Something

to cheer

TN June, Western Samoa cele- A brated its sixth anniversary of independence. During the three day holiday there were plenty of activities to keep people amused —or absorbed. The crowd (above) was absorbed as their horses made for the home stretch in one of the races that were a highlight of the celebrations.

Absorbed, too, were the punters at left who were studying form. If they look serious that’s because they knew you can hardly lose your money and retain your inde pendence—no matter what you’re celebrating. Samoa’s indepen dence celebrations are an annual event, attracting more and more visitors to Apia.

Of course, an Islands celebra tion means colour and together ness. The kava ceremony is : central part of most Polynesia! festivities. In Samoa, the kava i mixed by a taupou(g irl) and thei taken, at the run, by a cup beare (top left) to the guest of honour Among important guests at thi year’s independence celebration! was Mrs. O. Aspinall, wife of th* Governor of American Samoa: She is seen above shaking handl with the Prime Minister o< Western Samoa, Fiame Mataafa: And together, at left, two young girls wait—perhaps a littl* anxiously—to place a bet on tht tote. In Western Samoa there iii no restriction on tote betting.

Canoe races, feasting, official in spections and, occasionally, over zealous merrymaking, are all part of a good festival. The three pictures to the left show: Western Samoa’s Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili, inspecting a police guard of honour at the open ing of the independence celebrations; Samoans carrying a pig to one of the many feasts; and a jautasi , or long boat, practising for the boat races which were a major crowd-drawer during the holidays. Below . . . well, someone always has too much of a good thing. Andy Forsgren, of Apia, took this picture of police good naturedly assisting one (very) merry maker to a wagon. All the other pictures are by Rob Wright, of Fiji.