The S.S. “Mighty Error”

THE following libellous verses were written by Mrs. Kathleen Bignell, of “Fulakora” Plantation, Solomon Islands, some years ago; but, as the “Mitiaro” was then still in commission, publication was suppressed. The little ship was taken to sea and scuttled recently, however, so the feelings of no one need be hurt if the following is issued as

an epitaph:

IT was the “Mighty Error”

That sailed the tropic seas; Her hull it ran on an ancient plan, And her engines could only wheeze.

Her steering gear was slightly queer; Her bilge quite out of date.

When her anchor was weighed, I’m much afraid, It never drew the weight.

Her wobbling screw was stuck on with glue, Her paint was past its prime.

Her masts were at angle “45,”

And her funnel out of line.

Her bunkers were bust and deep in rust, Her anchors green with moss.

If blood be the price of merchant-ships, She’d have been a sanguine loss.

It was only a fortnight yesterday, They laid her on her side, And patched up her sins with benzine tins, While the rigging was all retied.

Then the Captain rang, “Full speed ahead”; Old “Wardie” sighed “She might,”

But the piston rods were at evens and odds, And the pumps refused to bite.

A land breeze shook her from bow to stern.

And we found she’d come unstuck; But we managed to reach Meringe beach By the grace of God’s good luck.

So bring your hammer and tacks, Sir Mate, And strike as you struck before.

Though she may be delayed a short decade.

You’ll see Makambo once more.

The little inter-island steamer “Mitiaro,” sinking near Tulagi, Solomon Islands, after being scuttled.

Hon. J. G. (“Gus”) Nelsson

Said to be the most popular member of the Papuan Council. He arrived in the Territory in the early nineties, and, since then, has been engaged in mining, planting, trading, recruiting, and (as he says) “anything with a few bob in it.” He is now a Director of Gold Mines of Papua, Ltd., which is moving rapidly to successful production in Misima and Woodlark. Mr. Nelsson was a recipient of the Jubilee Gold Medal (which seel).