Mr Holyoake Pays Tribute

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30936, 17 December 1965, Page 3

Mr Holyoake Pays Tribute

(Neic Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. Dec. 16. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said today Queen Salote exemplified all that was best in the Polynesian character. In a tribute to the late Queen, he said Queen Salote was in every sense a “very royal lady” and was much beloved by the people of New Zealand.

Queen Salote has long held a special place in the affections of New Zealanders. “To us she exemplified all that is best in the Polynesian character by her truly regal manner, her neverfailing courtesy and her quiet cultured dignity and charm,” he said. “In her long association with New Zealand and New Zealanders she endeared herself to us in a way that makes

it possible for us now to mourn with the people of Tonga and to appreciate the great loss which they have sustained,” said Mr Holyoake.

The Prime Minister recalled that Queen Salote was educated in New Zealand and 1 that she had maintained a I residence in Auckland in reIcent years. “I extend to His Royal Highness. Prince Tungi, and i other members of the Tongan I Royal family and to all the 1 people of Tonga my own deepest sympathy on the death of their great Queen." he said. “1 also express the sympathy of my colleagues in the Government and all our people—Maori and European,” said Mr Holyoake. His Excellency the Governor-General today sent the following message to Prince Tungi:

“On behalf of the Government and people of New Zea-| land, I offer Your Royal Highness and the people of Tonga the deepest sympathy of us all. Her Majesty was! deeply loved far beyond the I bounds of her own kingdom,! and we all mourn her loss.” , The Governor-General is observing a period of mourning until Sunday.

Samoans’ Respects (X.Z. Press Association > AUCKLAND, Dec. 16. This morning representatives of Auckland's Samoan community paid their respects to the new King. First came two women bearing a finely-woven mat which they held at the corners. This was a traditional mark of respect usually used by Samoans at such a time. They were followed by another two women also bearing a mat. These mats are presented as a tribute on the death of a great chief. There are no speeches, no; singing, no weeping. Every-; thing is conducted with a I quiet and seemly dignity