JOYS OF IDLENESS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 January 1929, Page 2

JOYS OF IDLENESS.

“A BEACHCOMBER'S HEAVEN.”

PLACE OF SUNSHINE AND PEACE

Astonishingly content in their camp, attractively situated under shady and blooming pohutukawas in a corner of Urupukapuka Island, two British residents of Tahiti have this summer discovered that the Bay of Islands is the rendezxous-de-luxe for “ beachcombers’ ' (says the New Zealand Herald). It seems rather like bringing coals t.) Newcastle for people of tropical Tahiti to journey to the sub-tropical climes of our winterless North for a vacation, but nevertheless these two Britishers, Messrs G. H. Moore and W. Alister Macdonald, arrived from Tahiti during September and have spent all the time since then “beachcombing” around the Bay of Islands. Mr Moore owns an important copra plantation in Tahiti, and Mr Macdonaic\ describes himself ns “-an unobslrusivo resident of the most beautiful place in the world — Tahiti. ’' “Unlike most tourists who come to Now Zealand, we have no definite plans beyond the fact that we intend continuing with our programme of loafing, ” they declared in an interview last week. “The tropics play havoc with a white man and we find New Zealand climate the best in which to recuperate. In Tahiti it is like summer night and day from one year's end to the next. It exacts its toll from the Anglo-Saxon, who apparently must have 'overcoat' weather occasionally. On ai rival in New Zealand we purchased a launch, tents and equipment, and headed for Russell. The squally weather first experienced was a disappointment and caused us to say unkind words about one or two things in particular, but we patiently waited for the summer'weather to set in. Our patience was rewarded.” FISH CAUGHT FOR FOOD.

Their camp has a definite air of simple and artistic independence about it. One feels that .here at last are two men who are actually living what wo all dream. The two unconventional visitors live in tents in their secluded bay and get as close to Nature as they can. They wear a minimum of clothes, such as* they would not dare uso under the relentless Tahitian sun. When they want food they simply row out and catch fish, When they have eaten they sleep, read, or walk about the hills. This they have been doing day after day, through week after week They have oven serenely resisted the lure of deep-sea angling off Cape Brett. “No, swordfish and mako sharks do not interest us,'' they smiled. “ We are simply beachcombing to fit ourselves for a further sojourn in the tropic. To people who indulge in strenuous vacation perhaps our simpl*desires seem unbelievable. What attainment, after all, is there’in killing gallant monsters of the deep? In our youth wo yearned for this life of complete idleness, and now that wo have the modest means to fulfill our dreams, why shouldn't wo? There is something tremendously satisfying about the remarkable beauty and peace of the Bay of Islands and the easy living it offers from its prolific waters. Materialists say you cannot .’ivo on sunsets and views and blue skies, but when you’ve had a, satisfying meal, with your pipe well filled, lying cm your back in the sun, watching the ever-changing beauty of the bay, somehow or another living becomes very much easier.”

BEAUTY OP THE NORTH. Mr Macdonald is a water-colour artist and an impressionist, whose work, besides having been exhibited in the Royal Academy, is well-known in New Zealand. It is his intention to make several landscapes of the Bay of Islands. “After the vivid colours of Tahiti I found the Bay of Islands a little tame,” he said. “But the bay has a beauty of its own. Deep Water Cove is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. The layout of the camp is artistic and charming in every way. The bold and rugged beauty of Cape Brett is interesting me very much.” After another two weeks in northern waters, a comprehensive but leisurely tour of the South Island, and more particularly c*f the Milford

Sounds, they will return to- Tahiti during March.

“It is claimed the New Zealand sounds or fiords equal those of Norway,” said one of the visitors. “If they do they must bo very beautiful New Zealand is the most unique vacation country in the world. Within its short length practically every climate can bo found and every outdoor sport enjoyed. What other country offers so much? We will never forget New Zealand. We will always remember it as a beachcomber’s heaven!”