A TRIP TO WHAKATANE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 41, 11 May 1927, Page 14

A TRIP TO WHAKATANE

It was one of these bright summer mornings as I stepped off the tram and hurried toward the wharf, where, berthed alongside, lay the trim little scow Otimai, swaying with the motion of the sea.

I scrambled down the sloping gangway, and as the little ship began to shiver with the vibration of the engines, I knew that we had begun the long trip to Whakatane. Soon the high buildings of Auckland dissolved into the black of the horizon, and as we passed Tiri lighthouse I began to inspect the little ship which was bearing me to those distant shores. As I watch the foam creaming about the delicately curved bows, it seemed as if we were plunging through the ocean to reach no definite destination. The evil-smelling engine room held no attraction for me, and by the time I had finished a friendly chat with the cook it was tea-time. Later, I perched upon the wheelhouse, and watched the golden sun, a flaming disc, disappear behind the distant mountains. Very shortly the mantle of darkness descended upon the sea, and the twinkling stars beamed down upon the staunch little scow as she sped the phosphorescent waters. Then I retired to my neat little bunk where, nestled up in the warm blankets, I watched through the porthole the creamy crests of the waves as they lapped the sides of the boat. Presently I fell asleep and on awakening found that the boat had berthed at Whakatane. Silent Warrior (John Shannon).

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