Rarotonga
p. 56 · Read in the full issue
Lord Baden-Powell
Banana-Leaf Banquet in Rarotonga
From Our Own Correspondent.
Rarotonga, April 16.
THE Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell, A accompanied by Lady Baden-Powell and their two daughters, passed through the Cook Islands last month on the Maun ganui. Local Girl Guides paraded for in spection on the L.M.S. grounds at Taka moa, where a number of European ex servicemen were also present. Afternoon tea followed, and the visitors then left for a native umukai, prepared by the Return ed Soldiers’ Association in the Osana Hall.
As the small soldierly figure appeared drums whirred, thumped and pounded. A statuesque, half-clad Rarotongan leaped forward, stamped the ground, advanced, shook like forty thousand jellies, and fell back among the spectators. Delighted, the Chief Scout took photos., and insisted on a repetition of the dance.
Received by Capt. J. D. Campbell, the party were then introduced to a bewilder ing array of Cook Island dishes served on banana leaves spread along the floor of the hall.
During the meal two large pearl-shell hooks were presented, the gift being made in a singularly apt speech of welcome by a local native. Replying, Lord Baden- Powell expressed the hope that on his next visit he would find not only Girl Guides, but also a troop of Boy Scouts on the is land.