PARLIAMENTARY PARTY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10542, 19 March 1920, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY

NEW ZEALAND’S SERVICES APPRECIATED. STRIKE APPARENTLY OVER. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright SUVA, March 17. Sir James Allen and the members of Parliament this morning called on the Governor, Sir C. H. Rodwell. Later a civic reception was given by the Mayor, Mr Scott, who thanked New Zealand for its prompt assistance in the influenza epidemic and tho recent dispatch of the Tutauekai. Sir James Allen, in reply, said that Now Zealand was 'glad it had been 'able to do a neighbourly service. Luncheon was given by tho Union Steam Ship Company at tho company's palatial hotel. Tho strike is apparently over, and the Hindus are working the Tutanokai, which is likely to leave soon for Now Zealand. The soldiers are anxious to embark. They have been employed in useful p°li CG work. A detachment went with Captain Wilkes as far as sixty miles up-river, where the natives and Hindus were amazed by a demontration of Lewis-gun firing. Tho New Zealanders were never in actual conflict with the strikers. ■

Tho Trade Commission is busily pursuing its inquiries, and is now meeting ia Suva. The Commissioners and many of the Parliamentary party are staying over at Suva till tho Mokoia’s return from Lautoka. All are well. HOSPITABLE NAVUA.

A wireless message from tho Mokoia states: The Parliamentary party arrived at Vavau on Saturday, and was officially welcomed by tho Governor, who explained that tho preparations for tho entertainment of visitors had been cancelled owing to thoir nonarrival on the expected date. The visitors were enthusiastic over tho magnifi-. cent harbour scenery, which is the most beautiful they have yet seen. A party entered Mariners’ Cavo in boats, and were cinematographod. On Sunday, at Nukualofa, they attended a special musical service at tho Free Church, and heard wonderful singing hv competing choirs. On Monday, tho Queen and her consort received the narty at the palace. On her birthday (Saturday!, Sir James Allen, on bohalf of the party, asked her acceptance of a travelling clock as a birthday gift. Tho Queen charmingly replied. She is fully six feet tall, and looked the picture of a qiieen, in a E ! nrorvean dress of white silk.

Rain prevented picnicking, so a feast and native dances at Parliament House 'ewe substituted. H Both native and European residents were most hospitable.