Letters Home from Samoans serving in WW1. Extracts from the Samoa Times Newspapers, Nelson Memorial Public Library, Apia.
8 Sept, 1917 Edition.
Pvt William Stowers, writing to his brother Louis Stowers. Dear Louis, Just a few lines to let you know at home that I am out of danger and as well as can be expected, my wound consisting of a bullet through the back of my neck and coming out by my right ear; the result is that my jaw is affected. Probably I’ll be in England for 3 or 4 months before they send me to France again. I am well looked after where I am, the nurses are very nice. Brothers James and Bob are both in Englad and getting along very well. Well dear brother, I must now conclude with my best alofa to all at home, Bella and children and not forgetting your dear self. Good bye. Pray for us. Your loving brother William.
15 June, 1918 edition.
A taumafataga feast fa’a-Samoa, given by the relatives of Pvt. William Stowers took place at Leauva’a last Saturday in celebration of his return to Samoa. Pvt Stowers left for the Front with the 18th Reinforcements and having been wounded in the Somme Battle, was returned to New Zealand and is now home to be with his family. At the conclusion of the repast, Judge Roberts gave a short address with a complimentary reference to the Stower family, mentioning the fact that no fewer than three sons of Mr J. Stowers have seen service at the front.