Two Tragedies

Polynesians Lost in Cook Is.

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, Nov. 29.

SHIPWRECKS are rare in the compar atively quiet waters of the Cook Group, but this month witnessed two of the worst tragedies of recent years.

The inhabitants of the remote islands of Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro have long been accustomed to making voyages in open whaleboats over the 30 odd miles that separate one island from another.

Such voyages, in sound boats and fair weather, could not be considered danger ous, and to lose two separate boats within a few days of one another is extra ordinary.

One whaleboat, belonging to the Cook Islands Administration at Mitiaro, made the trip to Mauke to take back Mr.

David Brown, Resident Agent of Mauke, to his home. When returning to Mitiaro the boat took on extra passengers (mak ing a total of 12 natives in all). After it left Mauke, squally weather set in, and the boat and occupants have not been heard of since. As radio is now installed on all the Cook Islands, it is feared that all are lost.

Almost at the same time, a whaleboat left the island of Atiu, to the north, for Mitiaro, with one Irangi, a Mangaian, in charge. Soon, a heavy squall overtook the craft, which capsized. Irangi, carry ing his little grand-daughter, struck out for the distant shore of Atiu. He was followed by all except a youth, Matipi, who perceived that their only chance lay in righting the boat and trying to make land.

Matipi called to the swimmers: “E Irangi ma e! E oki mai, kia mate tatou ko tai ngai.” (O Irangi and others, come back so that we shall at least all die to gether.) Only two other youths, of the six swimmers, returned. The three boys, after a long struggle, righted the boat.

Darkness fell, and the cold and hungry survivors tried to reach the uninhabited islet of Takutea (16 miles from Atiu), but wind and current were too strong.

After two days of exposure, with neither food nor water, the half-dead lads were washed up on one of the tiny islets sur rounding Manuae Island, and managed to assuage thirst and hunger with a few coconuts.

Early next morning, they found their way over to the settlement of Manuae, where a copra-making gang assisted them.

Soon after, the schooner “Tiare Taporo” called and returned the boys to Atiu. Irangi, his son and grand-daughter, and one other man, perished.