Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-01-04
ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC.


found of much interest to mariners. 1t i:
from the Sydney Morning Herald, New South
Wales:
To the Editors Of the Sydney Morning Herald
august "a:
GENTLEMEN-Enclosed send you some
Information of islands lying in the track o
vessels bound to the northward, and where
masters can get supplied in the least posi-
BILE time. Most ofthe islands in the annexed
list have been able to determine the posi-
tion of from my own observations; the re.
mainder l derived from undoubted authority
and will, l trust, prove useful, particularly
to those passenger ships trading from the
Australasian Colonies to California. Pos.
sessed of this information, masters of vessels
need never be under anxiety of falling short
of water and stock when in their neighbor.
hood.
Leaving it in your hands,
remain, respectfully,
F. w. PLANK,
Commander barque Maria, of London.
Sydney, New South Wales.
Name in general chart, Otaheite; native
name Tahiti. Papeete, principal port ofthe
island. Lat. II % 10, long. l49 % g.
Remarks: At Tahiti, ships can get provis-
ions, and it being an excellent place for wa
ter, offers great inducements for vessels
calling there; pilotage IS cents per foot in
and out; firewood in abundance at 81 cord
regular market being now established,
fruit and vegetables can always be obtained.
Papeete harbor is on the northwest side of
the island.
Name in general chart, .Emao; native
name, Moorea. Lat II 80 south, long. $50
o west-Remarks: Water and firewood in
abundance; stock can be obtained from the
natives; a native pilot is always in attend
these islands the French protectorate flag is
flying. Papetoai harbor is on the northeast
side Of the island, affording excellent shelter
from all winds.
Name in general chart, Huahine; native
name, Huahine. Lat Is 45 south, long
Isl west--Remarks: Fare Harbor is on the
north side of the island; and easy of access
with the wind from northeast to northwest; !;
a native pilot is on the lookout for vessels;
charge for schooners, S4 anchorage and S4
pilotage; for three-masted vessels; anchor
age So, pilotage -; there is good water,
and abundance of frewood at So per cord !;
depth of water IL fathoms
Name in general chart Uhita; native name
Raiatea. Lat. I6 As 80, long. Isl 35. Re-
marks: There are four entrances-south-
east, northwest, west, east southeast; are
easy of ingress or egress: pilotage, 81 per
foot for all vessels drawing more than 10
that, so cents. The anchorage
is also included in this charge Any quanti-
ty of stock can be procured here, and abun-
dance of firewood; also, excellent water
Depth of water, l5 to 25 fathoms.
Name in general chart Bola Bola; native
name, Bora Bora Lat Is 9. south, long.
Isl 46 20 west Remarks: The harbor is
on the northwest side; the charges are the
same as at Raiatea; stock can be obtained.
and frewood; water also, but it takes much
lime, the stream being very small. Depth
Of water, ID to 20 fathoms.
Name in general chart Marua native
name, Mopiti. lat. Is 25 south, long. lbs
3 west. Remarks: This is small island,
with about 800 inhabitants, and has very
Indifferent harbor; no ship should attempt to
enter, the currents running very strong
Fowls and ducks can be obtained, and in case
Of vessel requiring them, boat had better
be sent in. The water here is brackish.
There are two other islands in this group,
viz, Sir Charles Sanders and Tetuora-the
one about 25 miles west southwest of fMoarea,
and the latter 45 miles to the north of Tahiti.
At neither of these islands is there water or
provisions. The whole of the Society group,
with the exception of Te.uora, can be seen
Is miles from ships deck, and many Of
hem much farther. In approaching the reef
|, good lookout should be kept, the current
setting very strong on them; and would
advise masters of vessels that, in any har-
,ors where there are no pilots, never to at
empt entering without good commanding
,reeze, and even with the native pilot on
BOARD, to exercise their own judgment as to
he best time Of going in.
HERvEY's GROUP. = Name on general
hart, Parry or Maouti; native name, Mauki.
lat 20 10 Is south, long. l59 l9 "a west.
Remarks: There is no harbor at this island,
md the settlement being some distance in the
Interior, it has frequently happened that YES
els have passed and reported it not inhabitA
ID; but il gun be fired the natives will
Don appear, and come off to the ship and
rade. Fowls and pigs in abundance, and
an be bought cheap. The island abounds
n tamana wood. Landing place for boats
N the northwest side.
Name in general chart, Mittiaro; native
ame, Mitiare. Lat I9 % south, long. Isl
As west. Remarks: This is small is
and, but can be seen 20 miles from ships !
eek. Stock can be obtained for trade at |
cry moderate prices, Landing place on the
rest side.
Name in general chart, Wateeo; native
ame, Atiu. Lat. I9 SO south, long. l5S,
1 west. The island can be seen 30 miles
, clear weather; has no harbor; stock and
rewood can be obtained in exchange for
rade.
Name in general chart, Mangra; native
anne, Managai. Lat. 10 Is 81 S., long. l57
q O6 w. Remarks: This island can be
cen at distance Of 30 miles; landing place
n the west side, but that not by boats; ca
oes come off, and for moderate payment
l. Ill -oc,,.rAd.