Palatial Yacht.

Baron Empain’s Cruise In The Pacific.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Aug. 9.

THE popularity of Tahiti as a stopping place for voyaging yachtsmen was demonstrated when the “Heliopolis,” a palatial, oil-burning pleasure cruiser of 600 tons, came into Papeete on July 19 — just too late for the festivities —unfortunately for her passengers.

The “Heliopolis” is owned by Baron Empain, who is by birth a Belgian subject and well-known in all the capi tals of Europe, but is especially noted for the lavish entertainments given at the Chateau de Bouffemount, near Paris, which is one of his Continental resi dences.

Baron Empain inherited his title, as well as a half-share in a fortune of two billions of francs, from his father, who was also known as General Empain, and who died some five years ago. The old Baron was closely associated with the late King Leopold in the early days of the Congo Free State, and it was there that he accumulated most of his wealth, in various enterprises, and subsequently became one of the principal shareholders in the rich mineral deposits of the Ka tanga district.

The Baron joined the “Heliopolis” in Mexico and proceeded to Tahiti by way of the Marquesas Islands. Here the ves sel remained for four days while the party, which numbered sixteen, toured the island, and made the most of such

diversions as could be found at the tail end of the July Fete; they were also entertained aboard the N.Z. warship “Veronica,” which was in port at the time.

After taking aboard 850 drums of fuel oil, which had been awaiting her for some time, the “Heliopolis” proceeded to Moorea, where the party were enter tained by Mr. T. Wessells —who has leased Lord Hasting’s establishment in Oponohu Bay—and thence continued on her way to the Leeward Group, Fiji, and the Far East.

It is understood that Baron Empain will disembark in Singapore, and the yacht will then take the shortest route to Southampton, England, where she is due to arrive in the early part of September.

The estimated cost of this flying trip around the world is 3,000,000 francs.

As shore-going equipment, the “Heli opolis” carries a Criscraft boat, capable of 45 miles per hour, and another launch fitted with a 450 horse-power engine, which can clip along in smooth water at 70 miles per hour; this latter was let down to give the natives a treat in Oponohu Bay.

The captain, officers, crew and dining room staff are English.

After a short experiment with a talkie installation, the proprietor of Rarotonga picture theatre has decided to augment his installation with new equipment from the United States and to carry out im provements generally in connection with his premises. Mr. Browne, the proprie tor, on numerous occasion, in fact, on every occasion of the visit of a warship, throws his house open, free to all the rating, and with his orchestra of stringed instruments, gives a lively evening’s en tertainment for the bluejackets.