Bellona - Visit to the Chatham Islands

Rights Information
Year
1952
Reference
32676
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1952
Reference
32676
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Duration
00:22:01
Credits
RNZ Collection
CAHILL, Ted
ROGER, Jack
DAY, R.W.

Bellona Programme No.3: Cruise to the Chathams.

Part 1- opening music and introduction from an unidentified narrator, who describes the visit to the islands by broadcasters in March 1952. They travelled there on HMNZS Bellona, on a goodwill cruise.
He describes Waitangi and the facilities there. A hangi is being organised at Te One as part of greeting to Bellona. Actuality from Te One with narration by an unidentified commentator, who describes the scene with ake ake trees bent by the wind. A Navy team is playing football against a local team next to the meeting house, where the hangi has been laid. About 100 people have gathered so far.
Sailors from Bellona handed out ice-cream and sweets to local children from the Department of Island Affairs.
Mr W. R. Day one of the organisers, talks about the preparation of the hangi which contains a whole bullock. He says a local wood known as 'matepo' is considered best for a hangi fire.
A gymkhana at the local racecourse was organised as entertainment, with two races for sailors. Commentary from the race, which is won by a Māori sailor.

Part 2- Interview with Ted Cahill at the meteorological station at Waitangi. He talks about his work as one of three meteorological operators on the islands. They report on shipping traffic, send weather reports and run the Post Office. They call New Zealand daily to send or receive messages for local people.
He talks about the climate on the Chathams and his plans to stay for another two years, as he enjoys living on the islands very much. There are no rabbits but plenty of game birds, including swans and ducks. The operators call Pitt Island every night to check all is well with the three families who live there. Actuality of the Pitt Island evening transmission and conversation with a woman resident.
Jack Roger who runs the local garage and taxi service is interviewed. The islands have one of the highest rates of car ownership inthe world per capita. He discusses the roads, the increase in number of cars, repair work and waiting for parts which have to come by ship. Petrol is expensive.
Closing theme music.