Good Conduct Stripe

Toiviatu, we had the thought, Sometimes stole from what we bought, But Toiviatu was never caught, The wicked old Toiviatu.

But Toiviatu, when we came home late.

Always stood by the homestead gate, Lamps in the house, and fire in the grate, The wicked old Toiviatu.

Toiviatu had an eagle eye For a polished shoe, or bad small fry Who strayed in the garden, or climbed too high, The kindly old Toiviatu.

Well, Toiviatu’s gone to clink, Which is only right, but I sometimes think The walls and our hearts both have a chink For the wicked old Toiviatu.

Noelle Mason.

t A suggestion that the Western Samoan police force wear trousers instead of lava-lavas has been turned down. It is felt that the latter is part of modern Samoan dress.