VICE-REGAL TOUR.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18930, 27 April 1933, Page 8

VICE-REGAL TOUR.

FAREWELL AT APIA,

SPECTACULAR CEREMONIES. THEIR EXCELLENCIES IMPRESSED. (Special Radio to Press Association.) APIA; April 24. The famvell of Their Excellencies from Apia last night was a wonderfully moving and spectacular ceremony, which was unique in the viceRegal visitors’ experience. After leaving the Protestant Church, where Lord Bledisloe read the lessons, they -drove to the customs pier, where -a great gathering of -citizens, officials, and members of the Legislative Council, including the two chiefs, Mslieatoa and Mataufa, and a great crowd of Samoans, had assembled.

The boys from the Avela-Mah' Schools sang a number of parting songs. The -singing of these boys was extraordinarily touching, and it imparted an emotional and pathetic note -to the farewell. Their songs played skilfully on the heart-strings of their listeners.

First they sang old familiar . airs, as befitted the occasion, and in the ■circumstances they were peculiarly appropriate and touching. As an indication of Their Excellencies’ great appreciation of the school functions they attended, Lord Bledisloe has given a trophy for competition among the schools’ Samoan Eisteddfod, and he received thanks from Mr Tauva, the hatvie head teacher, and the Educational Department. Lady Bledisloe whs presented with a farewell bouquet. There were many expressions of the pleasure she had given during the visit and to the success of which she had so largely contributed. His Excellency w r as obviously moved by the cordiality and loyalty manifested. He spoke a few words -of appreciation, concluding with “ God Bless you all." Their Excellencies’ launch then left for H.M.S. Diomede amid cheers and messages, above which rose the -strains of the choirs singing “ Good-bye, My Friend.”

This was sung again and again until the voices died away in the distance.

Their Excellencies’ Samoan visit was greatly appreciated 'by all sections of the community and it is fully expected it will be productive of good results. There are signs that the day of reconciliation will be welcomed by large numbers of Samoans. The functions in connection with the visit were well attended. If the weather on the first two days had been favourable there would have been larger gatherings of native Samoans. All the arrangements worked admirably. The impression left by Their Excellencies was that their task, which was not free from difficulties, has tjeen ably accomplished. AT PAGO PAGO. WARM WELCOME ACCORDED. MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON. (Special Radio to Press Association.) PAGO PAGO, April 25. With the ship’s band playing “ The Star-spangled Banner,” H.M.S. Diomede berthed at Pago Pago Wharf. At noon Lord Bledisloe returned the official calls from the American Governor, Mr Landenberger, anc\ later Their Excellencies were guests at a kava ceremony and an entertainment of singing and dancing. The visitors wore most hospitably entertained by Mr Landenberger. The following telegram was despatched to the Secretary of State, Washington: “ The Governor of American Samoa and the Governor-Gene-ral of New Zealand,, as the mandatory for Western Sa'moa, meeting in friendly intercourse at Pago Pago, desire to express to the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain a hope that their present deliberations would eventuate satisfactorily in conferring on the whole world prosperity, happiness, and industriel progress.—Signed, Landenberger. Bledisloe." A SATISFACTORY MISSION. GOOD WORK DONE AT APIA. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received April 27, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, April 26. The Times in a leader reviewing Lord Bledisloe’s Pacific cruise, cites die visit to Apia as a guarantee of recovery from the Samoan-New Zealand dissension and adds, “ New Zealanders may be satisfied at the vindication of their policy in Samoa. Their relations with the Cook islanders and Maoris are also sound."