Western Samoa Becomes Of Age

Notable Speeches at Flag-Raising Ceremony and Legislative Assembly Opening

TO mark the granting of partial self government for Western Samoa, im pressive ceremonies were held at Mulinu’u (near Apia) on June 1, when the new Samoan flag was hoisted beside the New Zealand ensign. The following day the new Legislative Assembly of offi cial and elected Europeans and Samoans was formally opened, also with consider able ceremonial.

During these two days, record crowds of Samoans, remarkably well behaved, flocked to Apia to celebrate the occasion with songs, feasts and festivities.

These events were briefly reported in the “PIM” in June issue.

The formal proceedings were charac terised by notable lengthy speeches delivered by officials, both Government and Samoan. Following are some extracts from the many addresses:—

“Partners’’

PRIOR to the flag-raising ceremony, Colonel F. W. Voelcker, the High Commissioner, said: “It is right and proper that these flags should fly together, for we are partners in this new enter prise. It is only by working side by side with love and understanding that the NZ Government as Trustee for Western Samoa and all who call these islands their home will achieve success. If we are to work together we must have mutual trust. New Zealand has no ad vantage to gain out of Samoa, except the satisfaction and happiness of being in a position to guide and support her until she can manage her own affairs.”

Some History

HON E. F. PAUL, representing the European citizens, recalled: “This is the fourth occasion that a Samoan flag has been raised at Mulinu’u. The first flag, that of King Malietoa Laupepa, was hoisted in 1873. The second flag was raised in 1875 by Colonel Steinberger, the United States’ Special Agent in Samoa at that time; and the third by King Malietoa Talavou in 1879. To-day, this emblem of Samoa is being raised under entirely different conditions. For history tells us that the previous flags were raised during time of strife and turmoil, whereas this flag unfurled to-day is to fly on the winds of peace.”

The Past

HIGH Chief Malietoa Tanumafili said: “Samoa, the love of God is wonder ful because the thing that existed in the past has now been returned to us. The crown of this day is the flag you now see waving over us—it is the goal of our efforts. Samoa had shed her blood over it; it is the reward of your work in days gone by. Alas! where are all those who sowed the seed with tears and are not present at the reaping? Let your hearts be present and let us all rejoice to-day, because our efforts have now been realised. The heroes of Samoa died for her freedom.”

Hon. Tualaulelei brought history to the min dof every listener when he stated “On August 29, 1914, the British flag was hoisted for the first time here in Samoa, and this important day has since been

commemorated every year. I mention this event, because of the importance also of this very day when the new Samoan flag is being hoisted, for we will likewise

celebrate this anniversary in years to come. The hoisting of the British flag in 1914 was not similar to to-day when the dignity of Samoa has assembled to

gether in peace, even down to our children. On that occasion warships had their cannons aimed inland whilst the Forces disembarked and, with their mighty weapons, marched to the seat of Government, There they lowered the German flag at once and hoisted up the British colours. That display of might was a surprising and frightful sight. I remind you of these things because they should be compared to the raising to-day of a flag of a new government under quiet and peaceful conditions.”

The New Assembly

OPENING the new Legislative Assembly, Colonel Voelcker (High Commis sioner) congratulated the recently elected Members and went on to say that government is no easy matter —it involves hard work, the taking of responsibility, sometimes the doing of unpopular things in the interests of the whole country and, above all, unselfishness and understand ing.

“There are two sides, and often more, to every question,” he counselled, “and it is for you to weigh up every situation in the interests of the whole of Samoa and not of one community, or one family, or one district. Up to now I, my pre decessors and the NZ Government have borne the heavy burden of responsibility; to-day we have our first meeting when a start will be made to share this burden, so that in time you will be able to carry it alone and unaided. Already I am shar ing my responsibilities with the Hon.

Fautua in the Council of State, and I hope that here in this Assembly we may meet, not as Official Members, Samoan Members and European Members work ing along narrow lines and selfishly look ing to our own interests, but as brothers working together with one idea of for warding the interests of Samoa.

“To-day, it is as if we are planting a new tree,” he continued; “I, and the NZ

Government are the gardeners who wish to see the tree grow strong and healthy and withstand the winds and storms, and in time to bear good fruit. If the diseases of mistrust and selfishness are allowed to attack this young tree, it will wither away and have to be cut down.”

Replying, the Hon. E. F. Paul (for the European Members) declared, “Our policy of government must be basically sound— we must build our foundation with a view to giving our children a heritage from which they can continue the develop ment of Samoa. Our economic policy must be conservative. Our stewardship must not be marred by indiscriminate spending of Samoa’s money. We must study closely the histories of other coun tries, in their fight to expand their natural resources. Samoa at present is dependant on three main sources of revenue; copra, cocoa and bananas. We must expand these products as well as search for new commodities which are suited to our climate in order to increase our exports.”

On behalf of the Samoan members, the Hon. Fautua Tamasese said “World War II was fought for freedom —and this is now being proved here in Samoa. Our new Government is a memorial to the millions of men who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the peoples of the world. It is the true wish of the Samoan people that we should work together smoothly, with proper understanding and respect one another, towards what is best for all Samoa. I have a live and sincere hope that in time everything will be completed for our full self government.”

Another Samoan Member, the Hon.

Fata, also addressed the Assembly, mak ing special reference to the presence at the opening of Captain Huber, USN, Governor of American Samoa, and the Eastern Samo&n representatives from Tutuila and Manua.