Pitcairn

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 4

Pitcairn

Journey to Pitcairn. By Frank Clune. Angus and Robertson. 245 pp. As Frank Clune himself says, the story of the mutiny on the Bounty has been often told—and often wrongly told. In his latest book, he tells the same story once again, and it still has an intrinsic fascination that holds the reader. Mr Clune allows the narrative to unfold of its own accord from the original sources —diaries, logs, letters of the people concerned. Frequently the characters contradict one another even in their private writings. We are shown very clearly the gulf between Bligb and his men in their views. On many an occasion, it is hard to believe that Bligh’s log and the journal of James Morrison, the boatswain’s mate, were referring to the same incidents on board the Bounty. The author follows all the participants in the events as far as the records can trace them, and then describes his own experiences as a visitor to Pitcairn. The fate of the mutineers and the Islanders who arrived at Pitcairn is ironical. The little community was at first marked by quarrels and violence, which eventually resulted in every white man except John Adams being killed. John Adams then became very aware of the group’s religious shortcomings, and soon influenced the whole group of Pitcairners to become active Christians. To this day, the Pitcairners are notably devout They are also, because of the rugged nature of their land, their temperate habits, and their natural diets, very strong and healthy. Frank Clune found them generous, friendly and kind. His description of their island and their present way of life is very interesting, and nobody who enjoys Frank Clime’s books will find reason to be disappointed in this one.