VICE-REGAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1933, Page 5

VICE-REGAL TOUR

PARTY AT TONGA

WARM WELCOME FOR GOVERNOR

Australian Press Association.)

NUKUALOFA, April 15. The first stage of H.M.S. Diomede’s cruise was completed when the vessel dropped anchor at Nukualofa at 11.15 to-day. The weather was perfect during the latter part of the voyage gh’ing a good opportunity to clean up the s hip and repair the damage suffered in the two days’ continuous gale. Tire iow-lying island of Tongatabu was sighted about. 8 o’clock this morning, and soon the famous blowholes and the line of pounding surf were visible from the deck. On the reef at the entrance the wreck of an old steamer still points a defiant bow at the sky.

Proceeding toward her anchorage the Diomede fired a salure for Tonga and Queen Salote. The snip's band played the Tohgan national anthem. Immediately after the anchor was dropped visitors were received, and a call was made on Lord lliedis'Ov by xho British Consular Agent Air Neill. Subsequently big Exeelhiicy landed and was received by the acting-Pi ime Minister, Mr Solonum Ala, the Chief Justice, Mr Murray-Aynsbv, and other citizens. Culls were jmau hfitely made on Queen Salote, who later entertained Lady Bledisloe nt ten. The day's proceedings were v.-ty pictures mo md made an auspicious opening of their Excellencies’ tour, PARTY AT THE: PALACE.

The residents of Nukualofa gave a splendid reception to Lady Bledisloe, who was the guest of Queen Salote at a party in the royal palace and grounds. Natives attended in hundreds, wearing picturesque costumes and highly decorative finery. Tile exhibitions of dancing were exceedingly interesting and entertaining. Her Excellency was obviously delighted by the cordiality of the Queen and her unaffected subjects. On Sunday night the Queen was the guest ; .f their Excellencies at dinner on the Diomede The guests included the official party fram Nukualofa, and Cornnudoe F. Burges Watson and Captain V A C. Crutchley, V.C. Apart from the official functions the residents of Nukualofa arranged for the entertainment of the officers and crew, who spent a deiigutf il day in sightseeing, tennis an I golf,

ENTERTAINMENT OF VISITORS

CORDIAL AND PICTURESQUE,

(Special to Pfiess Association, by radio from H. M. S. Diomede.) April 17.

An excursion to the stonehenge of Tonga, known ns Snamonga, was made by Their Excellencies and party today as the guests of the Government of Tonga, It, is believed that Saamonga, which is trilithon, was built by a Tongan king about 1200 A.D., the method followed being similar to that used in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. It consists of three’ huge blocks of stone, two being upright, and one crossways, the latter fitting into a groove on top of the vertical stones. A short distance away are the tombs of ancient, kings, where massive blocks of stone are used.

The visitors accompanied Queen Salote, the acting-Prime Minister, Ata, many prominent, citizens, and public officials. A formal reception has been arranged on a most elaborate scale. The guests spent a perfect day amid tlie picturesque, beautiful surroundings, attended by hundreds of Tongans arrayed in their holiday glory. It was a scene of peculiar and appealing beauty, enhanced by the lovely setting in sylvan glades. While the guests were at luncheon in a specially built pavilion, which was a work of art, relays of Tongans presented their national dances with amazing grace and precision, singing songs most melodiously. Little children took part in entertaining numbers with degree gravity which was conspicuously absent from their light hearted seniors. Singers chanted praises of Tonga and its monarchs, past and present, not omitting courteous tributes' to the • distinguished visitors. Presents of tappa cloths and other articles were made, and the visitors decorated with fibre and arranged in floral adornments used in festal occasions, eventually returning from the scene in very gay appearance indeed.

His Excellency in an appreciative speech thanked the Qneen and her Government for their kind reception and generous hospitality. Especially gratifying to him, he observed, was the excellent feeling of the people toward England and the British Empire. He would have the greatest pleasure in 'informing His Majesty of the cordiality with which his representatives were received at guests, and given such an enthusiastic and picturesque welcome.

The Diomede sails for Vavau at four o’clock this afternoon.