Palmerston Ashore
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sat 19 Oct 2013 20:37
|
Our First Experience of
Palmerston
 Up came the
sun. As we sat in the conservatory eating breakfast, we could see Bill,
Metz and Nagariki fishing. They were promptly with us at ten and soon we were on
our way – still very strange to us, that we cannot spuddle in and out on Baby
Beez, she remains on deck resting.
 The swell was
up and Nagariki tucked us in with extra sou'westers against the
splash.
 As Bill pulled closer we thought - O
well, a wet ride then.
 Then, between the reefs the sea took on a stippled look.
 Bill expertly took us through the very wiggly route an in fifteen
minutes we were ashore. Nagariki (pronounced Nar-er-key, aged ten)
posed with some of the mornings catch. We met Mum (Bill’s mum – Inano), a very
sprightly eighty four year old. Juliana aged twelve, Caroline aged eight, and
Sydney aged six We heard a very English voice and met Rose, currently
working for three years on the island, as a school teacher. Easy chatter and
such a welcome from everyone.
 Some of the flour we had brought with
us yesterday had been turned into delicious
doughnuts.
 Bill came out with a bundle of papers
that had been put together by John and Julie (grateful visitors) in 1999.
Fascinating. The first was a type written copy of the letter
written by William Marsters applying to lease the island.
 Fascinating.
  The copies all told the story of how
the island came to be rented from the Crown. There was a a
piece published in the Melbourne Argus, dated the 16th of August 1888 and
a request for the lease on behalf of William Marsters II
(his father now passed).
 Above right in
readable print.
 The Crown in this case was Queen Victoria, amazing to see.
 Signatures.
 Confirmation of twenty
five pounds a year rental - 1891.
  We all
posed for a picture Bear and me. Bill, Sydney, Caroline, Juliana,
Nagariki, Metua (Metz) and mum seated. Time for lunch, Bill took his position at
the head of the table.
 Fish and
chips, expertly produced by Juliana. Now whether we approve or not,
Juliana has been cooking from the age of six. All the children are barked at by
Bill and Metz, Mum at least says please and thank you. If chores are not done to
a high standard – as Metz said – “they get a good
beating”...............
 Juliana -
al fresco washing up and Nagariki drying up. Tomorrow
Juliana would have to put on a big Sunday meal for twelve, chores, school work,
not an easy life for this lovely young lady. Nagariki is always on hand to weigh
and lift the aluminium rib anchor, jumping in to waist deep water, fishing,
chores and school work, a life that most youngsters would find
tough.
  A smile is
never far from these lovely children and a flower for my ear too.
 A cup of tea and time for a bimble.
ALL IN ALL QUITE UNIQUE – A
SOCIAL HISTORIANS
DREAM |