THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19800, 27 May 1926, Page 10

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

VISIT TO RAROTONGA. POPULARITY WITH NATIVES. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 26. A letter from Rarotonga. dated May 10, reports that the lour days’ ceremonies in connection with the visit to Rarotonga ot the Governor-General were carried out most successfully. The oflicial portion of the proceedings was concluded on May 4, and subsequent days were devoted to special ceremonies and celebrations of the natives, who had been preparing for the visit for the previous two months 'lhose preparations had left on the minds of the Europeans an impression of the vigour and whole-heartedness with which the natives lay themselves out to demonstrate their allegiance to and affection for the Empire. On Thursday a visit was paid to Takitumu. the historic location of the settlement of the bold Tangiia, and the scene of the activities of the notorious Ivurunaki, otherwise Captain Goodenough, who was probably the European discoverer of Rarotonga. . The natives had spared neither expense nor effort to make a brave show [or the occasion. Their dancing, which was largely mythological in character, proved ofgreat interest, and brought forth very favourable comment from the onlookers. _ Visits to Arorangi brought the visit of the Governor-General to Rarotonga to a regretful close. . Every moment was fully occupied witli engagements, which seemed to but add to the wonderful charm of the “Great white Ariki.” He entered into the hearts of the people, and took complete possession, as it were. Nothing seemed too small for his Excellency’s notice. His visits to all the Government schools, as well as to the Convent School, were characteristic of his deep interest in even the humblest of the Empire’s peoples.