G. Nevill, Commissioner.
While we cleaned up the boat and ourselves and donned our shore clothes, we savored to the full the satisfaction of having arrived safe and of being warmly welcomed. All of us were looking forward to the amenities of shore living. As far as Nick, Mickey, and Moto were concerned, hot baths were at the head of the list—the hotter the better. Personally, I also wanted a cold beer, a good steak, and a crisp salad.
Just to make sure, I asked the bearer of the note whether it would be possible for us to dine out in Rarotonga. He told me that the only public dining room was at the Government Hotel, just off the docks, and he offered to go there directly to make arrangements for hot baths and dinner reservations for our entire group.
Barbara and I went ashore first, to pay our respects, and arranged to meet the rest at the hotel. The Commissioner was quite as cordial as his note. He invited us to tea at the Residency the following afternoon and promised to put a car and driver at our disposal so we could all make a trip around the island at our convenience.
When we reached the hotel, glowing with good cheer, we found our group were not so happy. They had had the promised baths, but had been told that dinner “for so many” was out of the question.
To the Japanese, sensitive to polite circumlocutions, this meant discrimination and they were all for withdrawing forthwith. I could not believe, judging from our reception, that any slight had been intended and I approached the manager directly.
I found him full of welcome and apology. “It’s just that you came in so late, sir—the government freezer closes at three, and each day we draw our rations from there. We might have squeezed in one or two, but trying to do for seven on such short notice would be hopeless. I trust you do understand?”
“Then how about tomorrow night?” I wanted something definite to take back to my companions.
“Oh, that would be excellent, sir! I think we can do you very well indeed.”
And very well indeed they did do us, well enough to make up completely for the letdown of having to open cans again on our first night in port.