NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



237 



In the midst of all these festivities we received the sad news 

 that Parkinson's father had died. He had been ill ever since our 

 visit to England at which time Parkinson had gone to his bedside. 



Just before leaving Papeete, an elaborate beach party was 

 arranged in our honor by the members of the local "Society for 

 Polynesian Studies," of which Father Rougier was president. A 

 dinner in the ancient Tahitian manner included such delicacies 

 as broiled "centipedes" and "castor-oil fish." No wine was 



Fisherman's Hut on the Island of Tahiti 



Very little is seen today of the old Tahitian ways of life, the island having become 

 cosmopolitan. 



served at the table of honor, in deference to the feelings of the 

 American Consul, who never missed an opportunity of telling 

 these people what they should drink. When it came time for 

 the toasts one of the speakers at this table inadvertently began 

 by saying: "I lift my glass — ." Captain Ault, with a twinkle 

 in his eye nudged him and suggested he begin again with: "I 

 lift my coconut — ." 



Moving-pictures were next on the program. These showed 

 scenes on Christmas Island, which is owned by Father Rougier. 



