Western Samoa

En Fete

On June 1 And 2

From Our Own Correspondent T tt APIA, June 10.

HE first anniversary of the raising of the Samoan flag was celebrated as a public holiday on June 1, and was followed by the celebration of King’s birthday (by special permission of His Majesty) on June 2. There was the usual kava' ceremony at Mulinu’u fono house, attended by the High Commissioner (Colonel G. R. Powles), the Hon. Fautua, members of the Legislative Assembly and the fono of Faipule; and, as guests of honour representing the Prime Minister and the Government of New Zealand, the Hon, A, G. Osborne (private secretary to the Prime Minister) and Mr. R. T. G, Patrick (secretary of the Island Territories Department, Wellington).

Returned Servicemen’s Association and numerous school children, in their pic turesque and colourful school uniforms, took part in the flag-raising ceremony which was followed by a Samoan luncheon (taumafataga).

At the kava ceremony, Mr. Osborne read a message from the Prime Minister (Mr.

Fraser) conveying his good wishes on be half of the New Zealand people. A message was also read from the former High Commissioner (Col. F. E. Voelcker) who represents New Zealand at the South Pacific Commission.

In the afternoon, Samoan dances and entertainments were given by the districts of the island of Savaii.

The King’s birthday celebrations on June 2 began with a function at Apia Court House attended by European and Samoan representatives, at which the Hon.

Malietoa and Hon. Jacob Helg addressed the gathering, and at which the Royal Salute was fired by the saluting battery at Matautu point. Fautasi and canoe races attracted a large crowd of excited spectators. The fautasi races were won by the Manono and Malua boats.

In the afternoon, a monster garden party was held in the beautiful grounds of the High Commissioner’s residence at Vailima (the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson) where some 1,000 people saw Samoan dances by the Atua and Tuama saga districts of Upolu.

Messrs. Osborne and Patrick extended their stay in Samoa for a fortnight and visited many places on both islands.