King’s Kava,” in which full regal honours were accorded to Governor Houser. This was immediately followed by the ceremonial presentation of gifts, by dancing, and singing.
The proceedings closed with a Rugby football game between Fagatogo and Aua teams.
Mr. N. R. Ferguson, of No. 14, 166 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, British Colum bia, Canada, is anxious to exchange • postage stamps with amateur collectors in the South Seas.