VISIT TO THE ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1919, Page 5

VISIT TO THE ISLANDS.

BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The following message was received by wireless from the official reporter with the -Governor-General, dated Atiu, 7 p.m., Sunday, 22nd, western time:— His Excellency and :ty went ashore on Tuesday morning last at Rarotonga. The weather was fine, but the sea had a heavy swell which, increasing, prevented re-hoarding the ship till Thursday. Their Excellencies meantime were the guests of the Resident Commissioner, the remainder of the party tieing hospitably treated by the European residents, The experience was much enjoyed as a pleasant break in the monotony of the evenings on shipboard. On Tuesday the hospital was visited, and subsequently the party attended a native feast and exhibition of dancing in the pah of the Arikis. In the palace grounds on "Wednesday hia Excellency and Dr. Pomare met all the Arikis in conference. The Arikis unanimously expressed the fullest confidence and highest esteem for Mr. Platts, the Resident Commissioner, and urged that ihe should remain. The Arikis thanked Dr. Pomare for his advice on health matters and undertook to carry out his suggestions. They disapproved of the request of a section of the European residents for representation on the Native Council.

On Thursday His Excellency heard publicly a petition presented to him by six local traders, making various complaints against the administration. A large gathering of Europeans and natives was present, and there was very full and frank discussion on many important matters. Mr. Platts lengthily defended the administration. His Excellency had occasion to take strong exception to the action of a small section who, at one stage, attempted to break the meeting up in disorder. The general opinion is that the meeting cleared the atmosphere considerably, and will lead to good results.

His Excellency presented Dr. Pomaro's medal at each of the three Barotongan schools.

On Friday, the party arrived early in the morning at Mangaia, where a school was opened six weeks ago. This was inspected, and the party left in the afternoon, arriving at Maukoe at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, and they embarked_ again at 1 o'clock. They arrived at Mitiaro at 3 p.m. and were enthusiastically welcomed at both places. Specially interesting were the dances. Mitiaro has no pa'kehas vet. Nine-tenths of the population of 250 natives were dressed in white, malting an impressive and pretty scene at the landing. The Tutanekai left Mitiaro this morningj and has just arrived at Atiu, whence she goes to Aitutaki. All the party are well and in excellent spirits.