Princess Welcomed By Tanganyika Tribesmen

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28099, 15 October 1956, Page 2

Princess Welcomed By Tanganyika Tribesmen

NEWS FOR WOMEN

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 9 p.m.) TABORA (Western Tanganyika), October 13. Forty thousand Africans, some of them painted and carrying shields and spears, gave Princess Margaret a wild welcome when she arrived at a baraza (tribal gathering) today. Many travelled more 4 han 500 miles in week-long journeys to reach this tiny outpost town, capital of the 32.000 square miles western province, to see the Princess. Chiefs in flowing, brightly patterned robes and gay headdresses were presented ft) her in turn. Chief Fundikiri, who welcomed her to Tabora, was accompanied by his wives, all in green turbans, and his bodyguard, dressed in white robes and red turbans. He gave the Princess as a memento a piece of the now-dead mango tree under which Stanley met Livingstone. Also presented to the Princess was Mwami (chief) Theresa Ntare, woman

ruler of 10.000 tribesmen, more chan any other chief in Tanganyika. She gave the Princess a small, handworked brass axe made in the shape of a coiled snake. Princess Margaret told the vast assembly she kne,w how great an area and how many people they represented. She hoped the coming year world bring them rains, and prosperity. The Princess, who was wearing a sky-blue shantung silk dress and a tiny cornflower hat, took off her sunglasses and laughed delightedly as she watched the mock fights and war dances staged by the ”rowd for her. One group of women bent low and beat hands and toes together as a sign of loyalty. The Princess left the baraza to the roar of renewed cheers and the throbbing of African drums. After visiting the Tabora schoo’ she will fly to Mwanza, on the shores of Lake Victoria.