VISIT TO RAROTONGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18495, 4 September 1923, Page 8

VISIT TO RAROTONGA.

WELCOME TO MR. MASSEY. CORDIALITY OF NATIVES. (Special to Press Association.— Wireless). ■ ' " RAROTONGA. Sept. 2. '■ When two days' distant from Raretonga, Mr. Massey received, a wireless message from ■ the Commissioner of the Cook Islands extending an invitation, from the Arikis, Watapos, Rangatiras, and all the people of the Islands, European and native, to attend a welcome ceremony. The Tahiti arrived in the roadstead at: 2 p.m. to-day, and Mr. Massey was, '. met by the Commissioner and Government officials. He was rowed ashore, whore a crowd of inhabitants greeted him, while the schooners in the harbour were dressed in bunting. ";;■- t Te Puretu, the leading chief, gave a characteristic welcome in Maori fashion. Mr. Massey was then conducted to the Council chamber, where Europeans 1 and natives : were: assembled, the front seats being occupied by members of the Native Council. The Commissioner delivered an address of welcome on behalf of all sections of the community, which was all the heartier because this was Mr. Massey's first visit to New Zealand's outlying i;erritories. The address expressed regrot at his short stay ; but recognised the importance of the mission to London. Mr. sey's name was -a household word in the Islands. The Commissioner hoped Lord Jellicoe would visit them during his term as Governor-General. ■ The'chief Ariki, Mlakea Timirati, in' native language extended a very hisarty greeting. The islanders; knew of the great 'mission Mr. Massey was upon,- and said: "Go in prosperity and success. God so with you and keep you safe in the land of our great father." He asked Mr. Massey to convey to the King the #rent iovaltv and love of the people of the Cook Ishnds. ', . > ' The Rev. Mr, James, missionary, extended a welcome on behalf of ' the churches. ■ /'" r "--r

Mr. Massey, amid cheers, thanked Mem for the welcome. He regretted his inability; to stay, and honed sometime later ;to pay a longer visit to' tho : islands ; and Samoa. • He would convey their message to the King'. He : paid a tribute to the practical loyalty of Rarotongans - during the war, and was pleased to, hear , ivbat .patjisfaction was expressed on behalf of all sections of the community in the Administration of the islands. He honed their wish would be gratified that Sir Maui Poraaro would visit them. Cheers .'": followed the speech. , .t- : -,' :.. The. vthering also welcomed Com* mander H. G./Hotham. In the cool of the evening the party motored round' the island, threading a continuous archway of $oeoanut• palms and gorgeous tropical foliage, : the' villagers en route : offering greetings.-,. , -7- ' . Mr. Massey entertained the ;"■ Commissioner at dinner on board, and left at 10 p.m. Throughout the voyage the Premier received good wishes by wireless from Now Zealatiders and 1 varotis ships in the Pacific. : The Governor of Tahiti conveyed the felicitations of the populace and an' invitation to dinner on - Monday, which was accepted, ; •