"Poi" For The Makea Nui

From Our Own Correspondent

Mangaia, Nov.

AVERY old Polynesian custom is the preparation of “pio” (a paste of pounded taro) for a chiefly guest to take away on leaving Mangaia.

The Ariki of Rarotonga, Mrs. Takau Rio Tupu, who has spent several months here in pursuit of health, left recently for her island Kingdom.

At the Makea’s departure a very large community presentation of traditional gifts to Royalty poi, fine mats, etc.,— was made.

To a European, “poi” has little attrac tion; there is not much flour in it; but the ceremonial nature of this ancient food makes the acquiring of a taste- for it a necessary part of one’s co-option to a Maori tribe in the Cook Islands, and “poi” remains Mangaia’s “stirrup cup.”

When Mr. F. L. Smith retires from the Suva branch of the Bank of New Zealand later this year, his place will be taken by Mr. B. C. Carpenter, of the Bank’s branch at Pukekohe, N.Z. Mr. Smith has been connected with the Fiji branch on and off for the past 35 years, for the last six years as manager, and will probably reside somewhere in New Zealand on his retirement.

Mr. E. T, Fulton was in Sydney in December with Mrs. Fulton and their young daughter. They were waiting for a direct ship to Rabaul, where Mr. Fulton now has an agency business.

A young Tongan and his half-sister were involved in two separate motor acci dents near Nukualofa recently. Naufahu Manukainiu slipped and fell under a mov ing lorry about three miles out of Nukualofa; he received flesh wounds. A few days later his sister was walking along the road with her mother when a lorry approaching from behind got out of control and hit the young woman. Her injuries were not serious.

Top photo shows Mrs. J.

R. Grey and her young daughter inside the spaci ous main cabin of “Siren.”

Lower photo is of the “Siren” in full sail off Suva. The young Fijian girl who is part of the “crew” is standing on the deck. —Photo by Stinson Studios.