Sun-frenched, palm-fringed Western Samoa has issued stamps (above) to com
pp. 61-64 · Read in the full issue
memorate the 75th anniversary of the death in Apia, the territory's capital, of Robert Louis Stevenson. For more pictures of the Samoa that Stevenson loved, see the following pages.
Western Samoa
Part of Western Samoa's rocky, wave-whipped shoreline —a little reminiscent, in this picture at least, of the rugged Scotland of many of Stevenson's tales. Below, the bustle of busy Apia, as market gardeners prepare to sell their wares, and an overseas cargo vessel is loaded with cocoa and copra at the big overesas wharf opened only in 1966.
These kids are taking a lively, though possibly not yet profes sional, interest in this Western Samoan jockey and his mount.
Bowlers pursue their serene sport at Apia Bowling Club.
These Samoans are looking through ports in the wall that surrounds Apia's Catholic Church. Their attention has been caught by a band playing in the grounds of the church.
Children are everywhere in Western Samoa—in fact, according to the latest census, there are 49,221 children of nine years and under in the territory.
Most of the time they are cheerful—though this group is eyeing the camera a little warily.
Vailima, Apia, once the home of Robert Louis Stevenson, is now the scene of government garden parties. It has been extended over the years. Below, the winding Vaisigana River. Stevenson often wrote about Western Samoa's scenery. -Photos of Western Samoa by Rob Wright.