CRUISE IN THE PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19717, 17 August 1927, Page 12

CRUISE IN THE PACIFIC

VOYAGE OF TWO MONTHS.

RETURN OF THE DIOMEDE.

LONELY OUTPOSTS VISITED.

SUCCESSFUL TRADE IN PEARLS. A two months' cruise in the Pacific, including visits' to many of the little-known islands, was completed by H.M.S. Diomede when the cruiser returned to Auckland \ from Nukualofa, Tonga, early yesafternoon. The cruise commenced on June 13, and almost ideal weather was experienced throughout. Many interesting places were visited by the warship, and although most of the crew had been with the cruiser on previous trips to the all were agreed that the latest voyage had been interesting and enjoyableThere were merry scenes in the men's quarters shortly after the warship dropped anchor. Liberty men who were relieved from duty made preparations for going ashore, and all manner of souvenirs from the islands wfcre displayed, some, no doubt, ready for delivery to friends on shoro A huge overseas and local mail was taken on board for distribution, and there were large gatherings, both on deck and below, when the heavy bags were emptied. A Week at Papeete. After leaving Auckland on June 13 the Diomede proceeded to Rarotonga, but as an epidemic of influenza had broken out there, departure was taken on June 19. the day of arrival, as soon as mails bad been taken on board. A call was made at Aitutaki the same day, and June 21 to June 23 were spent at Bora Bora. Papeete was reached on June 23, and during a week's stay numerous entertainments were arranged for the officers and men. Visits were then paid to Caroline Island and Vostock Island. The last-mentioned island was uninhabited, the call having been made to see if survivors from any wrecked ship were there The whole population of Caroline Island, numbering six natives, gathered on the beach to gaze with amazement at a ship very different from the occasional sailing cutter which called at their island.

Penrhvn Island, a lonely outpost, about 200 miles from Tahiti, with only one or two white inhabitants, proved a source of great interest to the ship's, company. The island abounds in pearl fisheries, and t l he members of the crew traded old clothes, razors, soap and other things for hundreds of pearls. The natives had no use for money, but an old singlet, torn and age-worn, was worth several pearls of no mean value. On arrival at Suva at a later date the crew sold their purchases, in many cases for remarkable prices. Solitary Europeans.

After calling at Manahiki and Rakahanga, a stop was made at Suvaroff, on Julv 11. This small island is 400 miles east of Samoa, and has a population of six natives, all members of one family. Information had been received that the wife of a copra planter was ill at Nassau Island, which was visited the same day. Besides a few natives, the only white people on the island were the planter and his wife. Although medical assistance was given to the woman, she died before the vessel left. Only one white man was found at Danger Island, and as he had seen only natives for about a vear. he welcomed the short stay of the warship. Five days were spent at Apia, where the crew was again entertained, and took part in sports tournaments. After spending seven days at Pago Pago, Suva and Nukualofa, the cruiser sailed for Auckland on August 13 Fine weather continued until the New Zealand coast was reached, hut conditions were not bad at any time. The officers and men speak highly of the hospitality of the residents on the larger islands visited.

The usual gunnery and other exercises were carried out during the cruise. The Diomede will go into Calliope Dock 'for overhaul this morning, and will remain there for about a month