ROYAL TOURISTS

Feilding Star, Volume 5, Issue 1032, 18 February 1927, Page 8

ROYAL TOURISTS

PRESENTATIONS FROM NATIVES By Telegraph—Press Assn—Copyright (Aust. and N.Z. Cable! Suva., Eel). 17. Punctual as usual, the .Renown anchored in the picturesque harbor of Suva, at two o’clock this afternoon. The .battleship was escorted, into the harbour by three or four typical ■Sydney'dinghies and. motor boats, and a, whole fleet of native eata,mara:ns) their brown mat sails 'swelling to a favouring breeze and, the crews waving and cheering in emulation. of tho Europeans aboard the more civilised; era it. From, (be sea Suva, looked most attractive, rising from, the harbour with,.it,ft';red. roofs, peeping above Iho tropical foliage.

THE LANDING The Duke and Duchess landed r.t 4 o’clock and’ received a tumultuous welcome from tbe crowds gathered 7m tbe wharf where the landing stage •yv,i s placed.. The native address expressed thanks for the. visit of the Royal representative of a mighty nation. They were especially grateful to the: visitors for turning aside to view their small, islands. The visit would remain in living memory, as were the visits of the King and the Prince of Wales. They were grateful for the presence of the Duchess -as a.' representative of Scotland, which had given many sons, to. govern and lead. They wei’c pleased to see the Renpwn again as a symbol of the -invincible fleet guarding the Empire, and’ ensuring peace.. They gave an Assurance that the form of. Government established’by Britain after , the cessation of the islands was deeply appreciated, They prayed that the Duke of Yi>rfc would convey (o the King tlieir assurance of; unswerving loyalty and thanks for lijs sympathetic Government, and they prayer], for the prosperity, happiness and long life, of tire Duke and Du ihess of. York.

THE DUKE’S REPLY The Duke, of York expressed thanks on behalf of the .Duchess and himself, and said he would not fail to convey to. his father their message of loyalty and gratitude. Tlie Duchess had. been especially touched by tby reference fo Scotland.. He rejoiced to hear that tlieir memories of the visits of the. King and tbe Prince of AVales were still fresh. They had told him. of flic happy times speak in Fiji end the loyal reception they ' had received. The welfare of native subjects in all his Dominions was ever near the heart of the King and all tbe Kings of bis *,ouse. The Duke) concluded: Continue to work with those whom the King sets over you to guard your interests, and a.H will he well for you and your descendants.’ 1 pray you will eontinuo to flourish and. prosper. MUNICIPAL ADDRESS The address of the municipality tendered a welcome to the. Duke and Duchess, with an assn rainy of loyalty, Tho Duke, replying. sincerely thanked the municipality -for i|s expressions of loyalty-. NATIVE C F.BEAION lAt .8

DUKE AND DUCHESS } 1 SHARE IN KARA-DRINKING Suva, Feb. 17. yfany picturesque incidents happened during the visit ashore this afternoon ‘of the Duke and Duchess of York, ,■ Ex-service men were presented before a guard of honour furnjshed by sturdy Fijians moving with the precision of; a. lane regiment, who, -after being inspected, inarched through the streets accompanied by admiring crowds of. gaily clad' J,aiiivesi and Indians. . School children assembled in the grounds of Government House made a brave show of; colours, ranging from blacks to white Europeans, but all displaying the same enthusiasm jn their cheers in honour of .the visjfors, who- begg«d a whole holiday for them. The Duchess was presented with flaming bouquets of; ixoi;a from both native and white t.ots, who v,ei.;e duly impressed by the gravity of the occasion. The native ceremonial was most interesting. The first ceremony was the presentation of a whale's tooth, “Tamtma, ’’ to the Duke, as a symbol of hom.age and affection. The announcement of; acceptance was received wjth a> low-voiced'.chant ti’oni the seated chief tains; then the women approaching slowly* in. two long lines, gracefully walking, poured, water from the prow of a canoe, indicating the arrival of the Duchess from the .sea, an,d placing a Tambua thereon. This ceremony is seldom performed.

The presentation, of ya.quona, or kava root., and the long; and' imposing - ceremony of- kava-rinaking foL

lowecT, at which the Dulse and Duchess and several members of the staff had to partake of. the drink, evidently not always with mnnixed Satisfaction. The Duke ana' Duchess dined with the Governor in the evening, afterwards attending a reception and ball in the Pa.cific Hotel.