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so moorings have to be good, and still one does not feel too happy. We had some wind at times but got nothing bad, and on the whole the weather was hot but not unpleasant. We were fortunate through the kindness of friends there to be able to see quite a bit of the island, and to have several car rides. The island is volcanic and I visited one extinct crater.

Port Louis is the chief business centre, but owing to its bad reputation for health, the Europeans do not live in the town, but leave before dark and go away to various parts in the hills at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,000 feet. For its size the island appeared to be well supplied with good roads and plenty of cars. We drove through many miles of sugar cane in various stages of growth, sugar being the principal export.

I also visited the Marine Museum where I saw the boat from the " Trevessa " which, you may remember, was lost in the Indian Ocean, and the crew made a long journey in their boat to Mauritius. I also saw some interesting relics from a British frigate which was lost in a sea battle with the French in past days. The fine copper nails were in fine condition.

The island appears to be very fertile, and at the various settlements in the hills there are some beautiful gardens. Their only drawback seems to be the cyclones, which at times play havoc with the canes, as they get beaten down and broken off at the roots. —Extract from letter from Capt. Richard, Master, S.S. " Holmpark."

1940.

FRAGMENT . . .

There came a man born on a sea of greed, And swept to power by every evil need, Who cried into the new born infant's ear, You shall see death, and treachery, and fear, And know it not . . .

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R.J.L.