Tropic Isles
p. 32 · Read in the full issue
The Navy’s Visits to Tropic Isles Social Value of Such Events
From Our Own Correspondent.
Rarotonga, July 14.
ON Wednesday, July 3rd., H.M.S. “Dio mede” dropped anchor off Avarua, where she remained until the following Saturday. On the night of her arrival European ladies ashore arranged a dance in honor of Captain Graham and the officers.
A feature of the evening was the row of attractive native and half-caste girls occupying two sides of the hall, but who, through a scarcity of partners, hardly danced at all. Few, if any, were intro duced to the visitors; although, judging from certain remarks heard, they were not alone in this respect. Indeed, as in variably happens on these occasions, the former were almost entirely monopolised, by a small clique.
The cost —to New Zealand ratepayers— of these lengthy visits by warships must be greatly out of proportion to the rather dubious moral effect which they have on the “brown brother.” The “Diomede” stayed 3½ days, and the “Dunedin,” due here next month, is scheduled to remain a further five. Without attempting to quote actual figures, the “all-in” expenses of two such cruisers over a nine days’ visit must represent an expenditure which even the most Kiplingesque-minded would hesitate to endorse as proportionate to the value received.
Although no people are less belligerent or so little in need of a reminder of the man a of Big Fella White Man, than are the Cook Islanders, one nevertheless can not help thinking that some part of the time spent on picnics, parties and sports could be better employed in exhibitions of drill, landing-party manoeuvres, etc., which would at least leave a lasting im pression. After all, if it really is neces sary for these vessels to pay such lengths calls, one presumes that at all events their crews are “on service,” and this being so, it might be just as well to avoid creating an impression that a warship is a sort of luxury cruiser with a complel ment of uniformed tourists.
Commander A. H. Davey, of the Union Company’s Monowai, which made a cruise of Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa in July, spent many pleasant hours in the chief port of those groups renewing acquaintances For many years he was master of the Union Company’s steamers Tofua and Talone, well-known warriors of the day; when the Central Pacific was crisscrossed by frequent cargo services from New Zealand and Australia.