AT KARATONGA

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 142, 18 June 1919, Page 5

AT KARATONGA

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S VISIT

A WARM WELCOME

GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLANDS.

The official reporter with the Governor's, party sends the following message by wireless :—

BAROTONGA, 16th June. Barotonga has had no rain for many weeks, but a torrential downpour on Friday. evening and Saturday postponed the official lajiding of the Govemor-Gen-tral and his party till this morning. Their Excellencies and Dr. Poniare were warmly welcomed. His Excellency said he was glad to renew his acquaintance after five years. He would have come earlier but for the war. The visit was undertaken at the wish of both the Imperial and the Dominion Governments. He desired first to tender thanks for the Rarotongajis' service to the Empire during the wax period, and secondly, to say farewell before his office terminated. He sympathised with all who had suffered bereavement through the war. He was glad that certain requests made on his previous visit had been given effect to, in that schools had been started, and the land question had been placed on a sounder footing. The question of title had been and was being dealt with. Wireless telegraphy had improved the means of comm.unica.tion with the outside world, but sea communication still presented diffidulties. . He stressedl the great necessity for increasing production and keeping pests and disease from the staple industries. All must endeavour to work harmoniously to attain welfare and happiness. The Government would continue to honour the promises made to the chiefs in 1900, that certain forms of government in the islands would be maintained. He would be glad to hear of any matters to be placed before him for consideration, or through his responsible advisers. He conveyed Lady Liverpool's appreciation of the war gifts which Mrs. Poniare and the committees had worked unceasingly to distribute for the 'best interests of the soldiers. Lady Liverpool and himself would carry?away the happiest recollections of their two visits, and would acquaint the King of the people's unswerving loyalty. Dr. Pomare said he was proud that Britain's "second youngest child" had been so well forward in war time. He read a special message from Sir James Allen, which was received with marked appreciation.

The party inspected the ... Awarua School, established in May, 1918, and were greatly impressed by the work of the pupils. They were entertained later at lunch in Makea Arild's palace grounds, where there were special exhibitions of dancing. Lunch was also served in Karika Ariki's residence; and presents were showered on the party on both occasions. All on board the Tutatfekai are well.