GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18946, 16 May 1933, Page 2

GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

AT RARATONGA.

THE CHIEF’S WELCOME.

(By the United Press Association’s Special Representative).

RAROTONGA, April 27. Immediately after his Excellency the Governor-General and Lady Bledis.loe had landed at Rarotonga they were escorted to the Courthouse, where the official reception took place. It was held in the open air, and was attended by all the European population and a great crowd of Rarotongans, who called themselves Maoris. One of the unique features of the ceremony was the poetio greeting voiced on behalf of the chiefs and natives by their orator. A free translation runs as follows: —

Tumu and Kapu Kapu from above Kapu from below Atea, Papa and Akaotu

Inland are the twin mountain peaks of Temanga; Seaward is Araitetonga, the Court of Royalty; Enclosed within Pureora, Murlvai, and Marae Koroa; Maraes the sacred place of the gods.

Praise 0 Makeanul Arikl Praise 0 Makea Ivarika Praise 0 Makea Vakatini Praise 0 Tinomana Arlki Praise 0 Pa ma Kainuku Praise 0 Priests Praise 0 Tribe of Teauldtetonga Praise 0 Tribe of Puaikura Praise 0 Tribe of Takitumu Praise, 0 Praise, 0 Praise!

It is permitted by the power of the shades To bestow on you beauty and splendour. If you flee to the mountain you are chief of all birds; If you flee to the sea you are chief of all fish; If you go to Avaikl you are a chief descended from there. A Chief from Tumarokumi and Tumaraonga. x Come and stand on the shoulders of tlie Arikhs, And you shall remain seated for all time. \

Tli is is the last child of Queen Victoria, these, tiie Cook Islands. This last born child of Queen Victoria, during her old age before her death; at the time of its birth, no trouble and no war. It was born in goodwill and peace, and clothed with silver and gold, which is the costume of the Son of God, and that child was covered with the British Flag.

We ask for goodness, We ask for your love, We ask thee for this child. Welcome, your Excellencies. Here arc the Arikis, Here are the Mataiapos, Here are the Rangatiras, Here are the three Districts, Here also is the Resident Commissioner and all the Government officials, And all these from the Cook Islands

Everyone residing in Raro, tonga has gathered here this morning to give you a hearty welcome. We extend to you all a glorious greeting.