Little Islanders’ Corner

DEAR DOROTHEA, —I have received many letters from Little Islanders lately and have been busy answering them.

Here is a Fijian legend about the red prawns in a pool on Vatulele (a small island just off the mainland of Viti Levu). Just inland a little on Vatulele in some rocks is a deep pool in which are the only red prawns in the world, and this is the tale about them.

Once, many years ago, there was a large feast a little way up the coast from Sigatoka. Every one who went to this feast had to take some food. One old lady was taking prawns, and while they were cooking she went out. While she was away a man passed the door of her house and having nothing to take stole the prawns. Coming out of the door again he met the old lady, who seeing what he was up to, started to chase him.

The native hadn’t time to escape, so he threw the prawns with all his might out to sea, and they landed in the pool on Vatulele. The Fijians say that the devil of the pool took them, and brought them to life again, and they may be seen there to-day. No Fijian dares to touch one of these queer creatures, as to do so would bring ill fortune to the whole of the village.

Do you think you could find me another pen friend in New Guinea? A girl of my own age (12) if possible, who is interested in all sports, as well as reading and sewing.

“Ruve.”

Sigatoka, Fiji.

Dear Dorothea, — I have read with much interest letters from members of the Little Islanders’

Corner and I should like to join, providing I am not too old.

I am 15 years of age and have been residing at Port Vila, New Hebrides. I am very fond of all animals, and especially interested in dogs.

Would any Little Islanders care to correspond with me?

I am a New Zealander, and am at present in Wellington, working in an office as shorthand typiste.

Marion Fletcher.

P.O. Box 1037, Wellington, N.Z.

Dear Dorothea, —I enjoy reading the Little Islanders’ corner very much and I have decided to write to you myself. As we are without a good camera at present, I shall not be able to obtain a snap for you yet, but perhaps you would like to hear about my home.

I turned 15 on January 20, and live on Bougain ville, one of the largest islands in the Northern Solomons Group (New Guinea). Kieta is the little township, and our plantation, Toboroi, is six miles out of Kieta.

During the hot weather here, the heat is very trying, but the cloudless skies are a wonderful blue colour. The shadows of the palm leaves weave lacy patterns on the ground, and the bright tropical flowers such as the hibiscus, lend a colourful touch to our garden. Orchids cling to the tall palms, sheltered from the rays of the hot sun by the many green palm leaves. They also grow between the forks of large trees in. the bush.

The bush is a mass of tangled creepers, damp moss, and ferns, with many giant-like trees here and there. Many kinds of birds wing their way through the cool and shady bush. When a gust of wind comes and scatters the dead leaves about, it reminds one of autumn, but we do not experi ence the thrill of autumn, or of frosty winter here.

Beatrix Kroening.

Toboroi Plantation, Post Kieta, New Guinea.

Dear Dorothea, —I should like to become a member of the Little Islanders’ Corner. I will be 12 on July 20.

Will you help me to get stamps from New Guinea, Papua, and the Solomon Island, please?

I have just started collecting in earnest and will gladly exchange any Fiji stamps for those of other countries.

I would be glad to have a pen-friend, and will use the word “Bavelo” for my pen-name.

“Bavelo.”

Sigatoka, Fiji.

(Little Islanders may correspond direct with any of the above members or they may first write care of the Pacific Islands Monthly, Box 3408R r G.P.0., Sydney.)