BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11650, 15 October 1923, Page 4

BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS

AND CORDIAL RECEPTION INTERESTING- INCIDENTS. The ’Frisco run includes calls at the beautiful islands of Rarotonga and Tahiti. Though this is his fifth conference trip, Mr Massey has not travelled before along this route, and consequently he made his first acquaintance with the Cook Islanders and they with him. It is also the first occasion on which a New Zealand Prime Minister has visited Rarotonga since the days of Mr Seddon. It should be stated that from the moment the Wellington Heads were cleared the s.s. Tahici speeded up nearly three knots beyond her ordinary Eace to enable the seven hours lost by er late departure to be made up, to reach Rarotonga in daylight on Saturday, September Ist, and to be away again by Sunday. The schedule time of arrival is usually Sunday' morning. The islands, which are low-lying, were sighted at about noon on Saturday, September Ist, Avarua roadstead was entered at 2 p.m., and the anchor was dropped as near inshore as possible. The rusted engines of the Maitai and the iron bows of a sailing vessel lie just offshore as a warning to mariners against venturing too close to the reefs in this harbour. There were evidences of local anticipations of the visit in the flags which decorated the Government schooner lying in the port, and in the gailyattired crowd, aimly seen from the ship, gathered about the landing stage. As the Tahiti came to anchor an oared galley, rowed in stylo by natives in naval uniforms, put out and brought Mr H. F. Ayson (Commissioner) and his staff and officials aboard, who formally welcomed Mr Massey, and sxtended a hearty invitation to him and hi 3 party to accept the hospitality of the island. The trip ashore was made in the Commissioner’s galley. Like their first cousins the Maoris, the Rarotongans are undemonstrative, but there was keen interest in the visit. It was only on the previous evening that definite wireless intimation had been available for the Commissioner that the Tahiti would be able to arrive before dark. Mr Massey was escorted through lanes of brightlyattired natives to the council chamber adjoining the Commissioner’s office, which was already full of Europeans and leading chiefs and others ; and here Mr Ayson, speaking on behalf of “the Arikis, Mataiapos, Rangitiras, and all people of Rarotonga, both European and native,” extended a very hearty ♦elcome. His speech was translated into the native tongue, as was also that later of the Prime Minister. The substance of the speeches has already been dispatched by wireless to New Zealand. RECEPTION SPEECHES AT RAROTONGA. Mr Ayson voiced the general deep regret tnat the hour or two of Mr Maseey’a stay prevented the islands from offering little more than a formal welcome. The natives would like to have done very much more. They could only hope that the visit would be repeated at some future date. The course of events in New Zealand, said Mr Ayson, was very keenly followed by the European inhabitants of the islands, and Afr Massey’s name was consequently very well known to them all. It was hoped that before his term of office expired that the GovernorGeneral, Lord Jellicoe, would visit the island ; and the natives also looked forward, confidently, to a visit from their own Minister, the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, who so thoroughly understood the needs of the Islands. Appreciation was expressed at the financial assistance that New Zealand had particularly in regard to and medical services, and :h© wireless station, and it was hoped that in the future the same sympathetic help would he extended. Mr Ayson also extended a hearty welcome to Commodore Hotham, who, oh the occasion of the visit of the Chatham, bad made many warm friend* on the islands. Make* Tinirau, the chief Ariki ol the islands, through the interpreter offered greetings. The natives realised the great work which the Prime Mini-tc' was journeying to perform. f ihoy asked that their great lovall.v and love for the King might be ox-pic.s-ed to Jlis .Majesty, and their prayers that his reign would he a long and illustrious one. The Ariki also ffcid that the people were well satisfied with the wav Sir Maui Pomare had carried out his duties, and they wished to pay the same tribute to their Commission*-". Tiparetu another chieftain, and the Rev. If. Rond James, a London Mi--hi'Hmry Society mini t« r. also spoke; ?ml in replying .Mr Massev, vhn was j<f«-iv-d with cheers, thanked a!) the un’dente of the islands for their bcnrtv welcome to him as the representative of the Government. ex pjo.svd his to remain loncm ‘h them. lb- hop

ed the Governor-General would he able to visit them, and if he did they would find him a man after their own heart. Sir Maui Pomare would have been there before only the work of the session had prevented it. Mi Massey expressed pleasure at the evident prosperity of the islands, the exports of which had considerably exceeded the imports. He would never forget the response of the Rarotongans in men in the days of the Empire's peril, and he would convey with pleasure their loyal message to the King. (Applause). A DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND. After the ceremony and a. formal reception of the leading natives and Europeans, the Prime Minister was motored round the island, a distance of 22 miles, on an excellent rood. From the sea the island appears to be a volcanic protuberance, with little foreshore, but this impression is dispelled when ashore. Rich lands, covered with coconut palms, orange and banana trees, flowering tropical foliage and luxuriant growth, extend for a considerable distance back from the waterfront to the foothills. The interior valleys, and the lower slopes of the hills grow coconuts, but . not to any great extent, and the natives themselves live in their plantations along the shore flats. Evidences, throughout the drive, were plentiful of the industry of the island. The coconut plantations were well-kept: trim tomato gardens, orange, and banana groves were everywhere, and tho natives’ houses generally speaking exhibited happy care and attention. There are virtually no other coloured races on the islands beyond the natives themselves. The coast road provides a most charming drive in the cool of the evening. It runs for the 22 miles beneath a canopy of waving coconut palms, interlaced in many places with the rich tropical foliage, through which glimpses of the picturesque shore and adjacent islets set in waters of the deepest blue, charm the vision. Fragile native catamarans dotted the sea. The islanders are great fishers, and the waters abound with fish. Rarotonga offere the tourist or the holiday-maker a most pleasant week or fortnight of pure relaxation. Churches seemed to be everywhere—white, simple edifices built of coral, sand, and mortar. The London Missionary Bocity for generations has bad the chief religions care of the islanders in its particular charge, and its work appears to have been well and thoroughly done. In the evening the Commissioner held an official dinner at his residence, and later his galley carried the Prime Minister hack to the Tahiti. Fortunately the water was calm, and the unloading of cargo from the ship into the shore barges was carried out expeditiously. The Cook Islanders themselves are entrusted with this work, and they also drive the little steam launches that tow the barges between the ship and the shore. The anchorage was left soon after 10 p.m.

TAHITI REACHED

A CORDIAL RECEPTION. The Society Islands, of which Tahiti is the chief, were reached just after the midday meal two days later—ron September 3rd. A wireless message had some days previously come from the Governor, M. Rivet, welcoming Mr Massey and inviting him to dine officially at Government House. The island of Moorea, which, approaching from the west, is passed first, is strangely like the Whangarei (harbour headlands, with its fantastic peaks and minarets. Papeete town lies picturesquely on a coral-reef surrounded harbour on the main island of Tahiti, which appears volcanic in character, rich in tropical colouring, and with mountains culminating in a height of 7000 feet. Tho population, besides the native Polynesian Tahitians, comprises chiefly Chinese, with a fewer number of French and Americans. The houses are French in character. Papeete was shelled by a German warship early in the Great "War, the evidences of which are still to be seen in the shattered brick walls in the town. His Excellency M. Rivet, his private secretary, and the Permanent Secretary of the Administration came aboard as soon as the Tahiti had berthed alongside the jetty, and it was apparent that fashionable Papeete had come forth to witness the ceremony. His Kxc-eiloriey wore his uniform. He invited the party to dinner that evening, and asked that the Prime Minister s attendance thereat should be regarded as the official return visit. Cars were provided, and a pleasant drive followed through the most interesting portions of Papeete and the suburban areas. In character Tahiti, which chiefly exports copra, is not unlike tho Cook Islands, though the systems of colonisation differ. The dinner in the, evening was a notable function, and Their Excellencies proved charming hosts. Heads of various Government departments were present, and the British consul and viceconsul. The toasts of His Majesty King George, and his representative in

the Dominion, Lord Jellicoe, coupled l with Mr Massey's name were proposed I bv His Excellency; and Mr Massey replied, and then proposed the healths of i the President of France and M. | Rivet. It was an extremely cordial and pleasant gathering; and it was also marked the first occasion on which a New Zealand Prime Minister has been so honoured at Tahiti. Papeete was left at 5 o’clock on Tuesday morning, the vessel having reduced her customary stay in port from 24 hours to 14. ITEMS EN ROUTE. By wireless the s.s. Tahiti received intimation of the Japanese disaster, and was kept informed of subsequent events in connection therewith. It may interest some to know that easy diieot touch is maintained with the Wellington wireless station until two days north of the Equator. After that bhp station is not so readily picked up. On September StH the “Wireless News,” the ship’s daily paper, contained the following item: “An interesting and instructive ‘talk’ upon the Dominion of New Zealand, incidents of its early history, its settlement, colonisation, development, participation in the South African and European wars, sand its present prosperous condition, wias delivered in the saloon music room last evening by the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Massey). The address was extremely interesting end coming from so high an authority was very much appreciated. Historic anecdotes of Maori chivalry and amusing stories were included. After the address Mr H. Drew showed a number of excellent lantern slides of New Zealand industries and soenery. A hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Professor Angus, and seconded by Sir Benjamin Fuller, was accorded Mr Mas soy, and ‘He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ was sung. Commodore Hotham pre sided.” From Papeete to ’Frisoo (or rather San Francisco, for the inhabitants dislike the abbreviation) was an ext.emely pleasant run, with the weather still beautiful and the sea calm. On the night before the arrival at destination the saloon tables at dinner were gaily decorated, and the menu card was ingeniously made up to form the acrostic. “Wa all wish Mr Massey God-speed.” At the conclusion of the dinner Captain Aldwell on behalf of the passengers and the ship’s officers and staff expressed the pleasure it had given them all to have Mr Massey with them on the voyage, and they now wished him God-speed on his important mission and a safe return to God’s Own Country. Mr Massey’s 1 health was then drunk with musical 1 honours. In replying, the Prime Minister expressed, his sincere thanks for the kind wishes, and spoke most enthusiastically of the pleasure of the voyage, the most enjoyable from the point of travel ;| he had ever made. It had been a i pleasure trip, which had transformed : him to the best of health and vigour. To this the accommodation of 'the vessel, ahd the splendid attention of the : ship’s staff, had largely contributed. • The journey had been a record one, the ordinary time having been reduced 1 by nearly four days ; and this spoke \ volumes for the condition of the ship’s machinery. It made him think of Hie ’ possibilities of reducing the ordinary ! mail service times across the Pacific, ’ and this was a matter he intended to i go into with the shipping company , when he returned, and to see if some arrangement oould not he come to. In i rebuitn he proposed the health of , Captain Aldwell and his officers and staff, and afterwards that of the chief : engineer, Mr McArthur, and his staff. I The. Tahiti arrived at San Francisco ; on Thursday evening, September 13th, at 6 o’clook, and passengers were aMe to go ashore that night. Her actual i time from Wellington was 16 days 18 hours, and her average steaming time ■ for the journey was 16.1 knots per ’ hour, a record. At Ban Francisco the Prime Minister 1 was handed a letter conveying greet--1 ings from the President of the United ; States, and a high Customs official at- | tended on the vessel to see that the | port facilities were extended. Later ' the Mayor of San Francisco, Mr Rolf, called upon Mr Massey and welcomed him on behalf of the city. ; A MESSAGE FROM SAMOA. While at sea the Prime Minister re--1 received the following wireless message from the Administrator of Bamoa, ' Major-General Richardson: “Myself, all officers of the Administration, and the European and native inhabitants of Samoa, wish you every success in your efforts on behalf of the Empire at the Imperial Conference. Citizens i have desired me to express hope that ; you will lie able to call at Samoa on your return from Conference. Fabliaus and Faipules, on behalf Samoan ; race, wish you to assure His Majesty '■ the King of their happiness and devotion to him and the British Empire.” To this Mr Massey replied: “Sincerely thank yourself, Administration , officers, European and native inhabi- ! tants, for good wishes expressed your - telegram. Return route uncertain, but look forward to visiting Samoa no distant date. Shall be proud convey His Majesty loyal greetings from Fautaus and Faipules Samoan race. Kja ora." GREETINGS AT SEA. One message by wireless typical of many received by the Prime Minister from New Zealanders in ships on the Pacific, and signed by fifteen “loyal sons of Maoriland” on the Maunganui was as follows: “Greetings to our Big Chief, in full confidence that he will uphold the mana of our hapu at- the Imperial Conference. Kia ora.”