Eic Is Becoming
p. 136 · Read in the full issue
Tourist
Conscious
The remote and isolated Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony—which will not be so remote and isolated when Fiji Airways begins a regular air service to Funafuti and Tarawa soon—is beginning to get quite con scious of the amenities it has for the tourists it expects the aeroplanes to bring.
The news bulletin issued by the Colony's Information Department stated recently that two new hotels.
Hotel Boin-te-Riburibu at Bikenibeu, Tarawa, and the Hotel Vaiaku-Langi, at Funafuti, would "throw wide their portals early in 1964 to welcome those seeking an atoll holiday".
Another interesting item in the de partment's bulletin recently was "A Wanderer's Guide to Bairiki", which gives potential tourists a good idea of what they can expect in the food line in those parts.
Said the bulletin: "There are two places to eat and drink at the islet of Bairiki, that is, if you are a teetotaller. One is styled the Nikoraoi Cafe, a pre fabricated corrugated iron store building where you can buy flour, rice and tobacco.
"The dining room attached is known as the Grey House where, after ordering from pretty stewar desses, you may be served with an eighteen-penny plate of fish soup, sixpenny slice of bread and three penny cups of coffee, tea, or a shil ling bottle of cold drink.
"If you are a more cultured wanderer who likes to be given a proper treat, and if you give two hours' notice to the manager, Nei Tangira Rabaua, you will receive what they call a 'saloon type meal' of European dishes —three courses for breakfast, and four courses both for lunch and dinner. The cost here depends on what food you are served, but it will not exceed 10 shillings for one large meal, and not more than five shillings for break fast.
"The restaurant has oil-stoves, and they use hygienic methods of food preparation to safeguard the wan derer's health.
"A fast-moving wanderer may be served with sandwiches and slices of bread and butter at the Nei Karikiraoi Cafe. This building stands by the waterside, and serves quick and light meals only."