From Mangaia

Another Makatea Contingent

From Our Own Correspondent

MANGAIA, February.

THE native labourers from this Island who recently returned home after a year’s service on the phosphate island of Makatea have again departed, along with a fresh labour force, for further ser vice on the French-owned island.

A steamer in January was formerly an unheard-of thing here, that month being a doubtful one in the hurricane season; but this year the “Marabank” defied tra dition, and was rewarded with an almost perfect day for her call to pick up the local labour.

Mangaian residents temporarily domi ciled in Rarotonga were not slow to seize the chance of returning home offered by this January call. Mr. and Mrs. H. H.

Hickling, who are in charge of the local schools, were passengers by the “Mara bank,” as also was Father Charles of the Sacred Heart Mission; Mr. Edwin Gold of the cliff-village; and Pastor Robert Serna of the LMS.

This time phosphate workers go on a six month contract only—the shortest term yet offered to the Mangaians, who up till now have signed-on for at least a year upon the phosphate diggings. With improved conditions, the six-month con tract is likely to seem too short to the new hands, who are looking forward to the amusements and amenities described in glowing terms by those who have had experience, and who have returned at the expiration of their contract with many good things bought at Makatea, and never seen in the local stores.