Fisherman’S

“Luck”

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rarotonga, Nov. 1

LORING ANDREWS, American writer resident here, is a noted fishing en thusiast. Returning recently from a visit to New Zealand, the author brought back a beautiful little speed launch capable of 27 knots, all gadgets and polished wood work.

Zane-Greying out from Avatieu harbour one morning last week Mr. Andrews, with two companions promptly hooked a 4-foot para weighing 601 b. On board the launch, the visitor at once bit his host just above the ankle so severely that the party were obliged to return immediately for a couple of stitches to be put in. But a fish-bite being considered proverbially lucky for those who are not bitten, the launch put out to sea again, running six or seven miles down the coast.

There the engine batteries gave out.

Opposite the wireless station the fishing party signalled for assistance, anchoring off the reef whilst the Government whale boat rowed down from Avarua with the Chief of Police and the Harbour Master aboard. With fresh batteries the launch was again got under way until a native youth, leaning overboard, touched a spark plug with his wet clothing and caused a

backfire which wrenched away a portion of the distributor.

Towed home by the whaleboat against a strong headwind, Mr. Andrews’ opinion of polished speed boats, 601 b paras, native boys, and life in general were all unfit for publication in any self-respecting news paper.