ISLANDS CRUISE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1935, Page 8

ISLANDS CRUISE

MONOWAI TO MAKE 15 DAY TRIP

The cnii.se idea "which has become such a popular method of holidaymaking in Europe during the last live years has certainly spread to this pair of the world, and. the people of New Zealand and Australia have not been slow to seize the opportunities offered by shipping companies. It is therefore not surprising to know that the “Monowai” which leaves Auckland today, (Tuesday) on a cruise to Tonga, Samoa and Fiji carries a full complement of passengers. After three days a t sea—days full of entertainment and fun, the “Monowai” will make her first call at Nukualofa, the capital of the Tongan Group of Islands. Mere passengers-will make the acquaintance of the charming Polynesian natives, see. the Haamunga or monuments el the “Sacred Kings” and the wood of the “Flying Foxes.” Early, next day Vavau with its beautiful island-stud-der harbour will be visited, and a trip to the magnificent Swallows Cave, with its Cathedral-like dimensions will he one of the high-lights of the cruise. The “Monowai” will leave for Apia early in the afternoon, which apart from its being the burial place ol Robert Louis Stevenson contains some of the loveliest scenery in the Pacific Islands. Passengers will also have an opportunity of witnessing some thrilling exhibitions of native dancing and knife-throwing. The morning after leaving Apia the “Monowai” will call at the island of Niuafoou or “Tin-Can Island,” then another day’s care-free .sea travel and Levuka—- “a jewel of the Pacific” is reached. A whole day will be spent here. Suva the last port of call being reached on the Saturday morning. A dnv full of interest will culminate in a ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the ship sailing enrlv on the Sunday morning for Auckland, which will be reached on Wednesday, July 24.