THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 75

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

VISIT TO THE ISI -NDS. POPULARITY WITH THE NATIVES. AUCKLAND, May 26. A letter from Rarotonga, dated May 10, reports that the four days’ ceremonies in connection with the visit to Rarotonga of the Governor-General were carried out most successfully. The official 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 Those 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 TakituTiiu, the historic location of the settlement of th*» bold Tangiia, and the scene of the activities of the notorious Kurunaki, otherwise Captain Goodenough, who was probably the European discoverer of Rarotonga. The natives had spared neither expense nor effort to make a brave show for the occasion. Their dancing, which was largely mythological in character, proved of great 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 with 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.