New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-09
TENNIS ON SAMOAN LAWNS.
THE CAME is REGARDED AS A STEP TO
SOCIAL POSITION

SO'lBI iOs0i iO'fs
samoans have taken kindly to CRICKET because
the equipment for the game entailed no ex-
penditure Of cash, which they usually do not
have. Bats and stumps were easily Whitfield
out Of the forest abundance, and If the ball
was lost the game could be continued just az
well with unripe oranges which might be had
for the plucking. With tennis, which the mis-
sionaries tried TO introduce at the same tine,
the case was different; both racket and ball
were beyond the reach OF Samoan substitutes
and involved more money than the Samoan
willingly spends on anything other than some
thing to eat. The game, too did not afford
such a favorable opportunity to make noise,
and was therefore deficient in one great ele-
ment Of island popularity
Tennis therefore, is held to mark a step up
ward on the social ladder; IT il the game of
the hall and the Samoans who are mar
red to white men; it goes with hats and shoes
and stockings an index OF rank. For that
reason those who are entitled 70 play are en-
thusiastc about the game, but they are cor
respondingly anxious that all Others shall re-
main in ignorance They say IL is not game
for the natives, and if one wishes 10 have an
example Of fine scorn he should listen 20
Samoan women married 10 white men. speak
ing those two words, the natives From TINS
IL may be Inferred and properly, that the
players care more to be seen carrying their
rackets on the beach than for any accuracy
of service and volley. Once IN a while they
admit to their select games some fayorite 'il-
lage maid not much TO give her chance
to acquire the game as that they may prove
to her that il is a sport which fits only with
the higher civilization and at which she can
never hope to amount TO anything long az
bib -Gl.. ~ CHI al
have no great advantage in the game over the
calIous Samoan sole, but they al think that i
has; the sovereign sway Of beach custom viii
not allow the barefoot Samoan woman to go
f, shod until she has earned the right 10 have
uncomfortable feet by marrying white man IN
the permanent bonds which only a consul can tie
The most popular court is in the compound
of the London Mission, close 10 the most fire.
! quented landing-place on the beach. Here On
fine afternoons game is always in progress.
| The most enthusiastic player OF all has been
! for years the postmaster OF Samoa. whose Of
fetal head has just been cut off in one % the
upEeavals OF island politics Daily ne prepared
himself TO meet all corners, Samoan or white
and the height OF happiness was attained for
Rim If he could get up match with the officers
of visiting vessel. The postmaster could
| easily play tennis without interfering with the
duties Of his Office for there were bat two days
| in the month when letters came to Apia. This
! court at the Mission good d grass court
as could be had in country where lawns are
the next thing to an impossbity owing % he
strength with which the coaTser grasses XII
out anything that might make a sod IL was
! always well patronZed during the hours II
| play, and if the local players were not The most
skilful they had good opportunity 10 show
/ off before frio . h.. rfS
and pastimes of the higher culture which could
be attained only through the ligl: 10 wear
shoes and stockings.