Water, Water, Everywhere—And

Plenty Of Drops To Drink!

The tiny islet of Motu-Uta (pictured), which is about half way between the Papeete waterfront and the entrance through the reef into Papeete's lagoon, has amazed people in Tahiti by proving to be the source of abundant fresh water.

Workmen discovered that Motu-Uta was a veritable oasis in a saline sea early in March when they were drilling there to determine the nature of the rocks which form its base. This investigation was being made as a preliminary to starting work on the £2¾ million harbour scheme (PIM, Dec., p. 95) which will transform the port of Papeete.

The workmen struck water when they had drilled down 350 ft. They believed at first that it was sea water, but on tasting it, it was found perfectly drinkable. Several days after the water first gushed out of the ground, it was still flowing strongly. , Papeete's harbour scheme includes the construction of two wharves, each nearly 500 ft. long, which will link Motu-Uta with reclaimed land at Point Fare- Ute (site of the prominent buildings). Motu-Uta, which is now used as a quaran tine station, will lose its identity as it will be covered with a mass of concrete and steel. The harbour scheme also calls for the construction of a protective dike from Fare-Ute, along the barrier reef, to the pass into the lagoon. One side of the pass is seen in the foreground.

Photograph: Courtesy of Qantas.