LOVELY RAROTONGA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21953, 15 May 1933, Page 10

LOVELY RAROTONGA

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S VISIT •V WELCOME IN COOK GROUP !<By United Press Association’s Special Representative.) RAROTONGA, April 29. The Diomede, with his Excellency the, Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe on board, arrived at Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, on the morning of Thursday, April 27. It is said, with some justice, that Rarotonga is one of the most beautiful islands in the Southeastern Pacific. The town itself is situated on fiat land, but immediately at the back are rugged volcanic hills, standing out boldly against the skyline, and clothed in semi-tropical bush to their summits. Here and there stark cliffs and precipices show;, adding to the wild beauty of the landscape. Frequently the hills are draped in a misty mantle, giving another phase of their ever-varying but never-absent beauty. There is an encircling road round the island, leading through scenes which might well have been transported from some fairyland. Their Excellencies landed at the wharf at 10 o’clock, and were received by the Resident Commissioner (Mr H. F. Ayson), Mrs Ayson, public officials, and the people of Rarotonga. A guard of honour was furnished by returned soldiers, European and native, and the points of vantage were occupied by children,,who gave lusty voice to the National Anthem. It was only a few steps to the Courthouse, where the official reception took place. An open-air ceremony was in order, and it was marked by every indication that the visit was an event of, great interest and pleasure to the whole community. The native chiefs were present. and their spokesman (Potikitaua) addressed a special welcome to the visitors on behalf of the Cook Islands people. Mr Ayson said that he had the greatest possible pleasure in extending a welcome to their' ; Excellencies on behalf of all the inhabitants of the Cook Group. They would feel during their visit that they were surrounded by a spirit of friendship, loyalty,* and goodwill. Only five Governors had previously visited Rarotonga, the first being the Earl of Glasgow in 1894. There were Maoris present who remembered that occasion, and one European, Mr Charles Ward, who assisted in that welcome, was also present. Other Governors who had visited the group were Lord Ranfurly, Lord Plunket, Lord Liverpool, and Sir Charles Fergusson. It was on October 27, 1888, that Captain Bourke, of H.M.S. Hyacinth, declared Rarotonga to be under British protection. On October 8, 1900, Queen Makea, acting on behalf, of the chiefs and arikis of the group, ceded to Queen Victoria the sovereignty of the whole group, and thus the islands became part of the British Empire. Their people, were always proud to say that they were “the youngest child of Queen Victoria.” His Excellency could be fully assured of the intense and unswerving loyalty of all the inhabitants to the British Crown. During the Great War over 800 of their Maori lads, and as many Europeans as were eligible, went overseas to take their part in the struggle. During the 33 years that New Zealand had had the responsibility of administering the affairs of the group considerable progress had been made in various directions. New Zealand’s policy had heen to safeguard health, extend the benefits of education, and assist in industries and trade. A spirit of cordial friendship and respect existed between the Maori and European people. The Maori people were industrious, hospitable to a fault, loyal, happy, even in these times of adversity, and full of hope and trust for the future. His Excellency, responding to the speeches of welcome, said that he had been asked to deliver the following message from his Majesty the King:— “ I am glad to be able to take the opportunity, afforded by the visit of the Governor-General of New Zealand to send to my people of the Cook Islands my best wishes for their continued prosperity. I desire to assure them of my earnest care for their wellbeing and happiness.” Rarotonga used to be referred to as “ Queen Victoria’s youngest child,” and these islands had always been unswervingly loyal to the British Crown and cordial in their attachment to the British Empire. In these islands a bountiful Providence provided continuously for the simple needs of the native people. As in other parts of the world, many were suffering temporary difficulties in consequence of the low prices of their island produce. He urged them to maintain, during this period of economic stress, the quality of their exported fruit and other products. He wanted them to realise that New Zealand always took the deepest interest in their welfare, and the Government, assisted by the Minister for the group (Sir Apirana Ngata), was anxious and ready to help in any way that might prove advantageous.. .education for the children; and good sanitation were of the utmost importance, and in these matters he invited the frendly co-operation and sympathy of the inhabitants. Lady Bledisloe and himself were delighted with their welcome, and he would have great pleasure in reporting to his Majesty their continued loyal attachment to the Throne and the British Empire. His Excellency concluded, “ Kia orana koutou ” (“ Long life to all of you”). OTHER FUNCTIONS. In the afternoon a garden party was held at the Residency, which is situated fn beautiful grounds. Many residents took this opportunity of being presented to their Excellencies, who pleased everybody by moving freely among the guests and chatting on subjects of mutual moment. The Commissioner and Mrs Ayson were most hospitable hosts, and as the weather was on its best behaviour everything conspired to make the function a happy and enjoyable one. An official ball was held in the evening, and this also was a pronounced success. A busy day on Friday commenced with a visit to the Avarna School, where the children and staffs of five schools were assembled. The children gave their Excellencies a wonderful welcome, which was supplemented by a cordial and entertaining speech by Mr M’Kenzie. the Avarua headmaster, an cx-Invcrcargillite. Some really excellent items were given by the pupils, and visitors seeing an entertainment unique in their experience cf school demonstrations. There was a distinct Maori air about some of the items, and to the visitors from New Zealand they were like messages from home. Their Excellencies were also presented with some samples of the children’s handwork.

Their Excellencies also visited the hospital, a valuable institution which is presided over by Dr Ellison, an enthusiast in his work, and a true friend of the natives.

The combined, Maori reception and feast at “ Taputapuatea,” the residence of Makea Nui, the .-leading chief of the island, was probably the most remarkable and interesting social event of the tour. The chiefs had combined to give this entertainment, not without some Blight hesitation, but having joined forces they did nobly. The decorations of the feasting pavilion were nothing short of magnificent; the feast itself was positively Lucullan; the numerous presents from the Islands, and the messages which accompanied them, must have touched and pleased their Excellencies very greatly. A choir of boys and girls, under Miss Tinirau. the daughter of Makea

Nui, discoursed sweet songs from an inexhaustible well of music. The characteristic dances, in which the “ hula ” predominates, were given with a wealth of costuming and colouring and a terrific booming of drums. In short, it was n day of days. During the afternoon there were addresses of welcome, in one of which his Excellency was assured by a beaming interpreter that ail present regarded themselves as his children. In reply, his Excellency said that to such a large family he could only offer a father’s blessing and his best wishes for their happiness and contentment. He conveyed the grateful thanks of her Excellency and himself for the splendid way in which they had been treated. Words were inadequate, to express all his thoughts and feelings at this demonstration of loyalty to the Throne and the British Empire. Many of the gifts must have taken months to make, end Lady Bledisloc and he would treasure them very much. They proposed to set aside a part of their home in which the gifts would be displayed, and would for ever remind them of their happy meetings tn the Islands. His Excellency paid a tribute to the work of Mr Ayson and his officers, who, he said, possessed the fullest confidence of the New Zealand Government and authorities. The singing they had heard had given her Excellency and himself great pleasure, and he announced the gift of a cup or trophy for competition among the choirs in the group. On behalf of the Diomede’s officers and men, he thanked the residents for the generous gifts of fruit and flowers which had been sent on board.

Time did not permit of many functions on the island, but his Excellency visited plantations at Taipara, and inspected orange grading and packing machinery at Arorangi. He also motored round the island, a distance of over 20 miles, having an opportunity of admiring the beautiful scenes which every turn in the road unfolded. Places of historic interest seen were the oldest church on the island, built by the London Missionary Society, and the grave of Papahia, who first introduced Christianity 100 years ago.