Fleet, Robert R., 1963-1965
Page 20
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Smithsonian Institution Archives. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
1965 SIC #8 all above spinn. except (1 G. Finiq, 2 H. Noddies, 4/6c. Noddies.) Guide told me that his grandfath. told him that 2. Finiq used to nest on ground near present area. Stopped twice on way back to village to list BST & my more additions (plant collections). We stopped at Runway (WWII) & got plant spec., saw 6 GT, collected 1 coconut crab !! Price 1 copra (principal crop) at Tongariki 4/4.2/ ton. So far this year island has exported 100 tons - get a ship around every 3 months. Price rises in Rawtonga & in New Zealand up to 9.2/ton. Native trade is visitor in shell necklaces, fancy wood- work (canoe), etc. Sometimes have pearls for trade usually sm. irregular pearls. Have people want clothing even before money - a good hard shirt will bring even pearls in trade.