How To Get a Pacific Tour
p. 24 · Read in the full issue
Pacific Tour At Very Low Cost
From Our Own Correspondent Apia Oct. 22 rE absurdities and anomalies of the laws governing stowaways were well illustrated here recently.
When the steamer Parkdale Park was a couple of days out from Apia, in June, on her way to Honolulu, four young Sam oans were found. They had sneaked aboard in Apia, and hidden themselves.
The shipowner (Union SS Co) had to accomodate and feed them, and return them to Samoa—that is the law. The ship was bound for Honolulu and Vancouver. The youths were given food and allowed to sleep in the available cabins. Legally, they could not be forced to work—but they worked, up to a point.
From Vancouver, the ship proceeded to San Francisco, thence to Rarotonga, Auckland, Suva, Nukualofa, and Vavau, and so back to Apia. The voyage occupied four months, and the youths enjoyed a tour for which thousands of people today would pay much money.
The four young men were brought before a court in Apia this week and fined.
The fines were paid; the story is abroad; and now many other Samoans, with itchy feet, are studying the opportunities of the waterfront.
Mr. A. C. Clifford left Brisbane for Suva by the Qantas flying-boat on October 7. Formerly of the RAAF and proprietor of a motor business in Brisbane, Mr. Clifford has been appointed foreman of Suva Motors Ltd. His wife and two children will follow.