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PEOPLE in and from Western Samoa seem to have taken to paint brushes and canvas in a big way lately.

In New Zealand, Miss Momoe Malietoa (right), 21-year-old daughter of Western Samoa’s Head of State, has been attracting attention with her oil paintings which have been likened to those of the French artist Paul Gauguin.

Critics have praised the brilliance of her flowers, the luxuriance of her greenery and her portrayal of the serenity of the Samoan people.

Momoe, a third-year student at Wellington Teachers’ College, began painting only after she went to New Zealand. She is seen here with a picture entitled “O Fafine”.

Below are half-a-dozen of Apia’s spare time painters, who recently staged their second annual display in the Nelson Memorial Public Library.

They are students of an art class con ducted by Father George.

The students, pictured with Father George, are (from left) Mesdames M.

Onyschak, B. Catley, J. Burns, C.

Betham, F. Paul and M. Church.

Photos: New Zealand Information Service and “Samoana”.

RADIO MAN: Fuiono A. T. Faauiaso, senior programme officer with Western Samoa's broadcasting station 2AP, came to Aus tralia in mid-May to attend a course in Rural Broadcasting conducted by the ABC and sponsored by the Australian Govern ment. Before returning to Apia, he said he regretted to see that ideas and ideals in America Samoa were diverging ever further from those of Western Samoa.

Telephotos.

FILM STARS: Fiji's well-known policeman turned-actor, Leone Lesi, passed through Port Moresby recently with Miss Sue Haworth, of Sydney, after completing the filming of the TV series, "Adventures of the 'Seaspray'" in Mt. Hagen and Madang.

Photo: Chin H. Meen.

ELLICE ISLANDERS: Misses Bwena Kofe and Tiebane Teaeki, two pretty Ellice Islands girls, enjoyed an evening at the Polynesian Association of Sydney recently. Both girls, selected for outstanding ability, are in Sydney to extend their education. Miss Kofe is studying nursing; her friend is a secondary school student. Telephotos.

MODEL: People who attended the Suva Amateur Swimming Club's recent manne quin parade of beach wear were of the opinion that such parades ought to be held more often. And not surprisingly, con sidering the number of eye - pleasing models! The beauty seen here is Julie Bannatyne.

Photo: Stinsons.

POLICEMAN HONOURED: After 50 years' service with the New Guinea Police Force, Sergeant First Class Bagita was recently presented with the British Empire Medal by the Administrator, Sir Donald Cleland.

Sergeant Bagita was awarded the medal in the last Queen's Birthday Honours List.

His wife is seen here admiring it, along with the 1939-45 Star, the Pacific Star, the Defence Medal, the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Photo: Chin H. Meen.

AT LIBRARY COURSE: Students from various Pacific islands gathered at Apia in September to attend a six-week library assistants training course sponsored by the South Pacific Commission at the Nelson Memorial Public Library. The students—Western Samoans unless other wise stated—are (seated at rear, from left) Jacienta Li Hong, Aveiao So'osemea (American Samoa), Katulina Vito, Fane Cama (Fiji), Maiketoe Hekau (Niue), Mary Tanielu, Tina Ah Kuoi, Epi Enari; front— Tereu Kaitiu (Cook Islands), Pitolua Toe- Iupe, Teariki Tautau (Cook Islands), Sakaria Sakaria, Lealava'a Tupuola (American Samoa). Behind are tutor Sandra Golding, SPC documentalist, and course director Bruce Turner, senior librarian, Nelson Memorial Library.—Photo "Samoana".

MORE BEACHWEAR: Another beauty who took part in the Suva Amateur Swimming Club's recent mannequin parade of beach wear was Teresa Fong (left), who looked relaxed and comfortable in this casual item. —Photo: Stinsons.

SAMOAN SYDNEYSIDER: The pretty Samoan girl at right (Lote in her home island, Savai'i; but Lottie to her many Australian friends) is now Mrs. Louie Dubuc. Her husband, a Frenchman, is an electronics engineer at Sydney's Kingsford- Smith Airport. In his spare (?) time he helps his wife to run a mixed business in Bexley, a Sydney suburb. Hers is one of the many examples of Polynesian inte gration which go unnoticed for the very reason that they are so successful.

Telephotos.