FIG. 126.
PITCAIRN ISLAND FROM THE SEA.
FIG. 127.
PITCAIRN ISLAND: CHURCH AND RESIDENCE OF MISSIONARIES.
FIG. 128.
PITCAIRN ISLAND: BOUNTY BAY.
Mana was welcomed by a boat-load of sturdy men, who were definitely European in appearance and manner; they were mostly of a sallow white complexion, though a few had a darker tinge. They spoke English, though with an intonation different from that of the Dominions, America, or the Homeland. A local patois is sometimes used on the island which is a mixture of English and Tahitian, but pure Tahitian is not understood. A graceful invitation was given by the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Gerard Christian, to come and stay on shore, and was accepted for the following day, which, the Islanders said, “will be the Sabbath.” This was a somewhat surprising statement, as the day was Friday, and caused a momentary wonder whether something had gone wrong with the log of Mana. “We will explain all that later,” added our hosts.
The next morning therefore the big ten-oared boat turned up again, Mr. Christian bringing us the following kind letter from the missionaries, who we now learned were on the island. It was addressed “To the Gentlemen concerned.”
Pitcairn Island.
27. 8. 1915.