Saturday, September 11, 2010

South Pacific Survey 3rd July 1951

Up bright and early to get to town by 7 am. This we nearly succeeded in doing but were not awfully late. Refuelling commenced with the aid of the hand pump and filter. It is hard to realise what would have happened if I had not thought of those two items.

Went along to the Consulate and saw Devinish again to ask a few more questions. Saw Air Tahiti and got an invitation to lunch on the 5th of July. Went back to the hotel for lunch, and as there was little of importance on, had a sleep.

Scott is unable to see the Governor as he is away on an Island's cruise and as he cannot see him before, we stand a good chance of remaining until the 14th of July, Bastille Day, and then for four days nothing is done. So if he does not see him we will be further delayed.

There is a great mixture of people here, most of the true Tahitian is being bred out of the natives. There are some pretty women, they are of Tahitian/French or Tahitians/Japanese, or some obscure breed. The Chinese have had a marked influence.

The place here is one which is typical of the East, with splendour and squalor lying side by side. The half caste, or breed, is not looked upon as doubtful in any way, but it depends whether they are beautiful to look at.

Apart from this, the hours they keep and the amout of wine they drink precludes them from thinking at least straight.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

South Pacific Survey 2nd July 1951

Had a run into town to meet the British Consul Mr Hevinish a very pukha Englishman and had a yarn with him and asked him some of the rather tricky questions and he is not at all happy with the Bainbridges, either Tony Bainbridge or the Bainbridge Establishment Baldwin and his opinion seriously given is that the both are not what we may consider as reasonable.

He suggests Union Steam, but old man Cotes may not be suitable to us.

Went around to see Air Tahiti Company to see if we could borrow a small boat to get some gear off the aircraft. They were helpful but did they want some information which I could not give. We arranged our refuelling for 7.30am.

Went around to the AB Donalds and found that Mr Scott and Mr Brodie had made all the financial arrangements and they were just leaving. As this was my my business, I was naturally suspicious of the set-up and said if you are to make my arrangements for me, well, go ahead.

This they did not appreciate as Brodie had told me of the run -in with Shell Co. and had told the manager here to supply the fuel as [editors note:cannot decipher word]and not as fuel for Shell.

Brodie and Scott went off to meet the Acting Governor officially, no invitation to me or as to whether I'd like to go. What the hell. Went back to the hotel, had a swim, spent the evening nattering. Went to bed.