WINGS OVER SAMOA

Written by Media Release
Monday, 04 August 2008
The imminent release of Wings over Samoa…a Polynesian Story portends the revelation of numerous facets of a very important stage in the past history of Samoa many of which have been either forgotten or erroneously recorded by various writers over the past half century. Written by founder of Polynesian Airlines, Capt. Sir Reg Barnewall – in association with Brian Leamy founding secretary of the holding company Polynesian Airlines Limited -which was in turn founded by Eugene Paul, this 500 page high grade hardback reveals much of the people and lifestyles in the years leading up to and immediately following the gaining of national independence in 1962. Structured around the story of the conception of a national airline and its eventual emergence as a fait accompli the story, liberally studded with local names and events of the period, paints a revealing picture of a very different Samoa from that we know today. Of course many of today’s taken-for-granted institutions were around at that time…but without exception were very minimal when compared with what we see today. So many of his contemporaries have come forward with pictures and photographs which so very well complement the story that the book is literally studded with illustrations of the people, the places the aeroplanes and happenings of that age. Barnewall speaks very warmly of his many planter friends whom he found ways and means to “assist with plant material and land preparation” – a quite extra curricular procedure – during his period as an officer in the Agriculture Department while he was garnering data to assess the feasibility of a small airline. How he relied upon his Samoan assistants to spy-out the passenger traffic numbers to and from Pago Pago in the three inter-island boats then plying the waters makes interesting reading. Fatu Vaili – ultimately – to become Speaker of the Fono as Afamasaga – was Barnewalll’s field assistant as from Day One and was to follow him into the aviation scene when that time came. A graduate of Avele Agriculture College and trained under the guidance of Chief Engineer Bernie Beswicke the young Fatu was later to be sent to New Zealand for more formal training before returning to Polynesian Airlines in a senior administrative engineering role. Reg Barnewall with his wife Maureen - accompanied by two of their daughters and several longtime Australian friends - will be travelling to Apia for the launch. Barnewall is quick to point out that the publication of the book has been made possible by the financial provisions by three well-known names in Samoa. He is unbounded in his gratitude. Co-writer Brian Leamy has taken charge of all arrangements associated with the Apia launch as well as one scheduled in Auckland. Brian with his wife Vini (formerly Vini Macdonald of Apia) with several members of their family have travelled down from their home in Los Angeles for this event. Wings over Samoa, published by CopyRight Publishing Company Pty Ltd of Brisbane, Australia, is due to be launched at Aggie Grey’s Hotel, Apia, on 7th Augus. It will be on general sale at Aggie’s Gift Shop and at the gift shop at Aggie’s Lagoon Resort. Publishing company supremo John McRobert, together with his Swedish wife Lily, will be taking an active part in the launch proceedings at Aggie Grey’s. Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed Buy this Book written by me too, August 05, 2008 History of Samoa is part of these men's story. You have an interest in how our people reacted to these palagis. Best to hear the story from their side as well seek documents to support the story to analyze and learn from the trials of these men. Airlines/Ferry boats/transportation/ movement of people/ it remains to be studied for the sake of the future. Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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