Writing a historical account of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys Association from its inception to the present, the achievements throughout the years, the memorable activities, the unselfish contributions of members, the support it has given to educational developments and much more, is difficult.

There are few written records and it appears that the association had its ups and downs as it tried to cope with the changing needs of the schools, its members and society in general. However, there are other records that testify, like the physical results of the associations efforts and those that are written collectively in the memories of members and Samoa as a whole. So this, by no means, is a detailed research on how the association has fared in the past years, but highlights or outline of what seemed to have been the important occasions. Perhaps future generations of members could build onto this short account and gradually evolve a fuller picture.

“In his speech in June 1983 to commemorate 60 years since the birth of the Association, the patron Hon. Tupua Tamasese Efi remarked that the association was first established on 15 June 1924, and at that time initiated by Atoa Polito, lakopo and Filisi Helg and Taisi Nelson. Others joined later and it is certain that no formal meetings of the association, as we know of these days, were held then but informal get-togethers at members' homes as the association was being nursed to life. It was during this crucial formation stage that Brother Bernadine suggested to evolve the association's priorities around sporting activities to secure more consolidated support and collaboration from members. It was the need to establish a High School in 1947 that, under the leadership of Brother Jerome, led to the revival of the association which seemed to be, up to that time, gradually sinking.

Mataafa Mulinu'u I, while a leading member of the association emphasised the importance of sports and evolved a policy of eliminating the division of members that seemed to be prevalent at the time and stressed full support of activities pertaining to the development of young people.

The same commitment to the Marist ideals was kept alive during the time of Mataafa Mulinu'u II following the traditions laid down by the fathers of the association. He was very instrumental in the affairs of the association, as were others of his time. Mention should be made of Komisi Efaraimo and Fuimaono Asuemu who bear witness to the Marist policy and spirit that religious affiliation is not an issue with members of the association.

Looking back to 1947, there were two conditions for an old boy to satisfy before being accepted into, what was then known as, the Old Boys' Union. He had to be 30 years or over and employed in a senior, responsible job. It meant only a small section of the many former students could qualify and as a result, the large majority of potential supporters and members scattered throughout the country were excluded. The union then operated like a club, meeting several times during the year, with members taking turns to host these in their homes. The Brothers were usually invited to these occasions especially to celebrate Christmas or a member's birthday. The union is not credited for achieving much during its time and despite the fact that Taisi Nelson had then passed away for some time then, the union was not developing and seemed to be heading away from its initial aspirations.

However, some things of note need to be mentioned. Brother Hilary, who taught in Samoa from 1888 to 1914, had to return to Australia for medical treatment and consequently died there. In recognition of his service, the old boys on 11 May 1924, built the memorial fountain that stands to this day in front of the school at Mulivai. Brother Philippe is another with a long service record. He arrived with Brother Hilary, and again because of poor health had to return to New Zealand for treatment where he died in Auckland on 28 December 1930. The Old Boys built and installed a memorial tombstone on his grave in Panmure in 1932 and Taisi Nelson is said to have been the strength of the union during this time.

On June 3, 1947, a meeting of the union was called to discuss the establishment of an association that did not limit membership to conditions of age and prestigious employment. In this meeting, some members rejected the idea and were therefore determined that a general meeting will be called of all former Marist students within the country. The meeting was to be held within a week and was advertised in handouts, radio and newspapers.

Over 200 Old Boys attended this gathering which was held on June 10 at the Catholic Clubhouse situated on the present site of the Fetu o le Moana building. At this meeting, Brother Jerome explained the purpose and advantages to implementing changes to the mandate of the union, particularly with regards to the need to expand the membership to include other old boys who did not qualify under the narrowly designed criteria of the union. At the conclusion of lengthy discussions and debate that included changing the identity from "union" to "association" and abolishing age limits and type of employment, the vote was unanimous that the changes be adopted. It was also agreed that there would be divisions of membership into categories of "seniors" and "juniors". A temporary committee was set up to prepare a constitution along the lines of the one being used by the Marist Old Boys' Association in Wellington. The next general meeting was held on 24 June 1947 to elect office bearers for the following year. The elections and other minor procedural matters were made and passed.

Each activity of the association such as the rugby, cricket and boxing had a representative to report progress to the committee.

It is needless to say that such was the birth of the formal structure and organisation of the association by our forefathers, most of whom have gone to rest but whose efforts we are now realising.

As mentioned earlier there is very little written record of past activities of the association, such as the years following 1947, but this· does not mean that it was not active but rather that it was more concerned with actions and less on recording them on paper.

This is also true of the period between 1923 when the union was formed, up to 1947 when Br Jerome led the restructuring of the association as we know it today. Another un-recorded history of events is the period between 1948 and 1980. It is certain, however, that the association was very much alive. with members coming together when co-operation was needed to undertake major activities. A strong unifying force of this time was the co-ordination of sporting activities such as rugby, cricket and boxing. Support for needed projects was not lacking as witnessed by the construction of the two-storey concrete school building at Mulivai built in 1950 to house the high school.

It is generally accepted that the association came alive with renewed vigour in 1980 while Tupua Tamasese Leatofi IV was patron. Br Casimir replaced Sefo Chang Wai who resigned as Treasurer and Vito Meisake, as Vice President from 1979 to 1980, was a very resourceful individual in running the association but his service was cut short when he left for the United States. 1980 to 1983, George Lober was the president while Moananu loane Filemu was Secretary. Moananu Filemu subsequently resigned his post because of work commitments and the position was then taken up by Luamanuvae Magele Atonio Su'a. Alt members of the Steering Committee were re-elected in 1980, 1981 and 1982, a testimony to their continuing trustworthiness in fulfilling responsibilities. Other noted presidents include Komisi Chan Mow and Fuimaono Tuputala. Some held this responsible position more than once. It is during this period that fund-raising activities were particularly strong, with contingents visiting overseas countries. Name registrations to raise funds were conducted in New Zealand in 1982 and Western Samoa in 1983.

In conclusion, it is believed that the strong revival of the association in the 80's reflect the confidence of members in the handling of the finances. A lot of credit for the accumulated trust in the present system has to go to Br Casimir who helped consolidate useful procedures to insure the protection and handling of funds. Credit also goes to each member of the association for the continuing support and those that have been in the managerial positions, for their tireless efforts in steering the association in the past several years.

Let us the association as a whole, take this opportunity to express good wishes and congratulations to the celebrations of the 100 years of the Marist Brothers in Samoa.”