A FIJI WELCOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1926, Page 1

A FIJI WELCOME.

PICTURESQUE CEREMONY.

DUNEDIN, Jan. 7. General Sir George Richardson, Administrator of Western Samoa, vas welcomed wt the Fijian Court this morning in picturesque fashion under the roof of the native meeting house. The quaint hut simple ceremony of welcome was performed to the accompaniment of that soft, expressive hand-clapping with which Fijians signify approval. The General was conducted to his seat by the Fijian Commissioner (the Hon R. Boyd, AI.L.C.) {Then there came forward Ratn Kent, who in quiet, dignified tones voiced the native welcome and presented the distinguished guest with a whale’s tooth and some native-made mats. Velicc, the Aratanivanua or herald, having explained the gifts, the young native “Boh” from the Gilbert Islands, brought baskets and other ware as gifts from his fellow-islanders.

That, all this was good and as should he was shown on the faces of the Fijians ns well ns on that of the guest, hut more was to come, the drinking of ynngana. This was brought along in a huge tanoa and served out in bilos. The General drank first, acknowledging the ofFering in a few words of Samoan. Next came the introduction of each Fijian to Gem-go, first the chief Kini, and then the others in turn, after which the General returned his thanks, the little speech being interpreted into Fijian by Mr Bovd.

Sir George said he thanked the hoys for the respect shown him that morning. lie know it was respect shown not only to himself hut to Samoa, a kindred people, who, like the- Fijians belonged to the great British Empire. They (the Fijians present) were fortunate in being able to come to the Exhibition and see some of the tilings that Empire could do, and lie hoped that when they went hack they would tell their people what a great Empire they belonged to. Ho would he returning to “Samoa in about three weeks’ time anil would call at Suva and tell their Governor that they were [well and were 'behaving themselves like good Fijians, and were a credit to their country. .Sir George added that he was particularly pleased to see hoys from the Gilbert and Ellice colonies. Should these or any of the hoys come to Samoa he would .see that they were given a warm welcome. They would he able to toll their frieiffls w hat a fine country New Zealand was, that the people wore nice and loved Fiji, and would like to see it prosper. He was pleased, too, to meet a Fijian hoy (Ratu Keni) who had '.served in the Great AYar. “I wish you good luck.” concluded Sir George, “and finish my word with ‘God bless vou.’ ”