Loading Storm-tossed Ships.
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
Polynesian Grit.
Courage and Patience Shown in Loading Storm-tossed Ships.
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Aug. 12.
WHETHER the storm-god Tangaroa has in some way been offended, we cannot say; but the unusual series of bad loading conditions for ships call ing at the Cook Group continues. Mail boats, warships, cargo vessels and schooners, each in turn, have met with dismal weather conditions at their anchorages off the reefs at the different islands.
On July 25 the s.s. “Waikawa”, from the American coast, called at Rarotonga and loaded tomatoes for the Auckland market. She proceeded to Atiu, where it is understood the reef conditions pre vented her from landing portion of her cargo. Then, again, at Aitutaki, she was forced from one loading position to another by the rough seas. It is reported that several boats were badly damaged.
After persevering for two or three days, the “Waikawa” eventually lifted the whole of the cargo of oranges offering.
The magnificent efforts made by the native inhabitants of the Islands to get their fruit aboard a vessel in rough weather seem somehow to escape the notice of South Sea writers. The cool courage, patient labour and muscle power that is placed behind this work of loading crates of fruit, day and night, into a vessel heaving madly at her anchorage require an almost arrogant contempt for the power of the sea.