ISLAND VISIT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 519, 1 May 1933, Page 5

ISLAND VISIT

(Press Assn.-

THEIR EXCELLENCIES ENJOY HOSPITALITY OF RAROTONGA PICTURESQUE WELCOMES

— By Telegraph — Copyright).

Rarotonga, April 29. Tlieir Excellencies spent a delightful and busy day being entertained in a most hospitable manner by the loyal inhabitants of Rarotonga. In the morning they visited the Avarua school, where over 1000 children from j 1 five local schools were assembled. A tumultous welcome was given their Excellencies by the children, who were addressed by Lord Bledisloe.

An excellent entertainment was given by the pupils, the programme being unique in the experience of the 1 visitors for variety, eleverness and 1 humour. Their Excellencies received a number of presents from the children, principally carvings, the handwork of some revealing precocious genius. The big function of the day was the combined Rarotongan reception -arranged by the leading chiefs, who combined forces for the occasion. The ceremony was held at King Makea's palace and was attended by a big 'cl'owd of Rarotongans and practically all the European community.

Their Excellencies were welcomed in the customary native fashion and the presentation of numerous mats and other gifts followed. some coming from remote islands of the group with messages of loyalty and affection. A choir of girls and youtlis, wearing chaplets, sang at intervals, and tho performance was sometimes accompanied by dance solos which were delightful in the extreme. A dinner was served with prodigal generosity to the garlanded guests, Who had the opportunity of tasting 'dishes prepared by natives, and find- ' ing them fit for epicures. The decora-

tion of the pavilion was carried out on lavish lines, the materials used being flowers, fruits and foliage characteristic of the Cook Islands. It was a dazzling colour scheme, with red, gold, white and green predominating, the effect being a scene of flambuoyant beauty, which would have delighted any gathering in any part of the world. The native dances introdueed characteristic movements with drum accompaniments that followed in rapid succession, the dancers being gaily garlanded and dressed.

Lord Bledisloe expressed appreciafion of the people's loyal harmony and abounding generosity. As a mark of His Excellency's enjoyment of the delightful music, Lord Bledisloe presented a cup, or othei' trophy, for competition among the Cook Island choirs in choral singing. The visit will have an excellent result among the European and native communities who have exhibited the utmost cordiality toward their Excellencies.