ARIKIS AND ATAIPOS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 1, 3 September 1923, Page 8

ARIKIS AND ATAIPOS

MR MASSEY AT RARATONCA. RUBBING NOSES IN PACIFIC. WELCOME YC CiOOK ISLANDS. (Received 10.10 a.m.) (Special to the Pre»s Association , . by wireless). Raraionga, September 2. When two days' distant from Ravatonga. the Hon. W. K ivassey received a wireless from the Commissioner of the Cook Islands, extending an ihvitawon from, the Arikis' aittl Wataipos" rangitiras and all the people of the island*, European ami natives, and a very hearty welcome. The Tahiti arrived .in the Roadstead at 2 p.m. to-df yi. Mr Massey was n it by the Commissioner and Government officials, and was rowed ashore, where a crowd of inhabitants greeted him. Schooners in the harbour were dressed in bunting. To Puretu, a leading chief, save a characteristic welcome in Maori fashion. Mr Massey was conducted to the Council Chamber, where Europeans and natives had assembled, the front seats being occupied by members of the Native Council. - The- Commissioner delivered an address of welcome on behalf of all sections of the community, which wore- all the heartier because this was Mr Massey's first visit to NewZealand's outlying territories. i

The address regretted bis short stay, but recognised the importance of the mission to London. Mr Massey's name was a household word in the Island. It hoped Lord Jeflicoe, would, visit them during the term of his Governor-Generalship. The Chief of the Arikis, Makea Tinirau, in his native language, extended the heartiest greetings. The Islanders knew of the great mission that Mr Massey Was upon, and said: "ifro in Prosperity and Success. GocLKO with you and keep yon the Land of our Great Fathers." He asked Mr Massey to convey to the King the great loyal love of the people of the Cook Islands. Rev. James, missionary, extended a welcome on behalf, of the Churches. Mr Massey, amid cheers, thanked them for the welcome. He regrettsed his inability to stay, but hoped sometime late r to pay a longer visit to the Islands and Samoa. He would convey their message to the King. He paid a tribute to the practical loyalty of the Raraiongans during the War. He wag pleased to hear the satisfaction expressed on behalf of all sections of the community at the administration of the islands. He hoped their wishes would be gratified and that Sir Maui Poroam wfould visit them.—Cheers followed the speech.

The gathering also welcomed Commodore Hotham. In the cool of the evening, the party motored round the Island, threading a continuous archway of coconut palms and ror<v>oi:s tropical foliage, the villagers en route offering greetings. Mr Massey entertained the Commissioner at dinner on board, and deft at ten p.m. Throughout the voyage the Premier has received wireless good wishes from New Zealanders and various ships in the Pacific. ; Governor of Tahiti wireles?ed the felicitations of the popiilace and an invitation to dinner on Monday, winch was accepted.