Papeete

“Aina Pare” Goes

Romantic Memories of Old Papeete

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, Jan. 22.

ANOTHER old landmark of the Papeete waterfront, the “Aina Pare,” is now being demolished by the Municipality, a work which has been found necessary in pursuance of the scheme to widen the Avenue Bruat. When finished, the latter will be a fine, broad thoroughfare run ning from the sea-front to the foot of the mountains. Most of the Government buildings are situated along this avenue which, it is stated, is to be planted on both sides with rain trees (Pithecolobium Saman ) to replace the ancient acacias, many of which now are in a dangerously rotten condition.

The “Aina Pare” was also known as the “Annex” in days gone by, and was formerly owned by the celebrated Lo vaina, and used by her as an accommoda tion house for guests, whenever the Hotel Tiare was found insufficient for the pur pose. The “Annex” was inherited by Lovaina’s son, Johnny, who for many years past has maintained a boarding establishment there on his own account.

While the necessity for its removal in the interests of town improvement cannot be questioned, the disappearance of this old place, with its attendant associations of a renowned proprietress, of Bacchana lian revels and transitory amours, will stir the memory of many an old-timer in Polynesia, and bring a twinge of regret to numerous alien visitors whose first Islands adventure was encountered behind the latticed verandahs of “Aina Pare.”