Helped Make History

Mr. & Mrs. Smyth

Farewelled

Helped Make History of Modern Samoa

AT the Apia Club a largely attended social function took place on September 26 to farewell a well known and highly respected identity, Mr. A. G. Smyth, who with Mrs. Smyth, will be leaving shortly for Australia after 39 years’ residence in W. Samoa.

Here he, with Mrs. Smyth, has played an outstanding roll in the business, political, social and sporting life of the Territory.

Mr. and Mrs. Smyth are particu larly remembered for their work during the disastrous influenza epidemic of 1918-19 and for the interest they have taken in Apia Hospital. Mr. Smyth is a past president of the Apia Club, a former member of the Legislative Council, and at various times president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Apia Turf Club and other organisations.

During the Mau risings in the 20’s, Mr. Smyth was deported from Samoa for his political views by the then New Zealand Government and on the day of his return from

exile, a clash between New Zealand in June.

Police and a Samoan procession in Mr. Smyth’s honour, resulted in High Chief Lealofi Tamasese and a number of Samoans, being killed by machine gun fire. This was “Black Sunday”, during Chirstmas Eloquent tributes were paid to Mr. and Mrs. Smyth by various speakers at the social.

Mr. and Mrs. Smyth have been in indifferent health for some time past. They are leaving for Aus tralia to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs Chisholm. Mr. Chisholm recently retired from his position as Manager of Morris, Hedstrom Ltd’s, Apia branch.