WEEKLY REVIEW 311: SAMOAN INDEPENDENCE…UNITED NATIONS MISSION

Photograph taken on location in Samoa during filming by the National Film Unit (NFU) of the United Nations (UN) Mission visit in 1947. Related to ref. F768 ‘Weekly Review 311’ (1947). A delegation from the UN meet with the Paramount Chiefs of Samoa and the Fono a Faipule, among others, to determine the wishes of the people regarding independence from the New Zealand Trusteeship.

Exterior wide-shot showing members of the Mau o Pule (the Mau Movement), demonstrating at the UN Mission's headquarters, Apia. The group wear their uniform of ie sulu (fabric worn with a belt, covering the abdomen and waist down) in navy blue with a white stripe. Two men carry a Mau banner, which reads: "GOOD GOVERNMENT IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT - EARL BALDWIN". At the centre of the image is Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole [then President of the Mau]. The Mau was a peaceful movement resisting outside governance in Samoa and the uniform was worn by leaders, chiefs and supporters.

Description kindly provided by Va'aomanū Pasifika (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington) intern, To'aga Alefosio.