THE PANAMA CANAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE PANAMA CANAL.

By ETHEL BAKER, 78. Sherwell Hill Chelston, Torauay, Devonshire. One of tho most interesting pieces of workmanship and engineering in the world is tho Panama Canal. Tho R.M.M.V. Rangitiki arrived at Panama on May 14, about nine o'clock. Land had been seen by the passengers about five hours previously. My first impression of America was a low hill, standing out boldly against the sea and sky in tho north-western corner and a series of lower hills, running along the northern horizon. I later discerned a lew coastline running along tho western horizon. As we got nearer land, porpoises camo jumping in and out of tho

water alongside the ship. Before we reached the wharf we passed many small rocks and islands thickly covered with palms and other tropical plants. When we went ashore there were Bailors and boy scouts lined up ready to greet Admiral Byrd. Tho boy scouts carried the Ameri. can flag and also other flags. After passing through the wharf sheds, our attention was attracted to natives selling souvenir goods of Panama. Their wares were spread on mats on the ground. There were silk shawls and coats of the gayest colours, silk handkerchiefs, witli sonic emblem of Panama embroidered on them, and beads of all descriptions. Next we saw fruit stalls, which were also managed by native women. There were oranges, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, coconuts, and lime fruits We took a car and visited some of the most interesting parts of both old and new Panama. We visited the ruins of an old cathedral and nunnery, which were destroyed by a pirate named Henry Morgan, nearly 250 years ago. He also tried to destroy a bridgO; by the name of King's Bridge, but could not. Tho cathedral is altogether 290 years old. In another part of the town thero is a cathedral, the altar of which is wrought in purest gold. When Henry Morgan came to Panama this altar was hidden from him in case he should destroy that too. It was not revealed again until years after he had left tho country. We left Panama at three o'clock in the afternoon, and went first through the Miraflores Locks and then into the Miraflores Lake, which is an artificial 'One. Going through tho locks is an interesting experience. The ship is drawn along by olectric engines and passes through two gates before being raised 80it. by the electric engines. As soon as tho ship is through, the gates are locked. After being raised the ship passes through two more gates and is then in the Miraflores Lake. This is a beautiful lake. On each side are green fields and hills and tropical plants. After going through tho lake the ship comes into tho Culebra Cut which is one of tho narrowest parts of the canal. On either side are high cliffs and hills covered with palms and other plants. At night it is lit up with coloured electric lights and looks very pretty. Once we saw a crocodile poking his ugly head out of the water. We did not pass through the Pedro Miguel and Gatun Locks until nearly midnight and by that time wo were in bed. We had spent a very enjoyable day and were very happy.