BLUFF NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22286, 29 March 1934, Page 12

BLUFF NEWS

TAMATEA’S TRIP. (From Our Correspondent.) On many occasions in past seasons the landing of muttonbirders on the various islands has been fraught with great difficulty when weather conditions were unfavourable for the work. In the latter case it has been no uncommon thing for landing operations to take several days. On his recent trip in the Tamatea, however, Captain Hamilton put up a performance which must be close to the record foi- quick landing, if it is not the best yet. Sailing from Bluff on March 20 for Colac Bay, the latter port was left at 1 p.m. and the night was spent in Easy Harbour. Next morning Captain Hamilton sailed to the muttonbird islands and succeeded that day in making 16 landings and putting ashore his 75 passengers with all their personal effects and equipment. Several boat trips were necessary at each landing place to and from ship to shore, over 70 in all being made. The islands visited were Big South Cape, Pauwhaiti, Poutama and Solomon. With his job successfully accomplished, Captain Hamilton returned to’Bluff, the Tamatea berthing at 4 p.m. on the 22nd. Needless to say, perfect weather was experienced throughout. At the request .of the muttonbirders the Tamatea will visit the islands again about April 25. R.A.0.8. Social. On Saturday evening the R.A.0.8. Lodge held a meeting, when a regalia visit was paid by Murihiku (Invercargill) brethren and members of other lodges, who arrived in force for the function. The visitors were welcomed on behalf of the local lodge by Bro. A. McNish, W.P., responses being made by Primos Pullar (of Townsville, Queensland), J. McNamara, W. H. Bentley, R.0.H., T. P. King and others. After business in connection with the lodge, the meeting was closed and a social gathering took place, when friends of members were admitted. A very enjoyable time was spent in music, song and story, while supper (in which oysters played a prominent part) was a popular feature of the function. Throughout the evening the duties of chairman were shared by Bros. McNish, McNamara, Bentley and Mahoney. Items were contributed by Messrs B. Mehaffey (violin solos), J. Hickey (songs), Bros. N. Bradshaw (piano solos), Cooney, Kelman, Bentley, T. Mahoney, McNamara, J. Brown (stories and recitations), J. Tall (piano solos), G. Giles, R. Brown, C. N. Crawford, T. W. Parry, E. D. Campbell, K. Adlard, M. Wixon, C. Officer, and T. Fowler (songs). Bros. Bradshaw, Tall, Brown and McNish played the accompaniments.