IN THE ISLANDS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 296, 8 September 1908, Page 6

IN THE ISLANDS.

A VISITOR'S IMPRESSIONS. INTERVIEW WITH- COUNCILLOR SMITH. Recent visitors to the Islands included Mr. John Smith, tho doyen of the City Council, who made tho trip'for-tho purpose of rcoupcrating his health," an object in which lie was 'successful. •' Smooth seas and calm, warm weather helped to mako tho visit exceedingly enjoyable. Mr. Smith arrived back last Saturday. Some interesting particulars regarding his trip woro given by Mr. Smith to a Dominion reporter. ■ He< stated that he journeyed from Auckland by tho s.s. Hauroto, which was on her usual monthly trip. Several whales were seen on the passage. After remaining for a fow hours at Raratonga, tho vessel proceeded to Tahiti, .where she remained two days. 'He was struck with tho beauty of tho harbour there. During their stay tho annivorsary of ;the storming of the Bastillo was being celebrated. All day long processions of natives marched up and down tho streets. Now and again tho peoplo would assemble in front of the Governor's residence, where they would saluto tho French flag. In each procession was .1 band, consisting of two or, three drummers and several 1 players on bamboo instruments. Occasionally a nativo danco was held round a rotunda, upon which were seated many of tho notabilities of the Island'. It appeared to him that the French Government was sadly neglecting, the Islands .under its jurisdiction. Whilst thoy were .thero tho Mariposa arrived from .'Frisco with about 150 visitors, of whom, only a fow, intended to como on to New Zealand. After having loaded fruit at Tahiti, the steamer returned via Raiatea, Atiu, Mangai, and Aitutaki,- .whero.. further consignments were taken on board, to Raratonga,. whero tile loading was completed. Instead of returning to;. Auckland by tho Hauroto Mr. Smith waited for the Navua. After he had been at'R'arat-on'ga about a week 110 began to feel mudli botten ' Colonel Gudgeon, tho chief administrative, officer, impressed him as being the right man in the right place. As far as Mr. Smith could learn there was 110 dissatisfaction whatever.; The most notable event during, his" stay was tho capture of a whale '.within sightof, the township. This was tho first capture that had "been made for twenty years.. Naturally tho oxeitement of tho natives know ho bounds. Three boats were engaged in tlie chase, "and tho whale did not give in ~until.., 2i hours after they bccamo ■fastened-to it.- iiV'all there were thirteen' visitors, chiefly . residents of Now Zealand, at Raratonga, whilst lie was there. The people, ,both .'settlers t and natives, could not have'been more hospitable. Every day and every"night lie received an invitation to-pay a visit. The most interesting function which ho attended was a banquet given in native fashion ;on tho property of a prominent planter. Included on the menu was pork, chicken, cocoa-nut sauce; bread,'fruit, etc. Everything was cooked'in Maori l ovens, and tho guests had to eat without the assistance of knives, forks, arid'spoons.' Among other things, Mr. Smith said that tho,natives (who closely resembled the Maoris) were fairly industrious. During his stay he'lidd an opportunity of watching a number who had learned trades at work, and thecreditablo manner in which they acquitted themselves greatly surprised him.