VISITORS TO SAMOA.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 103, 3 May 1929, Page 10

VISITORS TO SAMOA.

YOUNG AMERICANS ON CRUISE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE'S SHIP. (From Our Own Correspondent.) APIA, April 15. Whether it is due to the magic touch of Stevenson or its turbulent and exaggerated history, or just the lure of the romantic that is supposed to envelop every coconut-clad island of the Pacific, is not known, but Samoa seems to act as a magnet for every ship that ventures 011 the high seas in search of more than trade. A recent arrival in Apia Harbour was the 33-ton yacht Chance, bringing with it a happy-looking and sun-tanned party of young Americans who, apparently being among those born lucky, are able to finish off their education by a free-and-easy tour round the world under ideal circumstances. The Chance is a fine-looking yacht which was originally owned by Professor Columbus Iselin, who used it in deep-sea scientific work in the Gulf Stream. The boat is roomy and well equipped, including among its many comforts a wellstocked library. That the Chance has a good turn of speed is evidenced by the fact that the distance of 3000 miles from Galapagos to the Marquesas was covered in just a shade over three weeks. Since it left Connecticut last July it has touched at Bermuda, Jamaica, Panama, Toboga, Perlas Islands and numerous places in the Pacific which have never been heard of by most people. The Chance left Apia, after a short stay, for Suva, after which she will sail to Sydney. Another unusual visitor to Apia is the brigantine Carnegie, which is making a stay of about three weeks in Samoa. As its name signifies, this ship belongs to the Carnegie Institute, and is engaged on a three-year cruise of the world in the cause of science. The Carnegie is of special construction, having neither steel nor iron among its fittings, and is uniquely equipped for scientific investigation. Apia is an important port of call for this ship, for Samoa, owing to its position, is peculiarly adapted for observatory work. The very fine observatory in Apia, which lately was under the direction of Mr. Andrew Thomson, is partly provided for by the Carnegie Institute, and since its inception has done much valuable observatory work.