A TOURISTS’ PARADISE

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6545, 18 November 1924, Page 2

A TOURISTS’ PARADISE

impressions of eastern PAPUA ' BY L.II. With its scenery, interesting walking and boatihg tours and the hospitality of its residents, the eastern division of Papua is an idea tourist resort. The trip of about ten days from Sydney is usually made under comfortable conditions and, if the traveller is fortunate enough to pass between the island of Logeia and the mainland in the •arly morning, he is rewarded with a magnificent first view of Samarai, the commercial capital of Papua, and the headquarters of the resident magistrate of the eastern division. The sun on the horizon transforms the surrounding islands into masses of pink and yellow foliage, which disappears into the distance into what appear to be blue and brown draping to the peaceful Pacific. Samari is an island of about 60 acres, with a floating population of nearly 160 planters, ai’tisans, Government officials, and store employees. Situated about four miles from the mainland and between the islands of Sariba and Logeia, with many smaller and picturesque islands adjacent, it is the gem of the archipelago. From the residency, which overlooks the town, the view at sunset is most beautiful, and compares more than favourably with the evening skies of the Northern Indian Ocean. A feature of the beach is the wonderful coral formation which can be observed at low tide, when the brilliant colours and varied symmetrical shapes invite admiration. It is difficult to name a more peaceful spot, for here one could spend many dreamy hours in the calm tropic nights with the soothing music of the waves on all sides, and never a foreign sound to interrupt the reverie. One thus learns to understand what men mean by “the call of the tropics.” This is one of the few places where funerals. are conducted by boat. A whaleboat; is substituted for the hearse, and ■ is towed by a launch to the necropolis on Logeia. The cemetery can be inspected on the walk across the island to the surfing beach.' BLACK LABOUR PROBLEM Within easy reach of Samarai there are several localities with some special interest /to the visitor. Giligilt, Milne Bay, is probably, the largest plantation in the Pacific. There are plenty of saddle horses, and it is an honour to accompany the manager on his rounds, which is the best time to see the natives at work and to get first hand knowledge pf the white man’s problem in managing black labour. The Papuans present such contrasts that one would be excused for asking why this party of giant Orikavas is sulking over such an easy task as weeding or minding cattle, .while that party of their fellow villagers is singing gaily at a heavy job of handling timber or pulling a big load. Further along, the opposite would be the case with natives from Suau or the D’Entrecasteaux Islands. In the Trobriand Islands, the centre of the pearling industry in the Territory, slightly different conditions obtain on account of the more congenial occupations, the distance from the mainland, and the improved intelligence of the natives. Kwato is the headquarters of the eastern section of the London Mission Society, and the work is almost entirely restricted to vocational training. The methods are most interesting, and the high standard attained will surprise the visitor. Sport is Encouraged, and the cricket team, has many victories against Samarai to Its. credit. If the traveller desired to keep away from civilisation, he could be accommodated with a boat and native crew to take him around the islands, Sariba, Sideia, Basilaki, Weitoa and Kata Katoa. He could make camp just wherever he wished and the “boys” should be able to supply him with fish, pigeons, mangrove oysters, paw-paws, bananas, etc. At intervals on the journer, Manila men and Japanese traders would be met. They would probably allow the “dim-dim” to see how the diving boys work in the quest for beche-de-mer and pearlshell. Two or three natives usually make a dinggy crew, and there might be a dozen such parties out from the schooner. The object is sighted on the sea-bed through a watertight box with a glass bottom, and the “boy” goes straight ovei-board, returning with as much as he can carry in his belt or basket. Exhibitions of spear-throwing and canoe' racing would be held for the special entertainment of the visitor. If the sea becomes too rough for the white passenger, he should not be angry if the witty member of the crew remarks: “Oh! Taubada, tuckerbox belong you ’boutship too much!”