A Diver For Coral

MRS. CORA MAXWELL of Honolulu believes she is the only white woman who lives by diving for coral and selling it to tourists. Do “P.1.M.” readers know of any rival for the unusual claim ?

There is not much “overhead” in the work, but there is plenty of hard work, especially for a woman. All that Mrs.

Maxwell wears on the job are rubber shoes, diving goggles, gloves and a brief two-piece swim suit. Dislodging the coral, Mrs. Maxwell wields a geologi cal pick. She collects a wide range of corals; lace, brain, mushroom, branch and plate all fall before her sturdy arms.

Of her work Mrs. Maxwell says: “It’s hard, but it’s a living. I came here from the U.S. mainland, three years ago, and I had to support three daugh ters. Tourists fall for coral souvenirs.

I really love the work now. I enjoy ob serving the marine life; the beauty and brilliance of the reef fishes. Now and again an eel nips me.

“Diving work like mine is fine for hip-conscious women. I can recommend it for slimming, and the exercise keeps me full of pep. Lots of my customers won’t believe I am a grandmother!”

Mr. and Mrs. H. Peterson arrived at Suva, Fiji, by the June “Niagara” from Sydney. Mr. Peterson is merchandise manager of Burns, Philp &' Co., at Lau toka.