LORD GLASGOW'S VISIT TO COOK ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9490, 20 April 1894, Page 3 (Supplement)

LORD GLASGOW'S VISIT TO COOK ISLANDS.

RETURN OP THE HINEMOA.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION BY THE

NATIVES. The Government steamer Hinemoa, having on board his Excellency the Governor, Lady Glasgow and three daughters and suite, and a number of friends, arrived early on Tuesday, April 17, from Cook Islands, after a cruise which the distinguished party on board had greatly enjoyed, The steamer left Auckland on March 20, having on board His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, Lady Glasgow and three daughters, Mrs. A. Boyle, Captain Stewart, A.D.C., and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Eastwood, Dr. Collins. Mr. Moas i (British Resident at Rarotonga), Mr. Miller, Mr. Vander By I,' and Captain Elliot (private secretary to His Excellency). After calling at Sunday Island, the largest island of the Kermadec Group, where Good Friday was spent, Rarotonga was sighted on Wednesday evening, March 28, and anchor dropped off Avatiu Harbour early next morning. Our correspondent at Rarotonga sends us the following interesting account of the vioe-regal visit: — At early morning on the 29th March, the Hinemoa arrived in Raroto.uga, and the island looked lovely. A number of us, British and foreign residents, were the first on board, and were received by Mr. Frederick J. Moss, the British resident, who returned by heir. The first business was to present an address welcoming him on his return, with the hope that he had gained renewed strength and vigor to carry on the good work which he has so ably performed in the past. Mr, Moss thanked the gentlemen who brought the address, which was signed by all in Avarua, without exception. He then introduced us to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, who received us with marked kindness, and to whom we had prepared an address which we desired to present to him on his lauding. Lord Glasgow introduced us to Lady Glasgow and the other members of his party, and by this time another boat brought off Ngamaru (King of Atiu Mitiaro and Mauke), who is Makea's husband, with the Judge Tepou o te i-angi, Makea Daniela, and others. They came off to welcome Lord Glasgow and his party to Rarotonga in the name of Queen Makea, and after consulting with Mr. Moss, presented to His Excellency an address of j welcome, also from Makea, as Chief the j Government of the Cook Island Federation. The ceremony being ended, Mr. Moss went ashore, and the deputations went with him, after arranging tor the landing at Avatui at ten o'clock. By that time the whole of the British and foreign residents, and many of the natives, had assembled at the head of the wharf. They presented to His Excellency their address of welcome, and received a suitable reply. After this a string of carriages was drawn up, and His Excellency, accompanied by Mr. Moss, proceeded with his party to Makea's, where the natives had assembled in great force to receive them. Arrived at the gate, they got out . of the carriages and proceeded up the long lovely walk tliac forms the approach to her house. The walk was lined with well-dressed Maori men and women, who welcomed the party in due Maori form. Makea, with Queen Tanomana of Arorangi, stood on the lower step of the verandah to receive them. The other Queen, Pa of Takitumu, had resolutely refused to mix herself or her people up with their welcome, but decided to receive His Excellency at her own place (Ngatangira) and in her own way. As Lord Glasgow and his party came near the house, an old Maori song of welcome was delivered by Tararere, one of the great chiefs. It was a mystical affair, as all these old Maori chants seem to be. Makea wound up by informing Lord Glasgow that her house was at his own and his family's disposal. She had herself moved for the time to another building with her people. The house thus offered to Lord Glasgow is of stone, double storied, and with upper and lower verandahs. The rooms are large and numerous enough to accommodate nearly his whole party, so you can form an idea of what this house is like. The palm, trees and others round it make the scenery delightful and the Governor's party seem to be enjoying their stay in it greatly. Thursday's ■ proceedings, _ speeches and dances, occupied till late in the day. On Friday came the great meeting, the great dances and presentations of mats, etc., prepared for the visit, Saturday was given up to quiet, but the evening was devoted to a dinner and ball by Queen Makea given in the Parliament House, which was handsomely decorated for the purpose. Everything went off well, but through some mishap the supply of musicians was insufficient. The dancing went on vigorously for all that. On Sunday the whole party attended the native church, and in the evening a dinner was given by Makea Daniela who certainly provided a wonderfully varied, good, and well-served repast, at which about 50 people sat down and enjoyed themselves thoroughly, while a crowd of attendant Maoris found an abundance left for themselves. I should add that Sunday begins here on Saturday night and ends at sunset the next day. On Monday Lord Glasgow with Mr. Moss and a member of his party, drove round the island. For about 15 miles the road is excellent, and for the rest, passable. The party stopped to lunch at Papua, and Lord Glasgow, Mr. Moss, and others took the opportunity of visiting the waterfall, about a mile inland from Papua. The day was very hot and none of the ladies went on this rough but very enjoyable walk. In the evening came the ball, given by the British ana foreign residents, which was really a splendid affair. The schoolroom, used for the occasion, is a stone building, about 120 feet long and 30 broad. One end was divided off as a supper and cloak room, and the rest looked very pretty, with the flags of all nations and any amount of palm leaves and evergreens. The music was good and dancing was kept up with great spirit till the early hours of the morning. Tuesday was devoted to a reception by Queen Tinomana, at Arorangi, capitally got up. The place was gaily decorated, and an arch of evergreens erected at the entrance of the village. The natives here, as at other places, had revived old dances and theatrical pieces for the entertainment of their visitors. The day passed off splendidly, as every other had done. Lord Glasgow and his party were evidently delighted, especially at a feast got up in Maori fashion, and at which all had to eat with their fingers. They left between eight and nine in the evening, and as the night was dark, were escorted back to Avarua—about seven miles—by mounted men carrying torches. They were numerous enough to light up the road thoroughly for the whole string of vehicles all the way. Wednesday was Queen Pa's Day. and the party were received by her at Ngatangia with the same enthusiasm, the same daucing and feasting as at the other villages. To-day (April 5) the visit—a great event in Rarotongau annals, as you may suppose— comes to an end. As a last act the opportunity was taken to get Lord Glasgow to hoWt the new flag of the Cook Islands Federation. Mr. Moss sent invitations to all the people to attend, and the result was a gathering of about 1003 to witness the event and take part in the feast provided in native fashion, and- with native cookery for the occasion. Pigs, salt beef, bananas, and a whole bullock, formed the staple. Mr. Moss addressed the natives, aud explained to them why they were called together. He thanked them for the splendid reception they had given to Lord Glasgow and his party, and told them he had taken advantage of the occasion to ask Lord Glasgow to hoist for the first time the flag of the Cook Islands Federation. Prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Hutchin. Lord Glasgow then addressed them, and hoisted the flag In due form, with "God Save the Queen," sung by the natives and Europeans. The flag was hoisted over the Parliament House as being the only spot, except the Residency built for Mr. Moss. which is owned in Rarotonga by the Federal Government, and therefore could not excite jealousies among the several islands. So ends a most successful visit, which Lord Glasgow and his party evidently enjoyed thoroughly. They entered fully into the spirit of the event, madefriends of the Maoris, and earned golden opinions from tho white men. Among the party I must not forget to specially mention Dr. Collins, of Wellington, whose kindness and medical attention to the Maoris have been great, and who personally has earned goodwill and popularity among all kinds of people. Ana so I close this hasty sketch of a visit unprecedented and likely to be long remembered not only by the Maori people but by the ladies and gentlemen who composed the Governor s party on this occasion. Everything went off well. No hitch of any kind where or in anyway, and Lord Glasgow's visit must not only bind the Cook Islands more closely to New Zealand, but will enable him to speak fully and precisely as to the state of affairs in them. He. intends calling at Aitutaki and at Mungaia if the weather permits, but will not be able to spend more than a day at each, as the Hinemoa, I am told, is to be back by the 17th or 18th April in Auckland. A pleasant voyage to all on board of her is the hearty wish of all on this island, whether native, British, or foreigner. We learn from Captain Elliot that Mangaia was reached early on Friday morning, April 6. The party found four EnglishmenMessrs. McAllister, Craig, Ward, and Wilson who were most courteous entertaining them. On the way to the Mission, His Excellency conversed with two arikis through an interpreter. The church was visited, and the natives sang a few hymns, i The King's house was next visited, where I they saw the King's mother, an old lady

nearly blind. The whole party then set out for a.ride with Messrs. Craig, Ward, and Wilson, as guides. _ They visited some fine caves, and a beautiful inland lake. Lunch was partaken of outside the King's house, under p> large umbrella tent, in native fashion. .On returning to. steamer, the natives (it being low water) carried His Excellency and the ladies across the lagoon to the edge of the reef, where the whole party were carried through the surf in canoes, transferred to the ship's boats, and so regained the steamer, which then proceeded to Aitutaki, which was reached next day. The Mission was visited where the party were received by Rev. W. H. Lawrence, a Scotch missionary, and his native coadjutor, George Strickland. A pleasant afternoon was spent, and at 6.30 p.m., the visitors re-embarked and the Hinemoa proooerled on her return voyage to New Zealand, calling at Macaulay Island and Curtis Island, two of the ICermadec Group, a couple of hours being spent at each, After calling at Whangaroa, Russell, and Opua, the Hinenioa reached Auckland early yesterday mornlQK' ADDRESSES AfcD SPEECHES. ADDRESSES AND SPEECHES. The following are the addresses presented and the remarks made by His Excellency in reply ADDRESS FROM BRITISH AND FOREIGN RESIDENTS, " Your Excellency : We, the British and foreign residents of this island, wish to convey to Your Excellency the pleasure it affords us to welcome yourself and the Countess of Glasgow, your family and friends to our island home, and we heartily hope and trust you may enjoy your short visit among us, and he assured we shall do what lies in our power to make your stay a pleasant one." Lord Glasgow replied : Mr. Exham and gentlemen,—l thank you for the address which you have presented to me as Governor of New Zealand, in the name of the British and foreign merchants of Rarotonga. It is a great pleasure to Lady Glasgow and myself to have the opportunity of visiting this beautiful island. We are certain we shall greatly enjoy our visit, too short as it will be, and I thank you for your cordial welcome and kind expressions towards us. ADDRESS Fit Oil COOK ISLANDS. " To His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand : We, the Government of the Cook Islands Federation for Awischees, and in the name of the chiefs, governors and people of the Cook Islauds, cordially welcome Your Excellency as the representative of Her Majesty Queen Victoria in the great colony of New Zealand, to which we are under obligations for _ many acts of kindness and help. We thank you also for bringing Lady Glasgow and your family to visit us. Your Excellency will be able to see the good work , that has been done in bringing our islands under a settled form of government, and we ask you to report to Her Majesty Queen Victoria our deep thankfulness for having covered ur, with the protection of the British flag, under which our Government lias been formed, and under which we hope to establish in these islands a free, prosperous, and educated Maori people. To this end, our great desire is that English shall be taught to our children, so that their knowledge may be increased by reading English books, and that they may carry that knowledge to other islands. Your Excellency will be pleased to learn that the London Missionary Society is sending out teachers, and that we are building a school for them, so that English may be hereafter taught to the children of these islands. Enough. We wish Your Excellency and your family health and happiness, and God's blessing. Signed by Makea Takuu Ariki, chief of the Government of Cook Islands, that is to say, of the Arikis of the several islands, who are For Rarotonga : Makea Ariki, Karika, Tinomana, Pa, Kainuku. For Mangaia: John Ariki, Nouroa. For Atiu : Ngamaru Ariki, Puiua, and Rongomatane. For Mauke: Tararo Ariki, Te Au. For Aitutaki: Vacruarangi Ariki, Tamatoa, Te Uru Kura, and Manarangi." ADDRESS FROM QUEEN MAKEA. The following is a translation of a curious address which was presented by Queen Makea Ariki (who visited New Zealand some years ago), one of the three great chieftainesses of the Island of Rarotonga :— "These are the words of Makea Ariki to Lord Glasgow: These are the words used at the coronation of all the Ariki of Teau-o-tonga, E Toro, let all people know a new head has come to our land ; place him in a high position under the heavens. This is Tavako Ariki, son of Auarotu-ki-te Rangi, who took to wife Tapaeru-uui-ma-ei-Rangi, to whom a son was born named Kiritia Ariki. Maeva ! Hurrah ! Kiritia, 0 Kiritia ! Who took to wife Papa, to whom was born Te Uira (the Lightning), and Te Aa, from whom Makea Ariki is descended, an Ariki of great power and influence over the people. Maewa.' Hurrah ! Receive him. 0 Tumu, receive him, O chiefs and people! Papa, Atea, and Akaotu receive him! The twopeaked mountain Tainanga also receive him. Their sacred maraes are Ara-i-te-Tonga, Pureora, Muriwai, and Marae - Karoa. Hearken, 0 Makea, hearken 0 priests ! Keep your foot on the land and you are safe; if you go to the mountains you are only ariki of the birds; if you go to sea you are only ariki of the fish ; remain ; remain on the land then, and be Ariki of TuinaroKuini, Tumaro-Anga, Tekeu-uui, and the toro of Io Rovaru. Welcome ! 0 Governor, representative of our Queen Victoria ! Come and stand on my shoulders, and on the foundation laid by Tane, which will never be shaken. Let the seed now be planted in the land, that it may grow like a straight aw tree! —Makea Ariki." ADDRESS FROM QUEEN PA. The following address of welcome was made by Queen Pa, of Rarotonga " Welcome, 0 sou of Pa and Kaiuuku; welcome, 0 Governor of New Zealand! Come and repose under the pu-ara (screw-pine tree). Look round and see the vaka-nui (large canoes), Takitumn, Puaikura, and Te Au-o-Tonga. The canoes are good, 0, Ariki ; let us live in peace! Welcome to the highsided canoe of Takitumu; welcome, our son ; let us thank the Lord in His goodness for thus bringing us together. Welcome! Oson; here are Pa and Kainuku, the Ariki of Takitumu, with our chiefs and all the people under us from Taakarua to Torea to receive you, your lady, family, and all who are with you! Welcome in the love of friendship! Welcome!" Iu reply to these addresses, His Excellency said : " Makea Ariki, chief of the Government of Cook Island Federation, and to the arikis who form the Government, j whose names are affixed to the address on my arrival this morning, I thank you for the cordial welcome you have given me as the Governor of New Zealand, with which colony you have so long been in close intercourse, and also for your welcome to Lady Glasgow and my family who have come with me to visit your beautiful islands. From the time when I first came to New Zealand till now I have wished to visit you, in order that you might have a proof of the interest which I take in your welfare, and to assure you of the goodwill of the inhabitants of New Zealand to you and your people. I had hoped, if time ana weather permitted, to visit all the islands, but I fear I cannot undertake to do so,, and # I ask you, therefore, to convey to the Arikis, Governors, and people of those islands my regret that 1 cannot visit them on this occasion, and my best wishes for their happiness and welfare. I shall take the greatest pleasure in conveying to Her Majesty your expressions of thankfulness for the protectorate over your islands. Her Majesty will be pleased to hear that your children are to be taught English for their own great good, and that of the people of other islands to whom they will be able to become guides and teachers. 1 have been glad to hear from the British Resident, Mr. Moss, how well your Government has maintained the law among your people, and how honestly your Federal Parliament and the Councils of the various islands have striven to perform their new duties, the due observance of which have tended so much to render the maintenance of order and good Government easy among you. Persevere in this work so that by unanimity and cordial co-operation you may be strong to do good for your people. I pray you God's blessing on your labours and for the happiness and prosperity of the inhabitants of your island." ADDRESS FROM QUEEN TINOMANA. "To the Governor of New Zealand, your lady and family, also your distinguished guests.—Salutations! I, Tinomana Ariki, chief of the Rarotongan Government, my chiefs, and all the people of Puaikura, welcome you to our district. Come to " Au Maru," that we may remain and be happy, and allow us to give you a drink of water, and give you a glance of Puaikura. We consider Queen Victoria our mother, and we are under her protection. We are her children, and now we see that we are not forgotten, as you have come from a distant land to visit us. We sincerely trust that our visit will | concentrate our friendship, and hope that when you return to New Zealand you will remember your children at Arorangi, Rarotonga. This is enough.—Tinomana Ariki. April 3, 1894. His Excellency, in reply, said To Tinomana Ariki : I thank you for the address of welcome which has just been read to me. and presented in your name and in that of your chiefs, rangatiras. and people. You have welcomed me as the representative of Queen Victoria, the oldest and most loved of reigning sovereigns, and you have given most cordial welcome to my daughters and friends, for this I again thank you. I shall not fail to inform Queen Victoria of the reverence you' express for her, and that yon i look upon her as your mother, nor to tell, her

of your friendship for all her subjects. All I have seen since I have been in Barotoaga convinces me that you are a well-governed and happy people, and I trust and believe that the alterations in the laws which have been made and which will be made by your Federal Parliament and your several inland councils will be for the welfare and improvement of your islands. You may depend upon it that we shall never forget the kindness which we have received both at Avarua and at Arorangi, and our good wishes and prayers shall always be for the welfare of the people of the Cook Island federation.— Glasgow. ■