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Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 213, 7 September 1909, Page 5

The German South Sea Island of M«tnpi- has been brought somewhat into touch with Westport, on account of the I large quantity of local coal dispatched to I the spot. Captain Aronsen, who has juefc J completed the round trip in his barque, ■ i the Saturnus, informed the "Westporfc j Times" that the coal is used by the . J German warships. Four of these boats t j were expected shortly, and large stocks '• lof coal were laid in, including a, cargo - from Newcastle, but only one steamer arrived, and now~the depot is over-stock- , cd. The German engineers much prefer i Westport coal, and their Navy Depart--3 ment is willing to pay a ibetter price than i for the Newcastle article. There are ; only eight Europeans at Matupi (sevea f i Germans and a Queeuslander). Kanaka* -> ido the coal work and labour very har9. 3 The water on the island is very bad, and consequently a good deal o-f liquor jis drunk. Much German beer is imported, and if the consignees cannot sell it c to the natives and visiting sailors, they ' ] manage to dispose of it themselves. e |