VISIT TO ISLANDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1939, Page 5

VISIT TO ISLANDS

TOUR BY VISCOUNT & LADY GALWAY RECEPTION AT RAROTONGA. EXPRESSION OF LOYALTY. H.M.S. Achilles with their Excellencies the Governor-General Viscount Galway and Vi —countess Galway on board arrived at Rarotonga, the capital of the Cock Islands, on Tuesday, July 11. Approached from the sea, Rarotonga (20 miles in circumference) is one of the most beautiful islands in the south-eastern Pacific. Its rugged volcanic hills stand cut boldly against the sky-line on a clear day and are clothed in verdure to their summits. Between the hills and the seashore on the lowland, coconuts and other tropica] trees may be seen. The island is surrounded by a protecting reef or coral mostly of the fringing type. Their Excellencies landed at the wharf at Avarua. Rarotonga, and were received by the Resident Commissioner, Judge H. F. Ayson, C.M.G., and Mrs Ayson. A Guard of Honour was provided by Native Returned Soldiers and there was a parade of ex-service-men both Maori and European, Girl Guides, Boys’ Brigade and school children. The official reception took place in the open air in front of the Government Buildings. Their Excellencies, after the band had played the National Anthem, inspected the Guard of Honour and parade, and then approached the steps of the Government Buildings, where a Maori Call of Welcome was made by the Potikitaua (High Priest) on behalf of the Maori inhabitants. The official reception then took place, when a speech of welcome on behalf of all residents was made by the Resident Commissioner.

Judge Ayson said his Excellency could be fully assured of the intense and unswerving loyalty of all the island inhabitants. During the thirtyeight years that New Zealand has had the responsibility of administering the affairs of this group considerable, progress has been made in various directions.” “To safeguard the health of its inhabitants, to extend the benefits of education among the people, and to assist them in their industries and trade—these stand out pre-eminently in New Zealand's policy in the government of the Cook Islands. I should also emphasise the spirit of cordial friendship and mutual respect which exists between the Maori and Euro? pean peoples of this group. We intermingle with the greatest freedom and are living together in complete harmony. You will find our* Maori people industrious, hospitable to a fault, loyal, happy even in times of adversity and full of hope and trust for the future.

In his reply, Viscount Galway said that just before he left the shores of New Zealand he received a telegram from Buckingham Palace, commanding him to deliver the following message from the King:—“l am glad to take the opportunuity afforded by the visit of the Gove'rnor-General to express to my people in the Cook Islands my best •wishes for their well-being and happiness on this the first occasion since my. Accession on which my representative has visited the Islands.”

His Excell&ncy then invested Dr E. P. Ellison. Chief Medical Officer, with the insignia of an officer of the British Empire.

In the afternoon a garden party was held in the beautiful grounds of the Residency, and was attended by about 400 guests. The scene presented a delightful tropical aspect. The Marine Eand of H.M.S. Achilles played selections during the afternoon. Many residents availed themselves of the opportunity of being presented to their Excellencies, who mixed freely amongst the guests and delighted everyone by their charming personality. A beautiful day and the hospitality of the Resident Commissioner and Mrs Ayson, added considerably to the success of the function.

About 350 guests attended an official ball held in the evening at which Viscount and Lady Galway were present. On the following day their Excellencies visited the Hospital and also inspected the Child Welfare nurses whose voluntary work in the welfare of infants is proving of great benefit. After morning tea at the residence of Dr and Mrs Ellison they attended the combined Macri reception at Taputapuatea, Avarua. The Maoris received their distinguished guests according to ancient custom with speeches of welcome, singing and dancing.