Reserve
p. 147 · Read in the full issue
R. L. Stevenson’s Tomb a Memorial Reserve
An acre of the area surrounding Robert Louis Stevenson’s tomb on the summit of Mount Vaea, behind Apia, has been created a memorial reserve.
Another 118 acres adjoining it have been set aside in perpetuity as the Mnunt Vaea Scenic Reserve.
The West Samoa Legislative Assembly in September passed an ordinance providing for the maintenance of the reserves, “in a style befitting the memory of R.L.5.,” who died there in 1894.
The acre of land for the memorial reserve was given to the Government by the descendants of Stevenson’s wife, Fanny, whose ashes are buried with Stevenson on Mount Vaea.
From Stevenson’s old home, Vailima, which is now Government House (there have been extensions and alterations since), the track to the summit passes through the new reserve. Most visitors to Apia manage to make the climb, which takes about 30 minutes and is best done in the early morning, because the going is more difficult in the heat.