Chapter 10 Frigates; Tahiti; farewell, New Guinea; Nothing Venture, Nothing Gain

TAHITI

WE left the West Indies on Thursday, the 29th February, for Panama, en route to Australia. At five minutes to seven on the morning of Saturday, the 2nd March, the ship entered the first lock on her passage through the canal.

By nine-thirty that night we had cleared the canal and anchored in the Bay of Panama for the night. At six forty-five the next morning, we weighed anchor and sailed into the Pacific for our long trip to Australia, some seven thousand miles away.

The days passed pleasantly at sea in beautiful weather with lovely moonlight nights. Although the moon was only in its first quarter, it lit up the sea as only the moon can.

When we were a few days out from Panama, the captain cleared lower deck to inform us that we were returning to Australia via Tahiti and Fiji. On Thursday, the 7th March, at five minutes to four, the ship crossed the equator, the customary crossing the Line ceremony being held.

Our trip proceeded in beautiful weather until Saturday, the 16th March, when we sighted the first island of the Society Group. At eight o'clock on Sunday, the 7th March, we were off the island of Tahiti, and what a welcome sight it was after fourteen days at sea. In the tropic morning it was a beautiful sight with its peaks rising up out of the smooth blue Pacific.

Ahead of us lay the lagoon we were to enter, guarded by a coral reef with one small break in it. Through this seemingly too small passage, we proceeded as soon as the pilot came aboard. By this time a small crowd could be seen gathered along the foreshore and the usual sly waving took place.

At eight-thirty we berthed alongside at Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. This we were told had a mixed population of about five thousand persons, namely, two thousand French and three thousand natives. Built underneath the palms near the wharf were the copra sheds, filled with copra, and soon the ship was filled with the rather sweet smell of this product.

As the town was built quite close to the water's edge, we soon saw some of the sights of the town, and what sights they were to our longing eyes. As soon as arrangements were made for us to change our money to French currency, leave was given. Naturally our first stop after leaving the ship was to be the bank to get our francs and start spending, but when we passed through the gates into the street our first stop was there, for we were greeted by beautiful Polynesian girls with flowers in their hair and leis around their necks. They were not content to let us go until they had placed garlands of flowers around our necks, and made remarks which were no doubt words of friendliness and welcome.

As soon as we got away from them we changed our money, receiving 176 francs to the pound sterling. We then proceeded to one of the cafe's to have a quiet drink. Here we found that everyone sang and danced while they had their liquor. Here, too, all the girls had flowers in their hair and floral garlands around their necks. The men also wore flowers in their hair.

The music to which one danced was mainly guitars, and the tunes were popular island melodies either of love or about the island. It required a lot of urging one another before we left this happy, laughing, dancing throng, but we wanted to go swimming. We at last left and made for a garage where we hired a car.

We were driven to a place called the Lotus Pool, which was about four kilometres out of town. This we found to be a running, sparkling little stream coming from the hills. A weir had been built across the stream to widen it. Its water was crystal clear and beautifully cold, and being set in such surroundings could not help but charm us. You changed your clothes in a cubicle made of palm fronds, having a light door set in it. The openwork walls did not afford much privacy, and in Australia might have caused embarrassment, but here in Tahiti everybody is too broadminded and far too happy to worry about such things as modesty.

All too soon our swim came to an end as there was still much to be seen. So after lying in the sun until, we dried, we quickly dressed and got into the car again to return to Papeete.

Nearing the town, we heard beautiful guitar music coming from a place on the roadside, so we told the driver to stop for a while. This hotel, we noticed, was called the Blue Lagoon and the music appealing to us we entered. We reclined on cushions spread on the floor and ordered a bottle of champagne. Whether it was for our benefit or not I don't know, but soon two girls appeared dressed for the occasion and danced the hula-hula. They danced as only those who love to dance can dance, and what with the champagne and dancing we were soon carried away to another world. Once again it was hard to leave, but as we were feeling hungry we carried on into Papeete.

After paying off the car, we started to look for a place to eat on the waterfront. While walking along the waterfront, we were surprised to see a yacht from Auckland. We were beckoned aboard, and forgot our hunger long enough to spend a while with someone who spoke our own tongue.

Soon after leaving the yacht, we found the place we wanted, the Octu Col Bleu Cafe', with a dance hall attached. Here we had the best meal I've had had since leaving New York six months before.

After we had dined, we went for a walk before returning to the dance hall.

By this time darkness had fallen and everything seemed quiet and beautiful, as indeed it was. Imagine yourself slowly walking along the sea front where palms met overhead and a beautiful tropic moon shone through the fronds, and maidens wearing flowers in their hair sat about or strolled past you, and everyone was laughing and the clear air was filled with the perfume of flowers. Could anyone wish for more? Personally I think not. I know, for I have felt it and seen it.

While we were gazing in rapture at the moonlight across the water, we noticed two young girls giving us shy smiles. Not being backward in coming forward, we soon made their acquaintance, although they spoke no more than six words of English. They were also going to the dance, so in the best way we could we told them we would like to go with them. They laughingly replied "Yes" in French and soon we joined the happy throng of dancers on the floor.

About nine o'clock the Tahitians put on an exhibition hula-hula for their guests, our ship's company. It is hard to describe the dance. To really appreciate it one must witness the ceremony. By eleven o'clock we were utterly exhausted, so saying au revoir to our charming partners we returned to our ship for a good rest. We were delighted with our first day ashore in beautiful Papeete, and looked forward to our next trip ashore.

The next day being Monday, we decided to do a bit of shopping, so we went ashore at twelve-thirty. After a delightful lunch, we bought some souvenirs, then went on a sightseeing car trip around the island. Here once again we were amazed at the beautiful scenery which we passed through, and were indeed sorry when the trip came to an end.

When we entered a cafe' for dinner we had trouble with our menu, but a young lady helped us out and finished up having dinner with us. She asked us if we had been out dancing at a beach called La Fayette. We replied we had not. Soon it was arranged that we get a car and she would get a girl-friend and the four of us visit La Fayette. This place was seven kilometres out of town and the road ran along the seashore.

It was a drive ever to be remembered. Beautiful scenery made more beautiful by the moon, which was as bright as day. The two girls sang Tahitian songs to us as we drove slowly in and out of palms bordering the roadway.

After dancing for a while I suggested a walk along the beach and the girls being agreeable we were soon settled down on the sands under the palms. Here is what I saw and felt. The moon shining through the palm fronds on the sand, while farther out the blue Pacific was breaking over the reefs, the moonlight making this appear like a lot of silvery cascades.

The music from the dance hall being a popular island song, the girls took off their shoes and danced for us there on the sands in the moonlight, then sat beside us and softly sang to us songs which must have been of love.

My young lady's hair was lovely, and long enough to reach down and encircle our waists, binding us together. Personally, I would have liked to remain that way for ever, but that was out of the question. I had read of scenes such as these but had doubted them. Now I knew and felt as they did, happy and contented and prepared to fall in love.

Nobody could have asked for more and I wished that more of my friends from back home could have been there. Truly, I thought, how lucky I was, and how good life was for me. Here all the horrors of war were forgotten as one forgets everything when serenely happy.

As it was growing late we slowly made our way back to the car, her arm around my waist, mine around hers. Let me say that these girls are as beautiful as one could find anywhere, and the two my friend and I had wanted nothing but happiness and would not let us spend our money on them. What women, strange but true.

When we reached their home, we lingered a long time over our farewells as they knew that tomorrow we would sail. Impossible, you may say, that two people could learn to like each other so much in one night; but it was Tahiti and there I don't think anything is impossible. We left them standing there waving until night came between us, and then my friend and I set out for our ship, neither saying a word.

We did not sail the next day, but both of us were on duty so it made no difference. In all my five years of world wandering I had never before found it so hard to stay aboard and look at the shore over the ship's side.

Early next morning the people of Papeete sent the ship dozens of bunches of bananas, pineapples and coconuts, truly a gesture of friendship between the French and Australians.

At nine o'clock on Wednesday, the 2oth March, we slipped from the wharf and sailed from Tahiti, an island which is truly paradise. Soon all that was left of Tahiti was a palm-fringed shore with the white breakers tumbling over the coral reefs and, behind, the higher peaks rising majestically up into the clear blue sky. I could not stay on the upper deck and watch it fade completely from view. As I turned away to go below I am not ashamed to say that tears dimmed my eyes and my heart felt like it did before I left my home on a long trip.

So passed Tahiti and two of the happiest days of my life, leaving me with just a beautiful memory, and the hope that some day I may be able to return to that paradise in the Pacific.

"A. S."

"NOTHING VENTURE, NOTHING HAVE"

It was during the cinema performance on the fo'c'sle that rumours of Japan's surrender began to percolate. So seriously were they accepted in the mighty flagship of the squadron, at San Pablo Bay, P.I., that the commander told the ship's company they would take no part in an exercise that night with dummy suicide boats. I thought to myself, "This is the real thing all right even if it has come from Radio Tokyo. Maybe we'll get away from the filthy tropics at last."

Days passed, suspense grew, and nothing happened. Rumours were rife. Then it broke. The Prime Minister broadcast, "Japan has accepted the terms of unconditional surrender." Work stopped. The captain piped "Hands to dance and skylark." He didn't mean it, so he said, but it was piped just the same by one of our most dashing quartermasters.

Down on the stokers' mess deck Stoker Timkins said to his cobber, Stoker Bloggs, "Say, Bill, what do you reckon they'll let us do? I'll bet there are no celebrations for us, but they'll do all right aft."

"Aw, nothin' much, I reckon, Blue," said Bill. "We'll probably get our beer issue and maybe some ice cream and we'll pipe down after we've scrubbed out the mess deck if that bleeding first lieutenant gets his way. Still," he added, reflectively scratching the heat rash on his back, "I could do with a few bottles. We might be able to bludge a couple at the beer issue although it'll cost a few bob." They went their separate ways ruminating.

Next morning it was broadcast that there would be Christmas Day routine; no work, church, a special dinner of turkey and a beer issue. Peace was on without a doubt.

Meanwhile, in the higher realms of the ship things started to move. In the wardroom the commander said, "Right ' No. i, go ahead. Prepare the quarter deck for a proper peacetime party. I'll get the admiral to send a signal to ask the Yanks, admirals and all, including the nurses from the hospital ships. At Home from I83OtO 2030-"

"Aye aye, sir," said the first lieutenant, who departed in search of his messenger to summon all and sundry. Tremendous activity developed. A boat went ashore full of gunroom officers in search of greenery. Stewards got up crates of crockery; pantry and galley staffs got to work cooking turkeys, chickens, eggs. The gunner (T) started to rig lighting circuits. Messengers dashed off to other ships of the squadron for reinforcements. Ice was demanded from the engineers. The band got busy with rehearsals. The gunner's yeoman and the gunner's party appeared on the quarter deck with a diving suit. Shipwrights rushed hither and yon with tables, trestles and timber: the air was full of the clatter of their hammers. And of course, in a flash, on the mess decks everyone knew at once.

At dinner in the cafeteria Blue Timkins was lucky enough to find a seat next to his mate, Bill Bloggs. He was obviously in a state of great excitement which he found difficult to control. Bill pretended to ignore it, but his curiosity was too great, so he said, "What's cooking, Blue?"

"Listen," said Blue. "You know this At Home thing the officers are giving tonight?" Bill nodded, his mouth too full of turkey and roast potato for speech. "Well, they're having tubs full of ice and bottles of beer, dozens of them, and they are going to be outside the tables close to the ship's side on the quarter deck."

Visions of free beer floated before their eyes. They looked at each other, the same thought in their minds-how to get it.

"We might climb along the iron pipes that spray the cooling water over the ship's side," said Bill. "They are close to the deck and we could reach the tubs."

"No, Bill," said Blue. "We'd be seen and we've nowhere to put the bottles if we get Peru."

They were stumped for a solution and, having finished their dinner, which they voted not bad, went up on deck. They wandered aft to take a look at the preparations and found they were by no means the only ones doing the same thing. Hordes of matelots were watching, smoking, chewing and muttering among themselves.

The quarter deck was beginning to look gay and strange with clumps of green-leaved bushes, festoons of lamps and long tables along the sides. Many officers and a number of ratings busied themselves, all practically unclothed, burnishing bright work, placing crockery, sweeping the deck. Alone in his uniform, the first lieutenant promenaded up and down the deck, sweating, thoughtful, with his cap over his eyes because it was tight and the weather too hot and sticky to wear it properly. Canvas screens were being rigged to enclose the quarter deck.

"All right for some," murmured one cynical onlooker. "A big party, lots to drink, all rigged by the troops on the lower deck and we can't even look. That's democracy for you.

Then Bluey Timkins had his brainwave. The thought made him reel, but it was good. "Bill," he whispered, "we'll dress up as officers and go to the party. After it starts, when all the officers are there drinking up big, we'll burgle cabins for uniforms. How'11 that do?"

Bill gulped. "I'm on," he said.

So away they went to discuss plans.

That evening about 8-15 when all was quiet below, two innocent-looking ratings wandered aft along the main deck. Ordinary-looking customers they were in their khaki tropical shorts. One possessed a bright red crop of hair, the other, dark, occasionally paused to scratch himself as if uncomfortable. Outside an open cabin they halted. No one was in sight, so in they went. Two minutes later they reappeared, one carrying some folded khaki material. They might have been from the ship's laundry firm delivering some freshly laundered clothing.

As they proceeded aft, strains of music from the ship's band drifted down from the deck above, accompanied by the roar and hum of talk from hundreds of throats. The At Home was at its height. Between decks the officers' quarters were deserted, silent and still. The two ratings went on aft and down a hatch, unnoticed by the keyboard sentry, Able Seaman Sleep, who was reading a love story at his post, according to his custom when no one was about.

After some minutes two officers appeared on the main deck, very sprucely clad in khaki shorts and shirts and resplendent, gilded shoulder straps. Lieutenants they were, as the two gold stripes showed. One, who wore a cap, seemed irritated, scratching at his shirt. The other, who carried his cap under one arm, was conspicuous by his fiery hair. They walked along the deck and disappeared up the ladder leading on to the quarter deck. The keyboard sentry, puzzled, scratched his head and muttered to himself, "Funny, I don't remember those two blokes going below."

A seething mass of people filled the quarter deck. U.S. naval officers, smartly dressed in khaki, an occasional officer in white tropical dress, and, what?-nurses trim in white uniform and dark-blue shoulder badges, and more, nurses of the American Red Cross clad in well-fitting khaki uniform or the more striking pale blue. From one or two came a gust of exotic perfume, the lucky creatures. Squadron officers appeared here and there, outnumbered by the vast throng of guests. A bedlam of voices arose, almost drowning the light music from the band overhead on "Y" turret. An inflated diving suit, with polished helmet, mounted guard over the gangway. Red, white and blue lamps, twinkling in the evening dimness, reflected their light on green leaves, shiny grey paint and the white cloths on the long tables.

"Time we got here, Timkins, don't you think?" said Bloggs, lieutenant.

"Certainly," said Timkins, lieutenant. "Let's get some beer." An obliging steward quickly supplied their wants. They lifted their glasses.

"Good and cold, Bloggs. The supply is well organized, better than the troops get it for'ard," remarked Timkins. "I could do with some more," he said, emptying his glass. With replenished beakers they turned and commenced to chat with some American officers, whose praises of the party were loud.

"Say, this is the best party in the South-west Pacific," enthused one, a glass of beer in one hand and a well-filled plate of cold turkey and salad in the other. The two lieutenants assented, and drank deeply. Just then a steward touched Bloggs on the arm. "Excuse me, sit," he said, "from the flag lieutenant; he wouldn't like to be in your shoes if the admiral sees

you with your cap on." He disappeared. Startled, Bloggs hurriedly removed his cap and tucked it under his arm. Timkins saw him. Both winked knowingly. It was a close shave. Their blood was tingling. The thrill of their adventure filled them with a feeling of heady intoxication. They renewed their supply of beer.

The admiral, with flashing smile, sturdy figure and shiny golden shoulder straps, slowly making his way among the guests, paused by them. "Good evening, gentlemen," he said. "It's lucky for us the rain kept away; everyone seems to be enjoying himself."

"Yes, sir," chorused the two, "we wouldn't have missed it for worlds!"

The admiral went on his way, unsuspecting.

But Nemesis was stalking them. Burly Lieutenant Barrel, a trencherman of no mean repute who did not hold with women at these parties, looked up as he took his refilled glass from the table. "I know that back and that hair," he thought. "I wonder who they are?" Quietly he edged his way through the noisy mass of humanity so as to obtain a better view. Recognition was sudden. "My God, they are two stokers," he muttered to himself. "I'll fix them." Grimly, with law outthrust, he moved towards them. Coming alongside them, he gestured with his hand and hissed, "My cabin, now!"

A few minutes later two quivering stokers in "lions' " clothing stood before Lieutenant Barrel, towering and irate, although he was laughing secretly to himself and hoping sincerely he was not showing his amusement. He was saying, "It's not that I mind your presence so much, that is good fun, but I do object to you drinking my beer. Now, go for'ard and return that uniform to me first thing in the morning."

Thanking their lucky stars that nothing worse had occurred-for the moment, Blue and Bill escaped precipitately.

"'Struth, Bill," said Blue, "I don't know what'll happen, but it was worth it."

"Yes," affirmed Bill, "it was."

"DODGER""