ROYAL WELCOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21468, 17 April 1933, Page 10

ROYAL WELCOME

GOVERNOR AT TONGA CALL ON QUEEN SALOTE r ■ - DANCING BY THE NATIVES [by EAEIO —PRESS association] H.JI.S. DIOMEDE, Saturday The first stage of the island cruise of H.M.S. Diomede with the GovernorGenera'., Lord Bledisloe, ' and Lady Bledisloe on board was completed when the vessel dropped anchor at Nukualofa at 11.15 a.m. to-day. The weather was perfect during tho latter part of the voyage, giving a good opportunity to clean up tho ship and repair the damage done in two days' continuous gale. The low-lying island of Tongatabu was sighted about eight this morning and soon the famous blowholes and a line of pounding surf were visible from the deck. On the reef at the entrance the wreck of an old steamer still points a defiant how at tho sky. Proceeding toward her anchorage the Diomede fired a salute for Tonga and Queen Salote and the ship's band played the Tongan national anthem. Immediately after the anchor was dropped visitors were received and a call was made on His Excellency by the British Agent and Consul, Mr. Neill. Subsequently His Excellency landed and was received by tho acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Soloman Ata, the Chief Justice and other citizens. Calls were immediately rnado on Queen Salote. The residents of Nukualofa gave a splendid reception to Lady Bledisloe, who was the guest of Queen Salote at a party in the Boyal palace and grounds. Tho natives attended in hundreds, wearing their picturesque costumes and highly decorativo finery. The exhibitions of dancing were exceedingly interesting and entertaining, and Her Excellency was obviously delighted by tho cordiality of the Queen and her unaffected subjects. To-night tho Queen was tho guest of Their Excellencies at dinner on board tho Diomede. Tho guests included an official party from Nukualofa and also Commodore F. Burges "Watson and Captain Y. A. C. Crutchley, V.C. Apart from the official functions, the residents of Nukualofa arranged for tho entertainment of the officers and crew, who spent a delightful day sightseeing and playing tennis and golf. Tho cruiser will leave on Monday for Vavau, where she will remain from Tuesday to Wednesday.