Song commemorating the arrival

at Kioa of the first group of settlers—1947

Te Pese i te okogamai o te malaga muamua Kioa — 1947

Words and Melody by ASUELU FAKAMUA

1 26th October, 1947 being the date At two in the afternoon of a Sunday We arrived at the port of Kioa I cast my eyes to the mountain heights For which I longed whilst I was at Vaitupu What now I am indeed here Oh, poor Paka l The leader of our party of travellers. 2 On solid soil I have set my feet But none to welcome me Only trees standing before me And birds singing Come and gather round to offer thanks Better get our belongings stored Into our temporary shelters.

J The voice of command has been heard Be ready for a soldier’s kind of life Walking towards the top of the mountains i Not used to this kind of road Breathing in short gasps Old men, be courageous 1 The si\2 and old men Remember us.

Te po 26 Okotopa 47 I te lua afiafi o te Asotapu Ne tauanu matou taulaga o Kioa Kilo atu oku mata kite malu o mauga Si tagi an ki ei koi nofo au i Vaitupu Kae fai la nei pefea ia kita koi loto Talofa nei i mata o Paka Te pule o te malaga a matou.

Ko tulaukele oku vae Kae sa fakatalogamai Me ne lakau fua e tutu mai Mo manu e tatagi mai Sagai mai la ia o siki te fakafetai E sili ke na fakatoka a kope Ki lokiloki.

Ka oko mai nei te leo Ke toka mo te fakasotia Tipa atu ki ulu o mauga Te auala siki masani ai Te mapu ko nofo aluga Toeaina fakamalosi mai Tohoono mo toeaina Matou ke manatua mai.

Uups er Tua, Smii a°nd fe S)to 0 a r ) Paka ’ S six Tefers to the six chief s In Vaitupu (two each from the three main family