PACIFIC ISLANDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 6

PACIFIC ISLANDS

VICE-REGAL TOUR

N.Z. FORCES INSPECTED

A short tour of Pacific islands made by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall is reviewed in a statement issued yesterday. His Excellency, attended by Major C. J. Holland-Martin, returned to New Zealand on Saturday. He visited Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa, and American Samoa,, and during his tour inspected New Zealand naval, military, and air personnel. ,

His Excellency left Auckland by air on Monday, May 25, and arrived that afternoon at Suva, where he was the guest of the Governor, Sir Harry Luke. He spent the whole of the next day on a tour of inspection of the New Zealand troops and Fiji defence force in the Suva area, accompanied by Major-General Mead and -Brigadier Hunt. An official dinner party was given in his honour at Government House in the evening.

The following day, his Excellency, accompanied by Group Captain Rob-erts,-visited the Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel in arid around Suva, and later inspected other units of thp New Zealand military forces. At luncheon he was the guest of Ratu Tawake on the historic island of Bau, where-he was welcomed with the traditional Yangona ceremony. In the afternoon he procedeed to another area, and the following day the New Zealand troops and Fiji defence force in that area under the command of Brigadier Potter. He also visited units of the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the vicinity.

On Friday morning his Excellency inspected naval personnel Under Commander Ci-itchley at Suva, and later left for Tonga. In tie course of these inspections his Excellency was able to see most of the New; Zealanders stationed in the colony and to speak to a great many of them personally. He was very much impressed by the efficiency and fitness of the men of all three Services, and, before leaving Fiji, sent the following messages to officers and all ranks of the three services:— MESSAGES TO FORCES. Navy: "It was a great pleasure to me to be able to see so many of you during my all-too-short visit to Suva. I congratulate you all bn the work which you are doing, and I assure you that New Zealand and the whole British Empire are most grateful to you all and proud of the manner in which you are carrying out your duties." Army: "It has been a great pleasure to me to be able to visit Fiji and see so many of the New Zealand soldiers who are serving here. I want to congratulate you all on your bearing and fitness, o** the work Which you have already done here, and on the resource with which all ranks have adapted themselves to local conditions. New Zealand and the whole of the British Empire are very proud of the vital part you are all playing in the defence of these islands and in preparation for the advance to victory and total defeat of our enemies. There can be no doubt that you will continue to keep fit j and give of your best in the service of yotir King and country. My best wishes to you all." R.N.Z.A.F.: "It has been a great j j pleasure to see something of the I Royal New Zealand Air Force dur- I ing my all-too-short visit to Fiji. | I congratulate you all on the work ' which you are doing. New Zealand and the whole British Empire are grateful to you for the vital part you are playing in their defence and proud of the manner in which you are carrying out your duties under difficult conditions. My best wishes to you all." Sir Cyril Newall arrived at Nukualofa on Friday, May 29, where he called on her Majesty Queen Salote. Next day his Excellency visited the Tonga Defence Force, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Macleod. of the New Zealand Military Forces. His Excellency was able to meet most of the New Zealanders serving in Tonga and also inspected a parade of the Tongan Home Guard. In the evening he laid a wreath on the tomb of Prince Tungi. Next morning,. Sunday, May 31, the viceregal party left for Western Samoa, and, crossing the date line on the way, arrived there on Saturday, May 30. After the official welcome, his Excellency proceeded to Malua, where the fono tele (big meeting) of the London Missionary Society was being held. His Excellency, among other activities, addressed a welcoming gathering of pastors from all over the Samoan Group and attended an exhibition of physical drill by children at j Halifa School. He placed wreaths on war memorials and visited the Fono of Faipule (gathering of representatives) at Mulinu'u. His Excellency stayed at the Administrator's residence at Vailima. On Monday. June 1, his Excellency took part in the celebration1 of the [King's Birthday at Apia, where he | made an address and read the follow- | ing message to the people of Western Samoa from his Majesty the King:— KING'S MESSAGE. "In these days of peril, when the threat of attack by a savage enemy hangs over the beautiful and happy lands of the Pacific, my thoughts are with the people of Western Samoa, who are under the protection of my Government in New Zealand. Whatever the ' future may hold In store, I know they will stand firm and undaunted till victory has been achieved and peace and prosperity return to the nations of the world." In the afternoon 'his Excellency left for Pago Pago, where he was the guest of the Military, Governor, and the' next day, Tuesday, "the viceregal party left iojf ■ Suva* crossiDfi the date line on