The Bogi-Walu
p. 31 · Read in the full issue
or eight-night wind is a yearly visitor to Fiji in early August or late July—sometimes scarcely noticeable, some times severe. When severe, the accompanying sea-spray does a considerable amount of damage to vegetation on the more exposed South East coasts—the effect being counteracted, to some extent, if fine rain is present as well. The temperature on such occasions is cold. How ever, inland, and on more sheltered coasts, the Bogi-walu is often felt little more than as a strong cool breeze, more welcome than other wise.
The Bogi-walu sweeps through palm leaves and pandanus; Salt spray and rain drive inland from the seas; Young August shields her face and droops her banners.
And strips for flight, and with the wind she flees.
July would fain forego her glorious gift of sunshine To breast a portion of the eight nights’ strain.
July’s apparel—not for pain but peace time— Is armour poor against the wind and rain.
Oh! linger not, July—with heart-warm kiss of sweetness: Go now—your golden sun-robe scarcely tom.
Young August, swift and slim for greater fleetness, Plies through the years, and onward we are borne.
V. M. P. Coster.
Suva Point, Fiji, 29/7/1939.
Mr. S. Christian, of the Public Health Department, New Guinea, reached Bris bane on leave by the August “Bulolo”.