South Pacific Isles.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1922, Page 1

South Pacific Isles.

A SUCCESSFUL LECTURE

At the Town Hall last night Hon,

H. L. Michel, M.L.C. gave a lecture on the Parliamentary trip to the Pacific Isles in 1920. There was a large attendance, extra seating having to be provided. The lecture which was illustrated was given in aid of the funds >f the 'Hokitika Beautifying Association. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided and briefly introduced the subject of the address and the lecturer. Hon. Michel spoke for about an hour and a half giving an outline of the voyage of the s.s. Mokoia, which carried the parliamentary party. There

were upwards of fifty parliamentarians, is many officials, and a cmv of an iH|iial number, there lreing thus 150 souls aboard—al] males. The Cook Islands were first visited, one of the outposts of New Zealand territory. Mr Michel referred to the early navigators who had ploughed the Pacific Ocean in search of discovery and adventure. Many, of the forerunners of the early navigators lifave tlieir names perpetuated in the peaks of the -Southern Alps visible from Hokitika, the mountains being named after the intrepid voyages. Such names as Cook, Tasman, Dampier, Hicks and La Perouse all played their part in the earliest discoveries of the Pacific, and mountain peaks visible from here day hy day carry their names. At the Cook Islands, Para tonga, and other centres were visited, the places described, and the habits and occupations of the natives discussed. At Cook Islands and elsewhere Christianity had taken a firm hold of the natives, and the work of the Missioners was referred to appreciatively The complaints and wants of the district were discussed with the residents, and the requirements fully considered. Mr Michel remarked incidentally that Mr .T. 0. ;L. Hewitt, formerly Stipendiary Magistrate here, is now Covermnent Resident Agent at fhe Cook Islands. Short stays were made at the various islands visited, where the customs of the people were fully respected. Other groups of islands called at were Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa.. At Tonga the party called on the reigning Queen and was received in royal state. The various functions and customs of the royal

household were described, and a tribute paid to the general demeanour of tho people. At Fiji the call was made just subsequent to the crisis arising out of the Indian trouble. Particulars of this and the domestic state of the country were referred to in an interesting manner. Mr Michel naturally dwelt longer on Samoa, which has a close identification with New Zealand, not alone because the Dominion is now exercising the mandate, but chiefly because of the capture of tho territory by the first Now Zealand Expeditionary Force in August 191-1, on the outbreak of war. A large amount of -information was given of the country, its people and their goefmmcnt us also of Pago Pago, where the Americans have a fine naval station. Tn regard fo the latter matter. Mr Michel referred also to

the Japanese naval depot at the Marshall group, and mentioned the importance of these naval stations as .affecting the future defence of the Pacific Ocean.

Tn concluding an engrossing address, Mr Michel referred to the life of Robert Louis Stevenson who spent the last of his days in Samoa, and who spoke so highly of the Samoans and their life Mr Michel bore out the statements as to the type of people the Samoans were, and pleaded that New Zealand should discharge her mandate in that country with a full sense of responsibility for the future of a

very fine race of people, as noble as the race of Maoris in our own country. At the close of the address, Dr Teichehnann with a very fine reproducing machine, showed an interesting series of colored slides depicting scenes in and about the islands visited by the Parliamentary tour. Some very beautiful seascapes were shown, as well as interesting groups of native dancers, scholars and processions; also a series of native buildings and homes, the •whole bledng vary entertaining. All the views were clearly shown and much enjoyed. Before the meeting closed Mi 1 Michel thanked Dr Teichelmann. for his able assistance, while those present by acclamation carried a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Michel, who in reply bespoke the aims and objects of the Beautifying Association. The singing of the National Anthem closed the proceedings.