RAISED TO ARIKI RANK

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21400, 18 July 1939, Page 7

RAISED TO ARIKI RANK

Natives Honour Lord Galway Mark of Loyalty To Crown United Press Association —B? Electric Telegraph —Copyright RAROTONGA. July 16. Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway, after a rough landing, spent an interesting afternoon ashore at Atiu, in the Cook Islands, where they were entertained at a native feast with singing and dancing. The visitors saw the ancient ceremony of making tapa clotn.

The Atiuans were thrilled by the spectacle of an aeroplane flying. ’ ord and Lady Galway left at 5 p.m. for Aitutaki, arriving at 8 a.m. on Saturday. They were escorted through the lagoon by decorated boats, with natives singing welcome songs. After their Excellencies had inspected a guard of honour of returned soldiers at the reception. Tiro Ngaropu, on behalf of the arikis and chiefs, con-

ducted the ceremony by the natives of raising his Excellency to ariki rank. This ceremony is similar to the investiture and recognition of a high chief when he is being elevated t; supreme chief of a tribe. This was done as a mark of homage and loyalty to the Crown. Gifts for Vice-Kegal Couple After morning tea at the Residency, their Excellencies watched interesting items by fee hundred school children. This was . bllowed by the presentation of gifts from the people. The visitors were entertained at a native feast and departed at 1 p.m. for Penrhyn, the northernmost of the Cook Islands. Their Excellencies were delighted with their reception and the colourful and interesting proceed!;-.. s. Tire only regrettable incident was the loss of a seaplane from H.M.S. Achilles, and the natives of t’e northern islands will be keeply disappointed as they have been eagerly awaiting the oportunity to witness the first flight. Beautiful tropical weather has lasted throughout the tour.