ISLAND CRUISE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 256, 26 July 1935, Page 2

ISLAND CRUISE

Monowai Returns to Auckland

Leaving Auckland On July 9 on a 16days cruise to Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, the Monowai returned again on Wednesday with her 300. tourists. During the first night of the eruise a strong wind freshened, and for a couple of days conditions were rather unpleasant. However, the sight of the lovely harbour of Nukualofa soon made passengers forget their indisposition. Passengers were taken ashore by the ship’s boats and launches and made trips to the Biow Holes, Haamunga and Flying Foxes, which were very popular. During the afternoon Queen Salote of Tonga embarked on the Monowai.

Next day (Sunday), which was spent at Vavau, was a beautiful day. Passengers were taken ashore by the ship's boats, and after exploring the island and enjoying a swim in the sea, passengers re-embarked into the ship’s boats and were taken to the famous Swallows’ Cave, the beauty of which was acknowledged to be one of the highlights of the cruise. Pago Pago, the American naval station, was reached about 11.30 on the Sunday morning. Apia was reached at 5 p.m. on the same day, aud almost immediately passengers were making for the shore. In the evejiing an impressive church service was held in the Tiyoli Theatre, a feature being the singing of a choir of 80 native boys. The Monday was spent by the passengers iu various motor tours along the coast. A trip to Stevenson’s tomb aljp claimed the attention of many. Thia had to be taken In the early morning in order to avoid the heat of the noonday sun. Perfect weather was experienced during the s'ay here. The Monowai departed at 2 p ra. on Tuesday, arriving off Niuafoou ("TinCan” Island) at 7 a.m. next morning. Here 5406 letters in three water-tight cans were lowered into the sea to be picked up by the natives who had come out in a boat. On the Friday morning tlie Monowai arrived at Levuka aud berthed at the wharf for the first time (the Monowai owing to her draught being unable to go alongside the wharves previously). The Monowai sailed at 5 p.m. and anchored in Suva harbour about 9 o’clock. She. berthed next morning at 7 a.m., and was welcomed on the wharf by the Fiji Native Defence Force Band. During the morning a display of firewalking hjjd been arranged at Albert Park by the Union Steam Ship Company. Native football matches in the afternoon also roused n good deal of interest among- the passengers. In the evening a ball was held at the Grand Pacific 1 lotel. At 2 o'clock on the Sunday morning the Monowai was steaming toward New Zealand. Sunday and Monday was spent at sea. and on Tuesday night the ship put into Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island, where a fancy dress ball wfts held, some of the costumes being most original. During the last night on board an opportunity was taken by the Hon. T. F. O’Bryne, M.L.C.. of Invercargill, to thank Cntitain Davey and his staff for (he wonderful way in which they had looked after the passengers and had anticipated every want. Captain Davey replied. The cruise director, Mr. 11. E. Brusey, with his assistants, saw that everything worked smoothly.