POPULAR SEARCHES:   rings  necklaces  earrings  beryl  cut stones  brooch  
 
This chapter is tagged (labeled) with: 

Ch. 10: Present Day Pearling Life

Ch. 10: Present Day Pearling Life Page of 341 Ch. 10: Present Day Pearling Life Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
172
Pearls.
At New Guinea some chiefs came on board, and were entertained by the mate, whilst Mr. Chippindall pulled ashore some five miles off. Here his dingy was surrounded by hundreds of canoes with armed savages, but everything passed off well, probably owing to the fact that their own chiefs were on board, and might be looked upon as hostages.
On the 10th of April another diver died. On the following day very rich ground was found, and some enormous shells were raised. On the 12th of April the third man died, and Mr. Chippindall, judging from previous experience that more deaths would occur, determined to immediately send the men back to their homes. He therefore sailed that day. By the end of a fortnight the total number of deaths amounted to nine, and while in Port Darwin harbour, in four days five more died. Every effort was made to rouse the men and dis­tract their attention, but it was useless ; the ship was like a charnel house. Meanwhile the seven Sooloo men were looking on, and ridiculing the Solorese as cowards.
During the vessel's absence from Port Darwin, large numbers of boats had arrived from Torres Straits with diving dresses, and the harbour pre­sented a most lively appearance. .They did very well
Ch. 10: Present Day Pearling Life Page of 341 Ch. 10: Present Day Pearling Life
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page