MR MASSEY’S TRIUMPHAL TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1923, Page 3

MR MASSEY’S TRIUMPHAL TOUR.

WELCOMED AT COOK ISLAND. (Special to Press Association) (By Wireless). RARATONGA, Sept. 2. When two days distant from J’aratonga Mr Massey received a wireless fiom the Commissioner of Cook Islands extending an invitation from Arikis, Wataipos, Rangatiras, and all people of the Islands, European and native, a very hearty welcome. The Tahiti arrived in tho roadstead at 2 p.m. to-day. Mr Massey met the Commissioner and Government officials, and was rowed ashore where a crowd ot inhabitants greeted him. The schooners in the harbour were dressed in limiting. Tepuretu. a leading chief, gave a characteristic welcome in Maori fashion. Mr [Massey conducted a Council Chamber where Europeans and natives assembled. The front seats were occupied b.v members of the Native Council. The Commissioner delivered an address of welcome on behalf of all sections of the community, which was all the heartier because this was Mr Massey’s first visit to New Zealand's outlying territories. The acid: ess regretted the short stay, but recognised the important mission in London. .Mr Massey’s name was a house-hold word in the Islands. He hoped Lord Jollicoe would visit them during his term of Governor-Generalship.

Chief Arikis Malien Tiniruu, in the native language, extended heartiest greetings of the Islanders. They knew of the great mission Mr Massey was upon, and said “Go in prosperity and success, God go with you, and keep you safe in the hind of our ((rent Father.” He asked Mr Massey to convey to the King, the great loyalty and love of the people of Cook Islands.

Rev. James (missionary) extended a welcome on behalf of the Churches.

Air Massey (amid cheers) thanked them for the welcome and regretted his inability to stay. He hoped sometime later to pay another visit to the Islands and Samoa. Ho would convey their message to the Ring. .He paid a tribute to the practical loyalty ol* ltaratongnns during the war, and was pleased to hear of their satisfaction, expressed on behalf of all sections of the community of tho administration ol the Islands. He hoped their wish would he gratified and that Dr Pom are would visit them. Cheers followed the speech. The gathering also welcomed Commander Hotham. In the cool of the evening the party motored round the Island threading a continuous' archway oi cocoauut palms and gorgeous tropica! foliage. The villagers on route oflered greetings. Mr Alassey entertained the Commissioner at dinner on hom'd and left at 10 p.m. Throughout the vovnge the Premier received wireless good wishes of New Zealanders, various ships in the Pacific. Ihe Governor of Tahiti wirelessed felicitations of the populace and an invitation to dinner on Monday night which was accepted.