Lord And Lady Galway Delighted With Reception At Islands

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1939, Page 6

Lord And Lady Galway Delighted With Reception At Islands

RAROTONGA, July 17,

After a rough landing, the GovernorGeneral, Viscount Galway, and Lady Galway, spent an interesting afternoon ashore at Atiu, in the Cook Islands, where they were entertained at a native feast with singing and dancing. The visitors saw the ancient ceremony of making tapa cloth. The Atiuans were thrilled by the spectacle of an aeroplane in flight. The visitors left at 5 p.rh. for Aitutaki, arriving at 8 a.m. on Saturday. They were escorted through the entrance to the lagoon by decorated boats, with natives singing- songs of welcome. Ariki Rank Conferred. When Their Excellencies had inspected the guard of honour formed by returned soldiers, Tiro Ngaropu, on behalf of the arikis and chiefs, conducted the ceremony of raising His Excellency to ariki rank. This ceremony is similar to the investiture and recognition of a high Chief when he is being elevated to be Supreme Chief of the tribe. This was done as a mark of homage and loyalty to the Crown. A Farewell Feast, After morning, tea at the Residency, Their Excellencies watched interesting items by 500 school-children. The presentation of gifts from the people followed. After being entertained at a native feast, Lord and Lady Galway departed at 1 p.m. for Penrhyn, the northernmost of the Cook Islands. Their Excellencies . were delighted with their reception and the colourful and interesting proceedings. The only regrettable incident was the 'loss of the amphibian flying-boat from H. M. S. Achilles, and the natives of the Northern Islands will be keenly disappointed, as they, have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity of seeing an aeroplane for the first time. Beautiful tropical weather has been experienced throughout the tour of date.