SUNNY SOUTH SEAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 192, 16 August 1939, Page 10

SUNNY SOUTH SEAS.

MAUNGANUI RETURNS. CURIO-LADEN PASSENGERS. Sunburned faces, incongruous in Auckland's winter, last fond farewells, passengers leaving the ship laden with coloured coral, lengths of tapa cloth, baskets, miniature canoes and other curios—there were many such sights on the Prince's wharf this morning, where the Maunganui berthed after returning from her cruise to the Pacific Islands. The vessel met with fine weather all the way.

There were 250 passengers aboard from all parts of the Dominion, paving Auckland on July 28 and Wellington on July 31, the Maunganui visited the Tongan islands first, then going on to Fiji. At Vavau passengers were taken to see what to many was one of the highlights of the cruise—the, Swallows' Cave. This huge water cavern, some 00 or "0 feet high, with its multicoloured walls, was seen at its best with the afternoon sun glinting on its walls. At Apia some of the tourists visited the tomb of R. L. Stevenson on Mt. Vaea, and were taken for motor drives through cocoa and coffee plantations. They also saw a number of native entertainments.

At the island of Niuafoou (Tin Can Island) the Maunganui landed 10,000 letters to secure the now famous postmark. Suva was the final port of call. A dance and island nights entertainment was held at the-Grand Pacific Hotel, while next morning a fire-walking ceremony was performed by natives from the island of Benga, who alone have the secret of this strange rite. The vesisel left for Auckland last Saturday night.

During the days in between porta there were sports tournaments, a gymkhana, talking pictures and fancy dress balls. Russell was reached at 4 p.m. yesterday, and remained there until 11 p.m. to allow the passengers to have their final ball in calm waters. Tho ship's staff were Indefatigable in their efforts to entertain the passengers.