Cliff Le Couteur

The Start of the Blog and the End as well

2011-01-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Editors note:
Blogs are in chronological order: fine if you want newest first! Not so good if the main page needs to be here, so I have copied the very first post and reposted it here. You would have to go back to April 2009 to get the start of the diary.

History of Cliff Le Couteur

Cliff Le Couteur was my father. My name is William Le Couteur, and I have two brothers, Allan and Peter. I have decided to write what I know of his life mainly to provide a record for interested parties, as well as for my brother Peter's sons Allan and Tim, and my other brother Allan's children, Mark and Kim, as well as my daughter Fleur.

With this story goes many black and white photos, which I hope to post on this blog, or on the online photo storage Flickr. The above photo is one I found in his collection and I believe it would be the Catalina used on the Pacific Island Survey he went on in 1951.
The one below is I'm pretty sure him on the wing of the Catalina.

He was born in Dunedin, on 1st of October 1913, and died in 1993. His wartime nickname was Kiwi, which he kept. I remember him telling me that he was brought up near the beach called St Kilda, near Dunedin, and that he said that he still went swimming even though the sand was frozen. The family home was 24 Larkworthy St. He left primary school about the age of 12 and started work in a foundry in Dunedin.

This was not to his liking and he applied and was accepted to be an apprentice carpenter. I believe he served out his time, but the depression then struck the world around 1929, which would make him about 16 years old.

Unable to find work, he headed across the countryside of Otago, working at various farms for board and food. At some stage in this, he met my mother, Doris Kempthourne, who lived near the small town of Heriot. He must have heard that things were better in South Africa, because he took a trip there in 1936, and was not only able to work there, but learn to fly there.

This money must have been enough for him to return to New Zealand and marry Doris in 1937, and once they were married, he took her to South Africa.
They then returned to New Zealand in 1939 and had my two elder brothers, Allan and Peter.
Around 1940, he was called up to fly in the RAF. He trained to fly bombers, but during training, he broke an arm playing rugby, so he ended up training on flying boats.

During the war he flew the Sunderland and also the PBY Catalina. He must have done quite a bit of flying in the Mediterannean, because I remember him talking of flying out of Gibraltar and Malta. I remember asking him if he ever had to fight against another aeroplane, and he told me of the time he was attacked by a JU88? (a German transport aeroplane).
He said they escaped by using the slow speed of the Catalina and showed me scars in his neck where bits of something hit him. Apart from this story, I have no idea why he would have been accorded a DFC.

Apparently I can contact the RNZAF to find out, but cannot seem to bring myself to do so. At the end of the European war he returned home to New Zealand, and was expecting to go and fight against the Japanese, but he was not needed because of the atomic bombs that ended that war.
After the war, he started work with Tasman Empire Airways Ltd, (TEAL) which was providing the first passenger air services to and from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. At this time, 1946, I was born. I understand that it was pretty special to have survived the war, and I have an idea that I might have been spoiled a little.

He was given a "State" house at 34 Stewart Rd in Mt Albert. Many of his neighbours were returned servicemen, and I was told later that they had a neighbourhood tomato fight - grown men standing on the tops of the little potting sheds in the back garden flinging tomatoes at one another.I guess it would be as good a cure for the terrors of war as anything.
He made stilts. Not just little ones. Big ones. On completion of these he proceeded to demonstrate how they should be used to my two elder brothers. After walking around the back yard for some minutes, he said:
"Now, if you need a rest, all you have to do is back up to the house and lean it."
Which he proceeded to do. The women next door who was watching all this just about had a nasty accident laughing so much, because he chose to rest against a window, which he broke.

I remember that he used to take me to the Parnell Baths for me to learn to swim. He owned a 1928 Dodge, which he called Esmeralda. He was very pleased with this car, but the split rims caused him some anguish! It was a romantic time for the flying boats, and it would have been fantastic to be on one of those flights. There was a special expedition mounted in a Catalina, and he was one of the pilots. This expedition's purpose was to survey and clear landing spots in the coral reefs. I think he enjoyed this immensely, and told me stories of taking dynamite down in the water to blow up bits of coral reef. I have his diary of the trip, and one of my tasks is to translate his writing and show it on this blog.

Around 1952, he bought a section of land at 28 Glen Atkinson St and proceeded to build a house there in his spare time. I realise now that this was an undertaking he should not have attempted, though he did gain much satisfaction from the various stages of completion. For my part, I thought we would never get above the mud and concrete of the foundations. He finished building the house around 1962 (enough for us to live in).

At around the mid fifties, TEAL brought into service the DC6, a land plane with four piston engines. On my 12th birthday I remember him saying: "Do you want to fly with me to Fiji for the weekend?" These were more relaxed days, and I was able to sit in the seat in the flight deck normally have been occupied by the radio operator, which they did not have.
He had the extra responsibility of being the Safety Officer. I have a feeling he enjoyed getting crews to use life rafts in the Parnell Baths.

The planes he later flew were Lockheed Electras, and Douglas DC8's. Retirement at 55 years was mandatory in those days and he felt a bit bitter about that, because he felt he could have lasted a little longer. After some years of trying to be retired, he started work again as a carpenter, and managed to do this until he retired properly. I worked for a small time as an architectural draftsman, and redrew dad's house on my computer. I was quite surprised that any alterations I made to his design immediately looked wrong. This house is still standing at 28 Glen Atkinson St and his insistence on heart rimu for the framing means this is one solid house.

South Pacific Survey 21th July 1951

2010-12-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

Spent most of the morning writing and the afternoon on the reef just outside the door with goggles on. The number of fish in the lagoon has to be seen to be appreciated and can only be seen from underneath.

Had a little nap in the afternoon, to get ready for a little party the Salters are having for us and as we are probably flying tomorrow on photography, we will have to stick to Ginger Ale. The party was quite a success, the native girls doing the hula, which was not quite as good to look at as the Bora Bora. They did it here in dresses which probably detracted from the dance considerably.

After a very nice supper, I retired, as we have to get up at 6am.

Editors note: This is the last entry in the diary-I presume he got home OK!
At last my job here is done. My next task if I get round to it is to gather all the posts together into one Microsoft Word file and maybe make this available for download from my CAD site.

I found a letter from Geoff Wells, who was Engineering Manager at the time, (he has written a book too!) which advised Lauthala Bay RNZAF that the plane was due back on 3rd of August, and to give the plane a wash down etc. It was to remain there until 29th of August, so I imagine Cliff would have gone home by other means. I am intending to read Maurice McGreal's book, "Civil Aviation in New Zealand" which will probably detail this out.

The only other things I can think of to do are to scan things like his Pilot's Licence and so on.
Any other photos I can rake up might get posted too.

I can now go back and label some of the pictures that I was unable to title at the time of posting.

I found as well a sheet labelled Air Department, which listed travelling expenses for the various islands. You might be amused to know that Aggie Grey's in Western Samoa clocked in at 25 shillings per day. That is about $2-50!

South Pacific Survey 20th July 1951

2010-12-30T22:54:00.001-08:00

Spent some of the morning writing to the boys and Doris to send some stamps. Cost me 1 pound and 6 shillings for stamps too. The Public Works people let us go to "town" in their truck which was going out to forage for food.

After posting the letters we went off around the hills and bush to see the breadfruit man, the egg man, and the taro man. Each one we came to supplied only one commodity and I guess that it must be almost as expensive to live here as it is in NZ.

Eggs 2 pennies each but by the time you put fuel on, wear and tear, the driver's time, and the purchaser's time, an egg must have cost as much as 5 pennies.

It was however an interesting drive, all the native houses set in amongst coconut and banana palms. No one very sick, no one very poor, but in the main, happy.

Spent the afternoon cleaning up my writing and went for a short walk.

South Pacific Survey 19th July 1951

2010-12-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

The party spent the day down the lagoon and I spent most of it writing. Not much to write about today as far as the Airway is concerned.

South Pacific Survey 18th July 1951

2010-12-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

The day broke cold and stormy with the seas pounding the reef not far away from our quarters and some concern was felt for the old Catalina at moorings down the far end of the lagoon.

After breakfast went up to the meteorological office and from the rather meagre information I was able to gather, and a signal which came in later it was evident that we were in for a rather bad blow.

I estimated that there was a depression to the east, not far away and it would cross Aitutaki. The barometer was falling and the wind rising, so I suggested to take the crew down to the aircraft to ensure it was secure at the moorings.

The rain was torrential, and we pushed out onto the lagoon and after a 50 minute run, we arrived at the Catalina. It was too rough to go alongside with the launch, so I swam over and climbed aboard.

The old Catalina was riding the weather well, and after putting on another rope as a precuationary measure, pumping the bilges dry, turning the engines over once again, closed all hatches and then leapt into the sea and swam for the launch.

The storm abated in the afternoon and after frittering most of it away gathering some shells, went off to bed.

South Pacific Survey 17th July 1951

2010-12-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

A little work in the morning, but spent most of the afternoon writing and in the evening went to bed for the want of something interesting to do. Some of the party spent a rather miserable afternoon on the lagoon in the rain.

Meeting with Maurice McGreal

2010-12-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

(This is Bill speaking here, not Cliff)
About two weeks ago I had the honour to meet with Mr Maurice McGreal, who was the first officer on the South Pacific Survey Trip.

He has written two books on his experiences, and these can be found in public libraries in New Zealand.

One is called "A Noble Chance" and can be found at:
http://search.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/?q=a%20noble%20chance

The other is called "Civil Aviation in New Zealand" and can be found at:
http://search.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/?q=civil%20aviation%20in%20new%20zealand

Maurice obviously had a thorough knowledge of the survey and in fact had taken many of the photos posted here, and I am afraid I dragged him through a whole bunch of them asking where they were taken. One of my next jobs is to go back through the postings of the photos and label them.

Additionally, he was able to give me some information which he said was OK to post here, so this hopefully will get done over the Xmas holidays.

On a connected note, I see that the hanger at Motat (The Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland, New Zealand) is looking about finished.

The Short Solent Mk. IV ZK-AMO, is out in the elements at the moment waiting to go back under shelter. I found a photo at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/4495896115/

I have looked for quite a while (Even on the Motat official site!) but the best photo of of the new hall is here:
http://www.nzstrong.co.nz/portfolio/project/25/

I thought it was a $2m building, but apparently is $10.9M, so it should be pretty impressive when finished.

South Pacific Survey 16th July 1951,Aitutaki

2010-11-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Made plans for refuelling and went down to Aitutaki Township to go out with the whale boat a distance of some 14 miles through rather tricky channels between coral heads and the wind freshening all the ways.

It usually takes, according to Harrington, 1 hour and 10 minutes to do the journey but we were still a few miles away when the bilge pump broke down and the engine started to get covered with water from the leaking seams and what seas were coming over the head.
Nice situation to be in and contemplated striking a coral head and getting wrecked in the lagoon with all this aviation fuel around.

However, we made it by dint of perserverance and finally refuelled and plodded off home cold and wet but the aircraft is now ready for any work that may be required.

The billets are very close to the reef here and the old man sea roars away all night on the lagoon and reef and the coconut palms give an exaggerated idea of wind strength. We sleep with a blanket and sheet here, it being much colder here than Samoa or Papeete.

South Pacific Survey 15th July 1951

2010-11-25T23:26:00.000-08:00

Spent a lazy day today, wrote a little and had a sleep in the afternoon. During the morning went up to the top of a nearby hill and had a little look around. Not a lot to be seen except coconut plantations. So will close this down at this stage.

South Pacific Survey 14th July 1951

2010-11-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

Up again at 6 a.m. to finish writing as the plane leaves at 10 a.m. and I have to finish by 9.00 a.m. to get to the airfield. Finished off the letters and unshaven went off to see Scott off and ask Bert Barclay to ring Doris when he got home.

Had morning tea, then went back to go aboard the launch to go and look at the A/C at moorings. While down there I took the opportunity to go down to inspect the moorings and anchors.

The buoy to which we were moored had a cable 1" in diameter and two cable fasteners at either end. Top end OK, did not like the look of the anchor end of our buoy but consider it safe. The other buoy which has no buffer is by far the better of the two having a tremendous anchor and chain, far in excess of what would be required. The can buoy has no buffer and no strop for the centre for pick-up.

Spent the afternoon, or what was left of it, writing and had a little nap too. Must be getting old. (editors note: he would have been around 38 years old)

South Pacific Survey 13th July 1951

2010-11-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

Up bright and early to get ready for the journey to Aitutaki. Lots of people are disappointed we are going. They want us to stay until Bastille Day, from the 14th to the 19th but our work is complete and we must go.

Seems that I'm born to fly on holidays, at least I always seem to.
Cleared through Customs etc, said goodbye to all concerned and had a lei drooped around my neck, very nice too. An invitation to return as soon as possible and off we went in the Harbourmaster's launch to load the old Catalina with him.

We cast off moorings and after we were airborne we came back over the town to drop our leis, which if dropped overboard from a canoe or a ship after departure and if it drifts ashore you will surely return to Tahiti so the legend goes.

Set course over Moorea for Aitutaki and after an uneventful flight we touched down at Aitutaki.
We off loaded all our luggage preparatory to staying some 5 to 10 days.

Most of my passengers who had been up wining and dining late did not feel so good, but we had no casualties. This meant an early night for some, but as Scott was going back to NZ it meant that I had to burn the midnight oil and after that, I could not keep awake any longer.

I returned, and got up early again in the morning to finish off an interim report to the General Manager.

South Pacific Survey 12th July 1951

2010-11-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Carlyon and myself refuelled the old Catalina to let the others take the advantage of the offer of a ride around the island for the day and everything went well on the job.

On going ashore we went along to Quinns to have a look at the place in daylight, and met Scott and Van der Brock. Had a few beers and we were told we were going to a cocktail party at the Governor's.

Had a pleasant lunch finalising all the go for the journey back. Took the Minister or Director of Civil Aviation right through the ship's papers, gave reasons why for all of them, then left several copies to be looked over. This may or may not do some good.

Went around to Air Tahiti and thanked them for the use of their launch and offered to pay. They would not accept any charge. Finalised with A B Donalds, had a hair cut and went home to get cleaned up for the cocktail party.

Met all sorts of people at the cocktail party and really appreciated meeting M. Petitbon. Neither he nor his wife speaks a word of English. He is regarded as a good man for Tahiti. We had whiskey lime ice, some sandwiches, cake, and said our goodbyes, then home to a last and very pleasant meal.

Met some Americans who sailed the Nordleys, who were higher than a kite. Went to bed.

South Pacific Survey 11th July 1951

2010-11-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

Up early with the native Charlie coming alongside the Catalina in his outrigger canoe, and after a few preliminaries we went ashore and got our luggage ready and then went in to breakfast.
I say "in" because the "in" bit is under a thatched roof on a light steel frame left by the Americans, a low fence, sand floor and that is all.

The owner, one tooth in his head, a clapped out casinova, if ever there was one.
Bread full of weevils and growing fungus, butter rancid, flies, plenty. Otherwise a charming spot.

We slipped moorings and set course first to Raitea, where the Maori left on their journey southward to NZ.

Flew over high, then on to Moorea, just south of Papeete.
A very weird island this just flung up above the sea, jagged peaks and valleys, a truly magnificent sight.

We then flew around Papeete the around the whole island to get some idea of the layout of the land. We then landed and went once more to "Les Tropiques". Had lunch and went to town to arrange the refuelling of the Catalina as we leave as soon as Scott has seen the Governor, M. Petitbon.

Did a little shopping, tied up some loose ends of business and so home to enjoy once again the dinner under the stars, soft candle light and the idle chatter in French.

South Pacific Survey 10th July 1951

2010-11-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

The dates I have been using are incorrect by one day, so have to add one to correct.

We slept the night on the Catalina, due to the intense smell in the bungalow of a broken lavatory. Could not raise the native boy to row us out, so decided to borrow his outrigger canoe.

What a trip it was, like kneeling on a tight rope and being pitch black and 65' of water some bedding was just about ruined by the time we reached the aircraft. It rained during the night and it was dull and overcast when we got up, later raining most of the day.

Went for a walk to inspect the fuel installation but our supernumary engineer climbed a coconut tree and on the way down cut his foot rather badly on a piece of glass so we had to return to our camp.

Rained most of the day, so did a little writing and some cleaning up jobs.

The cook house is most primitive, the natives have no idea of cleanliness at all and I saw one dip his hand in the soup to see if it was hot enough to serve. All cooking done over an open fire of coconut husks. Plenty of pigs, chickens,dogs, cats around and under the meal table at meal times and to clean up you just scrape your plate over your shoulder.

We are to leave tomorrow morning and so must get all packed up to go back to Tahiti.

South Pacific Survey 8th July 1951

2010-11-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

The day started well, everyone on time, then the British Consul and the French Director of Civil Air and the Harbour Master held us up so that we were eventually half an hour late.

Had a little difficulty getting the aircraft into the air first time due to the down wind and had to throttle back. OK into wind. Took off and all these dubious types, Chabliet, Devinish etc had to come up and see the controls and on one hours flight it was hell.

Arrived in Bora Bora and the Air Tahiti Mallard decided to formate on the Catalina. Not so good. Had a good look at the set up, both the land base and the sea alighting area.

We landed shortly afterwards and moored in the deep water area near the coral reef, ie 115' away and near a jetty alongside was a seagoing American yacht, the "Noddy" which we asked to move otherwise our tail would have been in their rigging.

Inspected moorings and made a few measurements of the distances to the reef. It would not please one to be in a Solent to be on the present moorings. Civil Air did not appear to be very interested.

Later in the evening when out to inspect, or should I say view, a hula dancing team of males and females who were training to attend the Bastille Day Ceremony at Papeete. They sure know how to wriggle what they have. The drum banging grates hard on the ears after a while.

South Pacific Survey 7th July 1951

2010-11-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Had breakfast in our bungalow this morning, very nice too and later showered and shaved and wandered in for lunch.

After lunch we devised a list of requirements civil and otherwise for this type Chabliet who of course must know. Later went down to look at the mooring buoy and possible set up that would be suitable for operating flying boats.

Have a few ideas that may cut down costs all round, but must first wait and see what the set up is. I cannot concede that the NZ Government is going to do the work if they are not to go further than Aitutaki.

Prepared all the aircraft's papers, packed my bags ready for an early start tomorrow morning. We hope.

South Pacific Survey 6th July 1951

2010-11-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

The intention is to go to Bora Bora on Monday and so an early start was made to get the surveyors gear off the aircraft as they now have permission from the French to carry out some work.

Originally permission was to be sought from Paris but they relented and said go ahead. This gear all had to go through customs: what a job.

We then ran the engines after slipping the moorings and the check was good.

Had a wander around this Air Tahiti outfit. How anyone is allowed to operate with props in the condition these were in is beyond reason and can only think that it must have and adverse effect on the engine main bearings. Not only that, but chunks taken out of them.

Did some shopping , bought Doris some Chanel No5 and some Eau de Cologne. Prices vary much the same as NZ. Samoa is dearer than here, except perhaps for food.

The dinner here was excellent and after dining and wining beneath the tropic moon in the warm open air we went out to see a bohemian outfit Dance Caberet with the British Consul Devinish. A seething mass of dancers, half alcoholic, natives, and all, terrific.

Went down to the Lido thinking it may be a little quieter. It was closed. Home to bed.

Fifi, previously mentioned in the All Girls Tahitian Band did another hula which Resio joined in.

South Pacific Survey 5th July 1951

2010-11-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Wandered along to the meteorological bureau just to have a look at the set-up and to get some idea of their work. Their map is the one Nandi Meteorological Station sends to them and they just plot the information, make their story fit and everyone is happy.

After the met station we went off to be shown the new alighting area and to get some idea of the extent of the coral. I was not impressed with what I saw in it's present form, but adequately marked it should be suitable.

Brodie is of course responsible and he is here to tell us what he wants and any other views are not worth having. Of course M Pierre Chabeliet would not know as he has not had to deal with boats except what Qantas has told him at Noumea.

My ear has been playing up and so decided to have a little rest this afternoon. Slept till five, had a swim, dinner at seven thirty and then to bed.

South Pacific Survey 4th July 1951

2010-11-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

We had part of the morning on the aircraft and mainly on maintenance overhaul. Thus far the old Catalina has gone well and not even a magneto drop. Had to bring a lot of gear along for these types and struggle it through Customs.

The need to be able to speak a few more languages is essential, what a help French would be to me up here.

We arrived back at the Les Tropiques, changed hurriedly to go out to the 4th of July celebrations and dinner for which we had cordial invitations and it is said the Governor's Tea Party.

The Yanks ran true to form in so much as that while they like your company, they expect you to pay for your entertainment and meals, with a consequence the Royal Tahitian "do" cost quite a few francs. We came home for dinner and quite a few of the merry-makers arrived soon after.
We finished up the day by refusing to even consider taking back America as a colony.

Some of us now were keen to wend our way home, we seem to be getting absolutely no where in this place, can waste more time than enough.

The coral and fishes are the most beautiful I have yet seen. The flowers, well they are beautiful in the extreme. Very large hibiscus, red of course. Some white, some yellow.

Saw the hula dance today, and it certainly calls for some energy to be put into the wriggle show.
Must away to bed.

South Pacific Survey 3rd July 1951

2010-09-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

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.

South Pacific Survey 2nd July 1951

2010-09-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

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.

South Pacific Survey 2 July 1951

2010-08-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Woke to the sound of the waves breaking in the lagoon and sprung out to shave and shower.

A swift breakfast and then the party moved with tantalising slowness onto the transports and launch. The lagoon quite rough with short seas of 2' to 2'6" crests and the wind a strong southerly.

On board, and after the usual struggle with the old Catalina, we manouvered her to the end of the strip on channel, and into the air.

Shades of old Gibraltar for take-off, water coming green over the top, and of course inside my seat being well filled with salt.

Airborne and set course for the Island of Tahiti. Some 4 hours 30 minutes away, a lovely day, all well and in the clear blue on top of all the cloud. Soon Tahiti and the outlying islands come into view and we passed high overhead to get a good look at the place.

Circled down and Papeete is alive with people on the waterfront. Landed without incident. Just like in the main street could see their faces clearly on the shore and were escorted to the mooring buoys.

After mooring much confusion because my ship's papers were all in order and they could find no fault with them, we were allowed ashore. On stepping ashore we were met by a crowd of all sorts of people and two beautiful ? girls in Tahitian dress who put two leis around our necks.
For a pot bellied old gent like myself I must have looked ludicrous and hot. The leis were made of Frangipani petals and they were strong smelling and warm around the neck but beautifully done.

After customs and much chattering in French we finally drove out to the Hotel Tropiques or Les Tropiques and sat down to a meal.

The type explained to us that as it was late, he would only be able to serve two courses, one a little lobster and possibly some filet mignon steak.

We had a terrific meal, one full grown lobster each and the steak was terrific, and of course we had "vin ordinaire", Vin Rosaire with our course and we felt very well looked after indeed.

We were then presented with some cottages or bungalows in which to live and they look comfortable.

Rather tired and feel the need for a rest, so had a sleep.

After we had dressed we all went in to Quinn's which is really only a glorified pub and consumed a few drinks and watched the dancing and dancers. Did notice that the toilet was the same one:ie room was used by the ladies and gents. Had a meal, a Chinese one and so home to bed.

South Pacific Survey 30th June 1951

2010-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Up bright and early this morning and it is a big day for Samoa being Sunday. On the way out the fires were already lit cooking food for Sunday's feast and the smoke hung heavily amongst the coconut palms. The first car ran over a pig, which lay bleeding on the road.

We loaded the "loot" up with the baggage and thus set off to lift it out only some 1686lbs over loaded but fuel is of prime importance on this trip and in event of any difficulty at Papeete I want to be able to fly to Aitutaki with a safe margin of fuel to do so. Arrived with approx 400 gals giving 6 hours range, this being 4.05 to Aitutaki + 2 hours reserve.

We flew around the coast to the east, then over PagoPago to have a look. My impression is that it could be operated if necessary.

We flew on to Palmerston Atoll, a circular reef with about four small islands which could be inhabited. It is said that a family of Masters who were ship wrecked there in the 18th century live there and that the old English language is still spoken there.

A Mr J. Kensington, an American colonel of the last great war living in Aitutaki is married to one of these women who I suppose are coloured, or half caste. She is, or was, a Mrs Masters. When the island, (ie Palmerston) population of Masters increased beyond a certain number, the old Master tells certain of his family to go, and not come back. This must be hard, but necessary as the islands will only support so many, and no more.

After a good look at the Island we had to clear off to Aitutaki to arrive before dark by an hour. The reason was that navigating the boat channel in the dark was dangerous because of the coral heads.

We arrived over Aitutaki and wasted no time in landing for the above reason, and moored without incident. Then commenced the long plod up the harbour or lagoon and we just made it in the rapidly gathering dusk.

This place is indeed out in the sea with little of enough of it above sea level. The highest point being approx 400 feet. Had a meal in the Public Works Mess and met a few people and went to bed as we have to be up early in the morning to get to Papeete. They say this place is infested with rats, and dont care awfully much for the idea.

South Pacific Survey 29th June 1951

2010-06-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

The morning spent in purchasing stores for the aircraft and getting things ready to go.

Laundry back, letters to write and a host of things to do. My suitcases seem to have shrunk for some reason or another.

Advised TEAL if they were considering relieving us, that Aitutaki would be the best place to do so, not Tahiti, because of no air connection. This will not meet with general approval of the relief crews but just cannot see any other way out.

We are looking forward to our mail from Aitutaki and NAC have promised to do their best. Too much work and writing to be done-have to close this down.

South Pacific Survey 28th June 1951

2010-06-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

Now that Ian Scott has joined the party, it was decided that the project at Satapuala Bay would be abandoned temporarily and the aircraft be loaded to take off for Tahiti via Aitutaki. This we are in favour of as it means everything will be speeded up and of course more interesting.
We seem to have plenty of "VOLUNTEERS" for the flight, so Tahiti must be interesting.

I spent a lot of the morning in town arranging for fuel, and getting my ship's papers in order for Tahiti and clearing Samoa generally.

Refuelled in the afternoon and loaded the aircraft ready for an early start in the morning, ie Sunday. Then went back to Aggies for a rest.

Had an invite around to Mr Jack Knight's for supper and had hoped to listen to the broadcast which we made on Tuesday night, but we talked instead. The other members of the party said it was fair enough, and so that is not so bad, but will probably get the cane from Tasman anyway.

A short (pun intended) history of Short flying boat names

2010-02-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Firstly, if you want to see photos of all the Short Flying Boats, then

this site is the best I have found-which seems to have slightly

different information than that listed on Wikipedia.

I'm not sure, but I have a feeling this is the accurate one:

http://www.msacomputer.com/FlyingBoats-old/short/Short.html

Here is a summary of types from 1921 onwards:

Made by Short Bros Ltd:

1921 Short Cromarty

1927 Short Singapore

1928 Short Calcutta

1929 Short Kent

1930 Short Rangoon

1932 Short Sarafand

1934 Short Singapore III

1936 Short "C Class" Imperial Flying Boat -Empire,Cavalier,Caledonia etc

1937 Short S25 Sunderland(Military)

Made by Short and Harland Ltd (Belfast-Ireland):
1944 Short Seaford

1944 Short Shetland

1946 Short Sandringham

1946 Short Solent

This listing is neither definitive, or complete as there is another called a "Knuckleduster" somewhere in the piece!

I have been trying to draw a model of the Solent in Autocad. I am finding this quite tricky, as my normal drafting deals with things that are nice and straight.

Flying boats are full of curves! The Solent is the one used by TEAL and flown by Cliff in the 1950's. As you can see, it is not finished yet.

South Pacific Survey 27th June 1951

2009-12-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

Spent the day at Satapuala in testing the aircraft to ensure servicability and getting on with the blasting of coral heads. So far there are still not many volunteers for this job of cracking coral.

Even after blasting there are not many fish about the surface, but the natives come out in their canoes and spend a lot of time diving in the vicinity and generally getting in everyone's way.

Had a rather bad gelignite headache today and it was a pleasure to stop work and go home.

Pritchard and self kept the dinner appointment and it proved to be a relatively interesting evening. Some of the sisters from the hospital were also invited and they were very keen to see us and to talk. It is not a lot of pleasure for the nurses up here where there is an almost minus population of eligible batchelors.

South Pacific Survey 26th June 1951

2009-12-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

Another morning wasted and a visit was made to the Deputy High Commissioner's Office to find out a few facts about the island. Acquired the Island Territory Annual Report. Saw Mr Wriggle and asked him to prepare for me a list of goods that will stand air freight, so that in event of light loadings, the aircraft can be laden.

Serious consideration should be given to a suitable power plant or system to make one of the holds a refrigerated one in an endeavour to carry perishable goods to this end of the world.

Had a yarn to the NAC captain, who is very worried about the impact of TEAL on this route His opinion is that it is unnecessary to establish a flying boat route at all. To bed.

South Pacific Survey 25th June 1951

2009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

The morning was spent in moving the marker lines and this entailed quite an amount of swimming by self and finally the lines became so tangled that they had to be brought ashore, too many experts. During the afternoon the Catalina was slipped from moorings and a taxi test done to check engines, which are still quite good.

On the way home to Apia we deviated and climbed up the south coast road, and even the slight rise in altitude brought the cooling change in temperature. The change also showed up on the coconut palm which will not live above a certain altitude, ie 400 ft. There were plenty of banana and cocoa plantations. The banana being grown to provide the necessary shelter for the cocoa treee in it's early stages. After the banana has fully produced and is cut down, the cocoa tree stands on it's own.

During the evening the party was invited to hear the broadcast made by Broodie, Prichard and Silcock. I felt it was rather corny and said so, and that there were too many controversial issues to be raised satisfactorily and that it was too technical for the average person.

They decided to re-organise the program and asked if I would join in, as if I did not, it would be a trifle disjointed. This was agreed to and though it was still an unprepared effort, it was an infinitely better programme than the previous one.

editors note: I can only assume this is a tape recorded message from the expedition, to be relayed to NZ, to play on the NZ radio.

South Pacific Survey 25th June 1951

2009-12-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

Once more out to Satapuala to get on with the job, not a pleasant day but makes little difference with the rain, bathing togs being the order of the day. Our problem is to keep our fuses dry for the gelignite. Jacko came with us for a while and when it came to the swimming parts, he folded up badly, not too fit.

It rained most of the morning and we got rid of two cases of explosives in spite of the rain. Got some nice fish also rather pretty ones, magnificent colouring of some of them and the oddest shapes too. The afternoon was reasonably fine and we blasted some more coral.

On returning home tonight Dr Milne rang to invite me to dinner on Thursday and gave me the latest information regarding the New Zealand case. Official advice from Wellington forbidding the use of our Catalina to go down and have a look, but intimating that the Lauthala Bay RNZAF Commanding Officer may use his discretion and do what we proposed to do.

The harbour master has asked for his pilot boat back again so that he can go to New Zealand and take with him a doctor from here. They are now asking a cockle shell of a launch to do 300 miles there and 300 miles back, it is beyond my comprehension.

The case is one for the man on the spot who is capable of doing the job using his brains and facilities to the best advantage. Very poor effort indeed and I'd question the rightness of the decision to send the pilot boat.

South Pacific Survey 24 June 1951

2009-12-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

A well deserved day off and feel the need of it too, so the morning is spent in letter writing and of course, idle discussion and line shooting. Dr Milne called also to let me know the latest developments of the New Zealand case, which is not good and there has been no reply to the signal sent requesting the use of my own discretion and to be allowed to fly down there and at least have a look. He naturally is most upset about the whole affair, feeling absolutely tied and letting the poor woman down. However, there is little that can be done by myself if I don't get official approval, the stinkers.

I have often meant to mention the number of lizards which come out at night and prey on the moths, I think I will get some tame ones for Doris and assist her in her campaign.

These little beggars are almost transparent in the light and are very quick, even walking across the ceiling to steal up on and ususpecting moth and gobble it. Slept without mosquito nets for a little while, but there are too many different kinds of insects up here to sleep without one, including these rather silly hornets all through the house.

It is assumed we will be here another 8 to 10 days cleaning up, so did not go anywhere, nor asked to go anywhere by the locals, who to my way of thinking are rather a poor lot. To bed.

South Pacific Survey, 23 June 1951

2009-12-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

We decided to work today as well to get the job going and of course still on explosives. Mr Bignall and self being the only two to get on with the job. Very hot and of course at sea on a small launch, the decks too hot to put ones feet on and the gelignite headache again, old Bignall has such a thumper of a head we had to go ashore in the afternoon about 3pm. This 6am to 6pm existence is helping everyone occupied and though the work is slow we are getting on with it.

Caught or blasted a few more fish today and this pleases the native types. One boat boy got into the water just after we had dropped some explosive which at that stage had not gone off, so we had to go back, stand into danger and fish the fool out.

Very weary and returned to this clapped out, broken down boarding house. Dr Milne again phoned to say they had included me in a signal saying the Catalinas from Lauthala Bay and Samoa were not available and to send a ship. There are no ships available here, and he asked me what did I think. I said to get authority for us to go and have a look, and if suitable, we would land. He, together with the Deputy High Commissioner have done this and so far no reply has been recieved. To Bed.

South Pacific Survey, 22 June 1951

2009-12-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Using explosives again all day and this gelignite gives one quite a solid headache combined with the effect of the sun's heat on a small launch.

However much of our time is spent investigating and marking and I am the diver equipped with water visor, ear plugs and flippers on the feet, which make it a relatively easy and pleasant task if it were not for the thought of the odd shark. There are also small "mite" fish here that swim in schools which can make a nice job of one too.

Then there is the fish which are tossed out which have a large spike hidden alongside the tail which would give a very nasty slash. So the natural and the man-made hazards of gelignite make for quite an interesting set-up. Sometimes when a big head is encountered, I have a large length of fuse fitted to the packet of gelignite and then swim down, place the packet on the head and then swim for the boat, it burns slowly and gives ample time to get clear.

Not so many fish, but these natives are very keen to get the gelignite to go fishing on their own account.

Mr Milne in touch again about the Catalina in general this set-up[ is decidedly poor in view of what Island Territories have promised these people. We have promised support provided it is made official, and it has to come from the types in Wellington who have no perspective.

South Pacific Survey, 21 June 1951

2009-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Most of the morning was spent in idle chatter not getting very much done, just preparing for some work in the afternoon. Had lunch with the Silcocks, some fish the boys had caught the day previously and very nice too.

Mr Bignall and I have formed the explosives party, most of the others keeping clear of the job. We went down to the area to be blasted, dropped some markers(coconut with the husk still on it and they float quite well) on top of the coral heads, then prepared some boxes of gelignite, then over the side.

The natives here believe in the effect of gelly on the fish and were over the side in a flash to retrieve what they can. One fish I saw on the bottom was covered with spines like a porcupine and I got a native to bring him up. On getting it aboard the launch it blew itself up until it was completely like a ball covered with these spikes and two large eyes just about the size of a human's.

Then there was another fish like a box and just as hard. Oblong, quite hard, with the head and tail flared into the box-brown in colour. There were many other delightfully coloured fish that looked better in the water, rather than out. We went along to the RSA Club and had a game of billiards and then off to bed.

South Pacific Survey 20th June 1951

2009-10-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

Went out to Satapuala today and the intention is to get the sweeping started. Poor old Brodie running around in an endeavour to tie up all his loose ends. Sent some sort of signal off to Civil Air today but doesn't tell me the text of it or the implications, with a consequence if he should be criticized, it is his own fault, he gets all the cooperation I can give. Things badly coordinated, if you are to boss a party you must tell them all and when told you must expect to get what you ask for, or know the reason why.

Public Works Dept held up proceedings quite a lot, because after being asked to give some depth gauges, they forgot to bring them. No good. Then when all was ready to go, some new serveyor type had to be instructed in the use of the walkie-talkie.

We were to go up and run engines and at the same time look at the area at the time of low water springs to sketch the areas which required clearing. This was satisfactory, but when we got down, we found that the "Kon-Tiki" had fallen apart because of faulty workmanship.

These people are not interested in getting the best ideas before they proceed, nor afterwards, rule one seems to be if you make a mistake, then justify the mistake until it is no longer a mistake.

Walked up to visit the Coles with Mr Bignall who made us very welcome. The tea was really good-first one for a long while that was up to standard. So to bed.

Malta 1942

2009-08-30T01:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos that I found, dated 1942. I'm not sure who the persons in the photos are. Some evidence of German bomb damage!

South Pacific Survey, 19 June 1951, Apia

2009-08-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Had a day at home today due to the fact that they modified the "Kon Tiki" by themselves.

Went around the shops after writing a couple of letters to see if there were any bargains but there were none, everything very dear, lots of American foodstuffs, ie canned goods at a high price.

Saw the NAC crew and got what news I could from them. Morrie Pirie could not understand whey they should operate a Solent through here, as the traffic was in his opinion not warranted though it is of interest that they run almost full.

An exceedingly low tide here today and the American ship ThorII seems surrounded by reefs. Not a great deal of interest in this day's proceedings, so will close down.

South Pacific Survey, 18 June 1951, Apia

2009-07-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

Once again out to Satapuala and because of the modifications to be made to the sweeps, we were engaged in putting down more marker buoys. There are about 40 buoys now in position and every one has a great piece of weight ie an old truck differential or something tied to it and I have tied every damn one on and placed every buoy over the side.

It is interesting to see just how money, particularly the taxpayer's money is frittered away on idle schemes. I can lay some claim to being a practical minded man, but these CAB and PWD boys even after they have boobed or made a mistake, they won't admit it, but go further to endeavour to justify the mistake made.

Altogether I have put up three different modifications for to make the sweep work and these people, just because it's me, won't have anything to do with them, even after they are cornered and asked what is wrong with it and we write down the number of points for and against and mine win hands down the answer is NO.

Altogether, we have wasted 3 days because of this incompetence and it is a rather sorry state to be in. However, it does not affect me as I am here only to operate the aircraft.

#####(Name withheld by son) is a very much self opiniated man and I would give him an idea or two and he will have the crass ego to produce them as his own ideas. To bed.

South Pacific Survey, 17 June 1951, Apia

2009-07-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Heavy rain here today, and it has been organised for the party to visit one of the native villages. We left "Aggies" at approx 9.30 and it rained until clear of the town, then it cleared. The native chief who is reputed to be quite a character in the area is called "Savai" and the village Afegi.

Pronounced Afengi, the "n" being a non epistant in Samoan, and it is written as a "g".

After a walk around the village where we inspected coco trees and pods, kava tree roots, sago and quite a few others, we repaired to the meeting house and there squatted down cross legged on mats and the speechifying began.

God and his works came into the old chief's words quite frequently and it was explained that he was a deacon in the village church. Even I was asked to talk, and from the remarks passed it went over better than Brodie's, who was leader of the party.

After much speechifying, banana leaves were brought in and placed long-wise on the floor of the house and then, chicken, whole fish, bread fruit and taro. As well, a delightful mixture called or pronounced pala-sami, which is made up of an outer wrapping of banana leaf, with an inner layer of taro leaf mixture, coconut and odds and ends. Any way, it tasted fine.

This sitting cross legged played havoc with some of the types, as it is considered an insult to stick them straight out in front. So after the feast was over, no knives or plates or forks, we washed our hands in bowls of waster, and didn't they need it too.

Very sweet, weak tea and sponge cake followed. The cake was baked in the old camp oven and was very light and good to eat. All this was very fine we thought and it was a nice gesture when one considers they were up at 5am preparing the food.

The general set-up was, our party, and on the other welcoming side was the chief, his talking chief, the chief's wife and "bebe" (baby), the chief's daughter and one or two of the lesser lights. The chief's daughter, as the village virgin, was expected to set a good example to all the rest of the young people in respect of morals.

The meeting house was a good example of native craftsmanship in design and construction. An old organ standing in the corner had most of the keys eaten away by wood ants and borer.

After an enjoyable stay, we departed for the city, after we had given assurances that we had accepted the village as our island home.

Went up to the hospital about my head and after waiting an hour and 15 minutes came away without seeing anyone.

South Pacific Survey, 16 June 1951, Apia

2009-07-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

No work today as the sweeps need modifying and present practice this means at least 3 days.

Rather a strange business this, the people who operated the original sweeps havent a clue as to what is necessary to make them tick or work, yet the people who were not even on them can tell you what is wrong and any idea which one may have is just not acceptable, however we are here only to fly the boat.

Wrote to my family today and stuck lots of stamps on just to give them something to bargain then wandered down to the Post Office in the pouring rain to post them.

Bought some socks and stockings and had a brief look around the shops then home. Spent part of the afternoon in bed and a short walk and sat around and yarned and as I have a slightly sore head, mainly ear I am off to bed.

South Pacific Survey, 14 June 1951, Apia

2009-06-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

The long lengths of pipe were lengthened today, and after an early lunch the "Kon Tiki Mk1" was pushed into the sea and a start was made sweeping the area. This was fraught with many interesting possibilities as the old raft bumped from one coral head to another and gathered up large carpets of weed.

Using underwater goggles or visor and flippers, the scene was indescribable, the fish coloured blue and red and white, some appeared in football jerseys and looking into the placidly clear water kept us occupied during the sweep.

Unfortunately, the coral patches increased and, experiencing difficulty in sweeping and lifting the sweep, we had to improve the operation of the sweep. The 25 miles to town by car to get things done just eats time, so it was considered best to finish the day and start tomorrow.

After a conference with Brodie Pritchard on operations, we finished for the day

South Pacific Survey, 13 June 1951

2009-06-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Another nice sunny day and Pawpaw for breakfast together with the atrocious coffee. Once again out to Satapuala through the delightful groves of coconut palms and villages. Many people on the road and the driver sounds the horn continuously though if he were not going so fast he would not need to. Hens are cheap to run over, but a pig is a different matter, and he may go as high as 50 pounds if he is a good one. Had the boys shinny up the coconut tree and much mopping up of the clear cool liquid.

Laid the remaining buoys and got ready for sweeping operations to commence on the morrow.

After lunch, the poles to sweep were considered to be not long enough and I suggested they be lengthened by 4 ft. This entailed work by the PWD so we boarded the Apia pilot boat and went coastwise to look at an alternative area, unfortunately they had no map, so the trip was more or less a dead loss, except to see some really vicious coral, and the delightful way the Fijian skipper quietly manouevered his boat out of trouble. Had a swim, went home and after a yarn to the NAC crew just in, went to bed sunburned and weary.

South Pacific Survey, 12 June 1951

2009-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Finished marking out the main runway today and disagreed about the position of the mooring buoys so they have decided to lift them and replace them elsewhere. The big sweeping floats are being got ready by M Bignall on the slipway and look as if they will take some towing too.

Not much of interest, except the run in and out of Apia, which is always interesting with the Samoan drivers.

Went out to dinner with the Whitlocks and it was a spread, and after an interesting evening's chat home to bed.

South Pacific Survey, Apia, 11th JUne 1951

2009-05-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

After a night of heavy electrical storms, the day dawned clear, but overcast, we arise at 6am. Breakfast at 7am and on the way to Satapuala by 7.45. We had to call into the Public Works Department Works to get a bit of gear in shackles and rope for the aircraft.

After this we commenced marking out the 5000 yard runway with 44 Gallon drums and any old weight for a sinker. This involved waiting until the marker boat was correctly sighted by the two surveyors marking the spot with a float, then tumbling over the big drum suitably weighted to float in the depths up to 42 feet. The boats are very slow in getting going. Eventually we packed up for the day and were pleased to get home.

There is a grass here which has a burr seed and leaves like wattle, but much smaller and when touched the whole lot has the appearance of wilting, and therefore called sensative grass.

Bills Note:I have a about 20 photos-where they were taken, I don't know, but it seems a good idea to put about 2 photos with each post from here on.

Pacific Survey 10 June 1951

2009-05-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

The day slightly overcast but warm and after breakfast we took cars up to the Commissioner's Residence and after wandering the grounds an admiring the riot of colours in the flowers and shrubs, we commenced the long plod up the hill to the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson, of Treasure Island fame and champion of the natives cause here where he was much beloved and where he died at an early age of consumption.

The tomb is on the top of a point where it overlooks the town of Apia, very high and reached only after a long plod. Took some snaps and then commenced the descent to have a glorious swim in a mountain pool, nice and cool.

Invited over to the ADC's residence and lowered a drop of his "poison". In the afternoon had a sleep and then went for a walk with Bert Carlyon and finished up at the RSA Club to shelter from the terrific downpour and of got talking to the members who are very keen to see the service started up and of course most optomistic about it too, particularly as they do not have to pay.

Yet more pics of Flying Boats!

2009-05-09T19:36:00.001-07:00

No Cliff here, but this would be a historic photo-someone had taken the trouble to write on the back of the photo who these men were:

"Launching of the "Tasman" at Short and Harlands, Belfast, July 1st 1946

Tasman Empire Airways representatives."

From left, Geoff Wells (Engine inspector), Capt A.V.Jury (Pilot), Mr White (Vice Chairman), First Officer Mr McGrane (Navigator/Co-pilot),Mr E.Nichols(Radio Supervisor), Engineer Officer D.R Philips(Flight Engineer)

Cliff in the Air Force

Underwater Explorer

2009-05-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Bills note:the following is a scanned piece from a newspaper clipping....

WHEN Clifford John LeCouteur flew TEAL'S first flight to Tahiti recently, natives along the route looked at him as though they had never seen him before. Passengers too, who marked his correct uniform, could not have recognised the man who had made the survey flight of these less accessible Pacific Islands some months before.

With' several days' beard on his face, a deep shade of sunburn and a pair of swim trunks, LeCouteur, a well-kept 39, looked much like another native. The only obvious signs of civilisation he wore during his working day were swim flippers and mask to aid diving operations.

For months his life followed the pattern of daydreams most men have at some stage of their lives. He had his south sea island beach, a native boy—or sometimes girl—to wait on him, and in addition, the comfortable feeling that his wife and three children were waiting for him in his modern Auckland home.

As the flying-boat on the Coral Sea route touches down at Suva, Satapuala (Western Samoa), Aituaki (Cook Islands) and Papeete (Tahiti) few passengers realise that it took months to carve the solid coral from the runways. LeCouteur's job on the survey flight was to make alighting areas which would come up to ICAO (International Council of Aircraft Organisations) standards — 13,000ft long, 750ft wide and 10ft deep. To do it he had a working team of 11, consisting of the flight crew and representatives from the Civil Aviation branch, the Ministry of Works, and the Lands and Survey departments of the NZ Government. He also had a handful of natives recruited in the islands.

Equipment, such as coconuts used as markers, was primitive. Strip surveys were made by two extraordinary contraptions christened Kon Tiki Mark 1 and Mark 2, in memory of Thor Heyerdahl's Transpacific raft. They were triangular in shape with crossbars supporting 14ft of pipe hanging down to check the depth. According to the state of the tide the pipe could be raised or lowered to give a mean level. The survey of a strip was controlled by walkie-talkie radio from the beach.

The Catalina LeCouteur used for survey had the advantage of being able to land in 6ft of water, a big factor in uncharted lagoons where coral might be anything from 3ft to 30ft under the surface. In this respect he was more fortunate than once during the war when as a flight-lieutenant piloting a Sunderland, he tore the bottom out of the craft from bow to gun-blisters in a heavy sea on take-off. He carried out his patrol and returned with inflated rubber dinghies wedged in the battered belly of the plane.

LeCouteur's survey is thought to be the first to touch Palmerston Island since Captain Cook fixed its position. Other parts of the flight were also navigated from old Admiralty charts. McGreal, first officer on the flight, announcing arrival at the island with its latitude and longitude, said over the plane intercommunication system, "And I will have you know Captain Cook and I are in complete agreement."

Some Photos of Flying Boats

2009-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

This must have been taken just after the war.....

This is a TEAL DC6.

Solent at Bora Bora on proving flight.

Solent taking off.

Out of the water for maintenance.

Last flying boat to leave Sydney for Auckland.

First Solent arriving at Auckland from Belfast.

Cliff with his brother Phil, who also was a pilot with TEAL.

This is the Catalina as used on the Pacific Survey of 1951.

Pacific Survey 8.5th June 1951

2009-05-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

Bill's note:You can see the date is 8.5th of June-this is to distinguish this day from the previous one because he crossed over the International date line! He marked it as the 8th,Saturday-Friday!

The day dawned bright and really lovely, warm, the air scented and from "Aggies" we overlook the Apia Harbour. The harbour is reef girt and the remnants of the once proud German battleship Adler are still exposed on the reef where she was driven ashore in a cyclone together with som ships of the American Navy. The British ship HMS Calliope decided not to stay in port during the rising seas and stood out clear of the island and rode out the storm. The event occurred during the time when Samoa was a German colony.

Refuelling was the order of the day and it took a lot of time in the heat to get the job done.
However, it was accomplished and the aircraft brought to a state of readiness for any demand which may be made upon it.

We mopped up some coconut juice - the native just shimied up the tree and had them in a trice. On returning to Apia I received an invitation to visit the residence of His Majesty's High Commissioner and partake of cocktails. This entailed much hurry and sweat and eventually I arrived cool etc. Nice place - must become a High Commissioner. Mr and Mrs Powel, from Wellington, New Zealand.

Pacific Survey 8th June 1951

2009-04-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Lauthala Bay to Satapaula, Samoa.
Up bright and early and set off for Lautala Bay in taxis
jammed to overflowing with luggage. Still raining.
Completed the usual formalities and after a run up on the
slipway, we taxied out to take-off at approx 1900Z

Set course for Satapaula some 612 nautical miles away
with about three fronts enroute, and we stopped the
lot too. We arrived at Satapaula and after a brief look
at the alighting area, we landed and moored in an
area where the hidden dangers were coral reefs
and heads.

Once we made the native police boy realise we had
a landing permit, he allowed us to step ashore some
25 miles west of Apia. The road was good all the way,
being tar sealed through the coconut palm plantations
and native villages. The villages were a delight- so
clean and the impression was of driving throught a
park and a well kept one.

Main clothing,males, sulu or lava lava, which is a
skirt split open at the front. Females similar, but
some had upper clothing, children anything from a
smile to a sulu. Each villagehas at least one church
and sometimes three and they sure get religion.
Lots of pigs, the odd cow, horses around each village
and the flowers really lovely.

Wisteria chinese three eyes, bouganvillia. Staying at
a joint called A.G.Grey's, called Aggie Grey's.
Supposed to be a character, but back in NZ at the
present. Hot, whew! Melted.

Pacific Survey 6th June 1951

2009-04-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

6 June 1951

This photo is, I believe "the crew". Dad is the one in the middle

with the white tropic clothes and "roman" sandals!

A conference with Civil Aviation representatives and many of our
queries were answered in respect to the survey and thus proving
most satisfactory.

Another visit to the tailor's to try on the suit etc. A busy round of
shopping as tomorrow is the King's Birthday Celebration and there
is to be a parade at thegrounds outside the Governor's Residence.

Made a point of going to see the Shell Representative,Mr J McMahon,
and discussed our problems of refuellingwith him. He was good
enough to give me letters of introduction to various Shell people
who may be of interest.

Accepted an invitation by John Wisden, TEAL representative,
to visit the Defence Club. Met the Commanding Officer of
Lauthala Bay RNZAF Station. Checked over the aircraft.
Arranged Customs and Health Clearances from Fiji on Friday.

The weather a trifle grim, very strong winds and continuous
rain from leaden skies.

The technical or nature name for this weather condition is "Bogiwalu".
Pronounced Bongiwalu. Bongi=day, walu=8. So eight days
of bad weather.

Some members of the party suffering from theill effects
of injections for smallpox.

The Pacific Survey Flight-5th June 1951

2009-04-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

Here I go: trying to decipher dad's journal that
he wrote on this expedition.I had thought that maybe
I could just put in the interesting bits, but I have
decided to put it down verbatim, which while it may
be a bit dry, should provide for historical accuracy!
Hopefully in the coming few months I will
do a day at a time. Just looking ahead, I see his last
entry was on 21st July 1951 at Aitutaki, so it must
have been his last stop before coming home.

5 June 1951

At approx 1905 z on the 5th the engines were started on Catalina ZK-AMP and moorings slipped to begin the first leg of the Pacific Islands Survey.

After run-up, of engines, course was set for Suva,Fiji and after a flight time of8 hours and 40 minutes under good flight conditions throughout, the aircraft touched down in Lauthala Bay where it was beached by the RNZAF for convenience.

The crew:Captain:Self
1st Officer: M. Mc Greal
Radio Officer: J. Jackson
Engineer: A. Carlyon
S/N Engineer: Oliver
Passangers as members of the Survey Party:Captain Prichard Public Works DepartmentAerial Photography: Mr Baker Lands and Survey Department

On arrival in Suva the party was joined by Mr Brodie-Civil Aviation Branch, who was to take charge of the survey.
Mr Wilson-Accounts Branch Civil Aviation
Mr W. Bignall-Public Works.
Accomodation arranged at the Garrich Hotel and then a hurried visit to an Indian tailor who was to make some clothes suitable for the voyage.

History of Cliff Le Couteur

2009-04-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

With this story goes many black and white photos, which I hope to post on this blog, or on the online photo storage Flickr. The above photo is one I found in his collection and I believe it would be the Catalina used on the Pacific Island Survey he went on in 1951.

The one below is I'm pretty sure him on the wing of the Catalina.

He was born in Dunedin, on 1st of October 1913, and died in 1993. His wartime nickname was Kiwi, which he kept. I remember him telling me that he was brought up near the beach called St Kilda, near Dunedin, and that he said that he still went swimming even though the sand was frozen. The family home was 24 Larkworthy St.He left primary school about the age of 12 and started work in a foundry in Dunedin.
This was not to his liking and he applied and was accepted to be an apprentice carpenter. I believe he served out his time, but the depression then struck the world around 1929, which would make him about 16 years old.
Unable to find work, he headed across the countryside of Otago, working at various farms for board and food. At some stage in this, he met my mother, Doris Kempthourne, who lived near the small town of Heriot. He must have heard that things were better in South Africa, because he took a trip there in 1936, and was not only able to work there, but learn to fly there.

This money must have been enough for him to return to New Zealand and marry Doris in 1937, and once they were married, he took her to South Africa.
They then returned to New Zealand in 1939 and had my two elder brothers, Allan and Peter.
Around 1940, he was called up to fly in the RAF. He trained to fly bombers, but during training, he broke an arm playing rugby, so he ended up training on flying boats.
During the war he flew the Sunderland and also the PBY Catalina. He must have done quite a bit of flying in the Mediterannean, because I remember him talking of flying out of Gibraltar and Malta. I remember asking him if he ever had to fight against another aeroplane, and he told me of the time he was attacked by a JU88? (a German transport aeroplane).
He said they escaped by using the slow speed of the Catalina and showed me scars in his neck where bits of something hit him. Apart from this story, I have no idea why he would have been accorded a DFC.

Apparently I can contact the RNZAF to find out, but cannot seem to bring myself to do so. At the end of the European war he returned home to New Zealand, and was expecting to go and fight against the Japanese, but he was not needed because of the atomic bombs that ended that war.
After the war, he started work with Tasman Empire Airways Ltd, (TEAL) which was providing the first passenger air services to and from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. At this time, 1946, I was born. I understand that it was pretty special to have survived the war, and I have an idea that I might have been spoiled a little.

He was given a "State" house at 34 Stewart Rd in Mt Albert. Many of his neighbours were returned servicemen, and I was told later that they had a neighbourhood tomato fight - grown men standing on the tops of the little potting sheds in the back garden flinging tomatoes at one another.I guess it would be as good a cure for the terrors of war as anything.
He made stilts. Not just little ones. Big ones. On completion of these he proceeded to demonstrate how they should be used to my two elder brothers. After walking around the back yard for some minutes, he said:
"Now, if you need a rest, all you have to do is back up to the house and lean it."
Which he proceeded to do. The women next door who was watching all this just about had a nasty accident laughing so much, because he chose to rest against a window, which he broke.

I remember that he used to take me to the Parnell Baths for me to learn to swim. He owned a 1928 Dodge, which he called Esmeralda. He was very pleased with this car, but the split rims caused him some anguish! It was a romantic time for the flying boats, and it would have been fantastic to be on one of those flights. There was a special expedition mounted in a Catalina, and he was one of the pilots. This expedition's purpose was to survey and clear landing spots in the coral reefs. I think he enjoyed this immensely, and told me stories of taking dynamite down in the water to blow up bits of coral reef. I have his diary of the trip, and one of my tasks is to translate his writing and show it on this blog.

Around 1952, he bought a section of land at 28 Glen Atkinson St and proceeded to build a house there in his spare time. I realise now that this was an undertaking he should not have attempted, though he did gain much satisfaction from the various stages of completion. For my part, I thought we would never get above the mud and concrete of the foundations. He finished building the house around 1962 (enough for us to live in).

At around the mid fifties, TEAL brought into service the DC6, a land plane with four piston engines. On my 12th birthday I remember him saying: "Do you want to fly with me to Fiji for the weekend?" These were more relaxed days, and I was able to sit in the seat in the flight deck normally have been occupied by the radio operator, which they did not have.
He had the extra responsibility of being the Safety Officer. I have a feeling he enjoyed getting crews to use life rafts in the Parnell Baths.

The planes he later flew were Lockheed Electras, and Douglas DC8's. Retirement at 55 years was mandatory in those days and he felt a bit bitter about that, because he felt he could have lasted a little longer. After some years of trying to be retired, he started work again as a carpenter, and managed to do this until he retired properly. I worked for a small time as an architectural draftsman, and redrew dad's house on my computer. I was quite surprised that any alterations I made to his design immediately looked wrong. This house is still standing at

28 Glen Atkinson St and his insistence on heart rimu for the framing means this is one solid
house.