[A Seaplane Visits Moose Factory]
August 27, 1920, will be well remembered by the natives of Moose Island, as it marks the arrival of the first air machine to any H.B.C. post in James Bay district.
A high-pitched, droning noise heralded the approach of the machine; and soon the 'plane came into view, flying at an altitude of about three thousand feet. A fine sight it was to see the great bird coming nearer, suddenly "bank," and, with a great flash of silver, as the sun's rays glinted on the tilted planes, it nose-dived and planed down to the "landing" stretch of water, which had been previously marked with a buoy and red flag. This channel of deep water runs between Moose Island and a smaller island, the river at this point being of delta formation.
Meanwhile the inhabitants and the Company's staff had gathered on the bank, the latter all armed with cameras. A canoe shot out from the river side and the airmen were soon exchanging greetings with us.
The seaplane to the Indians was a matter of great mystery and for long bands of them stood gazing at the craft which the white men had handled so dexterously.
During their subsequent trips to their base near Cochrane they very kindly carried our outward mails.
The object of the seaplane's journey was the recording by motion pictures the life and customs of the inhabitants of northern Canada.—G.F.