Mangaians Remember Captain

Hoddinott

From Our Own Correspondent MANGAIA, Cl, June 5.

THE recent passing of Captain Hoddi nott, formerly of the Union Steam ship Company’s inter-island steamer service, is regretted by local planters, who recall him as “the captain who brought his ship nearer to the reef.”

Most skippers give the fanged and

frothing door-step of this isle a fairly wide berth, there being no anchorage, and, of course, absolutely no wharf or harbour. This lying well off the reef meant much fatigue for the boatmen en gaged in loading or lightering, especially upon a rough day. The late Captain Hoddinott had a peculiarly intimate knowledge of the Mangaia coast, and would keep his ship as near to the reef as was consistent with safety—much nearer than other Masters ever attempted, forming a lee for the boats

and canoes at reasonably short distance from the channel. His Waipahi was al ways loaded up in good time.

Present Masters stay further out; in one ship’s case a full mile of offiing was thought prudent. There is definite danger in the hurricane months, and many skippers have this fact in mind, Mangaia Island possessing no sort of shelter where ships may ride out a sud den storm. The only thing to do if an uriia arises is to get away—and without delay.

On most of the calls made by the late captain the weather was very good in deed, a circumstance that caused Cap tain Hoddinott to be regarded locally as a lucky shipmaster, so that an auspicious loading day was often referred to as “Hoddinott’s weather”

Vale “te Rangatira i akavaitata i te akau!”