Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen Stopping at Dahe's Islands
The Society Islands, also known as the Tahiti Islands, are located between latitude 15°52' to 17°49' south and longitude 150°08' to 156°30' west, covering an area of 2,200 kilometers.
The Society Islands consist of two groups of islands, the first being the Windward Islands, which include Tahiti or Taiti, Tahaa, Tapamanoa, Emeo or Moorea , Tetialo and Mehaitia, all of which are under French protection; the second group of islands is the Leeward Islands, which include Tubuai, Manu, Hua Hin, Raiatea-Tao, Bora-Bola, Murphy-Iti, Maupiti, Bellingshausen and Sai, these islands are ruled by local kings.The British called this archipelago the George Islands.However, it was Captain Cook who originally discovered the islands and has named them the Society Islands in honor of the Royal Society of London.The Society Islands are nearly 1,400 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands.According to several recent censuses, the archipelago has only 40,000 people, including foreigners.
If the voyagers sail from the northeast, the first thing that catches the eye is Tahi Island among the windward islands.Since the island's Maio Peak or Diadem Peak is as high as 1239 meters above sea level, the watchmen of the observatory can see it from a distance.
The sailing of Model Island from the Pamotu Islands was smooth sailing.Escorted by the trade winds, the "Pearl of the Pacific" passed through this large and admirable sea area with the sun gradually leaning towards the Tropic of Capricornus.In more than two months, after the sun reaches the Tropic of Capricornus, it will turn around and approach the equator again.By then, the hot sun will be shining directly on the machine island, and I am afraid that the island will be hot for several weeks.Afterwards, the model island will follow the sun to the north, just like a dog following its owner, keeping a certain distance not far or near.
It is the first time for people from Billion City to stop in Tahiti.Last year, they started traveling too late, so they didn't go very far west, leaving the Pamotu Islands and heading straight north back to the equator.However, the Society Islands are the most beautiful archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.The model islands are still passing through the islands, and our Parisians have forgotten everything and immersed themselves in the infinite admiration of the archipelago.They believed that, although they encountered many fascinating things in the process of traveling with this machine that could choose the anchorage and climate at will, they were not worth talking about compared with the beauty before them.
"Not bad!... But let's see what positive results this ridiculous adventure can bear!" Sebastian Zorno still insisted on this sentence. "Hey! All I want is that this never end!" cried Yvernay.
At dawn on October 17th, the sky was not yet bright, and Tahiti could be seen from the model island.The first thing that comes into view is the north coast of the island.It was still at night, and the lighthouse at Cape Venus was already seen.One day is enough time for the model island to anchor near Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.Papeete is located in the northwest of the island, just past the headland.But at this time, a meeting of 30 celebrities was held under the auspices of the island governor.There was disagreement over which side of Tahiti the model island should go to.Since the parliament is composed of celebrities from the two districts, the power is absolutely balanced, so the parliament is divided into two camps.The party headed by James Tanken advocated going to the West; while the party headed by Nate Coverly insisted on going to the East.In this evenly matched situation, Cyrus Picktaff, whose opinion played a decisive role, proposed to circle the island from east to south and then west, and finally stop at Papeete.It was a decision that overjoyed the Quartet, as they would immediately be able to enjoy the full beauty of this pearl of the Pacific, as Bouuvier calls it in the book.
Tahiti covers an area of 104,215 hectares, almost nine times the size of Paris.Its population, which in 1875 was 7,600 natives, 300 French, and 110 others, is now only 7,000.From the map, its shape resembles an upside-down gourd. The main part of the island is the body of the gourd, the Taiarapu Peninsula is the head of the gourd, and the Taravao Isthmus that connects the two parts is obviously the thin neck of the gourd. .
This metaphor was made by Frascolan when he was studying the large map of the Society Islands, and several partners thought this metaphor was too accurate. They decided to give Tahiti a new name: "Tropical Gourd". .
In terms of administrative division, since it became a protected area on September 9, 1842, Tahiti has been divided into 6 parts and 21 districts.It is well remembered that those sudden disputes between Admiral Dipatti-Touhals and Queen Pomare with England were caused by that hideous Bible-carrying cotton merchant, Broker's instigation.In Alphonse Carr's novel, he is wittily portrayed as a caricature by the author.
Of course, this is a story of the past, but the actions of the Anglo-Saxon apothecary have not been entirely forgotten.
As long as the model island is kept 1 mile away from the "tropical gourd", it can be safely and boldly circled around it.In fact, the foundation of this "gourd" is also made of coral, and its lower walls are inserted into the seabed steeply and straightly.However, before the model island got closer to the island, people in the billion-dollar city could already appreciate its majestic majesty. The peaks of the mountains and the canyons surrounded by lush forests.The pinnacles are as well-defined as the pinnacles of towering Catholic churches; the lush coconut groves on the beach surround the island like a loincloth green belt, and the big waves violently hit the reefs along the coast and rolled up high waves. White foam washes over the shore to moisten them.
On this day, the model island sailed along the east side of Tahiti. Curious people gathered in the starboard port, eyes tightly on the binoculars (several Parisians each had a pair), and every bit of the shore of the island Both of them aroused their great interest: first, the Papenu District, where a small river flowing from the foothills crosses the wide valley of the District, and then flows into the sea through a gap several miles wide in the cliff; Hitia, a very safe port from which millions of oranges were transported to San Francisco; and next to Mahaina, where in 1845 the island's occupants fought a war with the natives. The island was conquered after a fierce battle.
In the afternoon, Model Island crosses the narrow Taravao Isthmus.While sailing around the peninsula, Captain Sim Coyer brought the model islands closer so that one could enjoy the whole splendor of the fertile fields and many currents of the Tautila.It is the dense network of water that makes this land one of the most fertile in the archipelago.Steep cones of extinct craters stand majestically on the coral-founded Taiarap peninsula.
Then, when the sun was setting and sliding towards the horizon, the last crimson glow was condensed on the top of the mountains, and the color gradually became lighter and lighter, and finally melted into the hot veil mist.Not long after, the entire island was shrouded in a faint twilight and became hazy.An evening breeze brings the scent of citrus and lemon trees from the island.The short dusk passed away in a blink of an eye, and the deep night followed.
At this time, the model island was rounding the cape at the tip of the southeastern tip of the peninsula. When the next morning was faint, it had turned to the west side of the Taravao Isthmus.
The Taravao area has a very developed planting industry and a large population. There are beautiful roads in the citrus forests, which connect the Taravao area with Papiri.At the highest point of the district, a fort is clearly visible, overlooking the sides of the isthmus.The fort is equipped with several cannons, and the barrels protrude from the holes like copper drip pipes.Deep within the commanding heights lies the Port of Phaethon.
"?" Yvernay murmured in his heart.
During the day, Model Island moves slowly along Tahiti's west coast.The coast in this area shows more clearly the coral base.The scenery of the next several districts is varied and has its own characteristics: the swampy plains in the east and west of the Paperi district; Mataya, the natural harbor of Paprili; Deep in the canyon is a 500-meter-high mountain, which is like a basin stand, supporting a large basin with a circumference of half a kilometer.This basin is an old crater, which must have been filled with fresh water, because there is no visible connection with the sea.
Ahorauno is a cotton-producing area, full of large and intensively cultivated cotton fields.Driving past Ahorauno is the Papara District, which is an area specialized in agricultural reclamation.After passing the Cape Mara, the model island proceeds along the Paluvia Grand Canyon.This gorge is branched off from Diadem, and it is nourished by the waters of Punarun.Passing Tapuna and going forward, there are Cape Tatao and the mouth of the Faa River. At this time, Captain Simkaoye turned the model island slightly to the northeast, skillfully avoiding the small island of Motu Uta.At 6 o'clock in the afternoon, Model Island stopped at the entrance to Papeete Harbour.
Looking from the estuary to the port, there is clearly a meandering channel among the coral reefs.The buoys set up with old gun barrels on both sides of the channel extend all the way to Farrant Cape.It was obvious that Ethel Simcoyer had all kinds of maps in his hands, and he didn't have to rely on the navigator who shuttled around the entrance area of the channel in a small boat.However, a small boat with a yellow flag on the bow still sailed from the port.It turned out that this was a "healthy" boat that came to starboard port to discuss business with Model Island.There is a strict regulation on Tahiti Island, no one is allowed to go ashore without an entry quarantine certificate issued by the customs officials together with the doctors in charge of epidemic prevention.
As soon as the boat reached the starboard port, the doctor who arrived immediately contacted the authorities of Model Island.In fact, all you need to do is a simple procedure, because there are almost no patients inside and outside the city of billions. Anyway, infectious diseases such as cholera, influenza, and yellow fever have never been seen on the island at all.Therefore, an entry quarantine certificate was issued in accordance with the custom.But it was almost dusk at this time, and it would soon be dark, so the landing time had to be postponed until the next day.As a result, the model island sank into sleep, waiting for the coming of the rising sun.
At the dawn of dawn, there was a rumbling cannon.This is the former battery saluting with a 21-gun salute to the Windward Islands and Tahiti, the capital of the French protectorate.At the same time, on the tower of the observatory, the Golden Sun flag was raised and lowered three times in a row.
The "Dark Fort" located at the headland of Tahiti's main channel also fired a 21-gun salute one-on-one as a thank you.
Just after dawn, the starboard port was crowded with people.Hundreds of millions of urbanites who were going to visit the capital of the archipelago arrived on the tram.Without a doubt, Sebastian Zorno and his friends were the most impatient of all the tourists.Since the small boats on Model Island could not transport all these curious people ashore at once, the local aborigines took the opportunity to scramble to provide services, carrying tourists from the starboard port across the 1,600-meter water surface to the harbor.
In any case, it was most appropriate to let the island's consul go ashore first, because according to the custom, he was going to call on the top military and political leaders on Tahiti, and he had to have a formal audience with the queen.
About nine o'clock Cyrus Picktaff, with his assistants Barthelemy Luger and Hubley Harcourt, boarded the handsome electric boat, and sailed for the port of Papeete.All three are well-dressed and well-dressed.They were accompanied by important figures from both districts, including Nate Coverley and James Tanken, Captain Sim Coyer and his officers in rich uniforms, Colonel Stewart and his guard of honour. .
Sebastian Zorno, Frascorin, Yvernay, Pancina, Atanaz Dorémi and Callistes Membal and some civil servants on another boat .
Local boats and canoes trailed the boats of billionaire city officials.This team of island consuls, military and political chiefs, and dignitaries aptly represents the city of billions, and two of the main characters are rich enough to buy the entire island of Tahiti, even including the queen in the city. the entire Society Islands within.
The port of Papeete is an extremely superior port, the water in the port is deep enough to berth large-tonnage ships.It has three water channels connected to the sea: the large channel in the north is 70 meters wide and 80 meters long, but unfortunately it is narrowed by a small sandbar with buoys; the Tanoa channel in the east; Tapu in the west Na fairway.
Electric boats sail majesticly along the waterfront, where villas and holiday homes abound, as well as some marinas with boats.They landed at the foot of an elegant fountain.This fountain is also used as a fresh water supply point, and the running water flowing down from the nearby mountains gathers into small rivers to provide sufficient water for the fountain.On one of the mountains is a signaling device.
Many people had already gathered densely on the shore, including French, natives and people from other places.They all hail the "Pearl of the Pacific" as the most extraordinary miracle that human beings can create.Cyrus Picktaff and his entourage entered among them as they disembarked.
After the turbulent emotions when they first landed calmed down, the brigade went straight to the Governor's Mansion in Tahiti.
Callistus Membal, in the splendor of festive festivities, was pompous.He invited the "Quartet" to go with him, and the "Quartet" just nodded and agreed.
The French protectorate in this area includes not only Tahiti and Moorea, but also some of the surrounding islands.The person in charge is the Governor-General who is in charge of everything, and a commander reports directly to him.The commander specifically led the various departments of the land navy, the financial management of the suzerain and the colonies, as well as political and legal work.The Governor's Secretary-General is in charge of the civil affairs of the region.Residents were stationed on the islands of Moorea, Fakarava in the Pamotus, Taio-Hae in Nuka-Khiva, and a magistrate in the Marquesas jurisdiction. From 1861 a consultative committee responsible for agriculture and commerce came into operation, meeting annually in Papeete.Tahiti also houses the headquarters of the Artillery and Engineers.As for the garrison, there were several detachments of the colonial army gendarmerie, artillery detachments and marines.The affairs of the Catholic religion were handled by a priest, a priest, and nine missionaries who were assigned to the other islands.Salaries for priests and priests are provided by the government.Several Parisians here really had a feeling of being in France, as if they were in a certain port in France, which naturally made them feel elated.
As for the governance of the various villages on these islands, it is a kind of administrative committee-like organization composed of indigenous people.The committee is headed by a "tawana", supplemented by a judge, a security chief and two councilors elected by the villagers.
The team that came to visit from the model island marched towards the government residence under the beautiful shade of trees.The beautiful boulevards are lined with tall coconut trees, wood roses with thorny leaves, chestnuts, citrus trees, guava trees and rubber trees.The government office stands in this green forest.Its wide roof almost exceeds the height of the trees, and the dormer windows on the roof are also inlaid with exquisite window panes.This is a two-story building with a rather elegant appearance from the front.The island's leading French officials were already assembled, and the Colonial Gendarmerie lined up to welcome them.
It is impossible to express the warmth with which the Governor received Cyrus Picktaff.This kind of friendly attitude is absolutely not enjoyed by the Island Consul in the British colonial islands in this area.He thanked Picktaff for bringing the model island to the Society Islands, and hoped that they would come to visit every year, while regretting that Tahiti could not return.The meeting lasted half an hour.As a courtesy, Cyrus Picktaff will also entertain the Governor and his party at the Model Island Municipal Building the next day.
"Are you planning to stay in Papeete for a while?" asked the Governor.
"Yes, it's estimated to be half a month." The consul replied.
"Then you will have the honor of seeing the French fleet. It should arrive here by the end of the week."
"Mr. Governor, it will be a great honor for us to invite them to our island at that time."
Afterwards, Cyrus Picktaff introduced to the governor one by one those who accompanied him: his assistant, Captain Simcoyer, the military chief, various officials on the island, the director of art, and the four Parisians. artist.As compatriots, the "Quartet" deservedly received a warm welcome from the Governor General.
Next, it was time to introduce the representatives of the two districts of Yibillion City. At this time, there was a little embarrassment on the field.What could be done to make James Tanken look good without hurting Nate Coverley's ego!You know, neither of these two is easy to mess with, they both have the right to...
"Both sides go hand in hand." Pancina recited a famous line in a playful whisper.
This embarrassing situation was finally broken by the Governor himself.He is aware of the open and secret struggle between these two billionaires, so he is very sensitive to everything.His manners were so tactful, his proportions were just right, his diplomacy was so dexterous, that things went very well and everyone was happy.No doubt, if it had been a British Governor, in this case he would have fueled the flames for the political interests of the United Kingdom and made things out of hand.But at the Governor's Palace, nothing happened.Picktaff was very happy to receive such a grand reception. After the meeting, he led the people to leave the Governor's Mansion.
Needless to say, Sebastian Zorno, Yvernay, Pancina and Frascolan would love to have an already worn-out Atanaz Doremy back at his 25th Avenue to the house.Instead they intended to stay as long as possible on Papeete, to visit the neighbourhoods, to see the main districts, and to see the Taiarapu peninsula.
The plan was thus settled, and when they told it to Callistus Membal, the steward gave his approval.
"But you'd better wait until the day after tomorrow to start your journey," he told them.
"Why not today?" Yvernay asked, eager to try, wishing he could pick up his traveling stick and set off immediately.
"Because the dignitaries of Model Island are going to visit the queen soon, it is more appropriate for you to enter the palace together to meet His Majesty."
"And tomorrow?" asked Frascolin.
"Tomorrow, the governor of the archipelago is going to pay a return visit to Model Island, so it's best..."
"We'll be there too, won't we?" Pancina took up the conversation. "Well, we'll be there, Monsieur Steward, and we'll be there."
Leaving the Governor's Palace, Cyrus Picktaff and a group of people went straight to His Majesty's palace.The distance between the two places is not far, and it only takes a quarter of an hour to walk, and the trees are densely covered with trees, so a walk is worth a walk.
The palace is hidden in a green shade, which makes people feel comfortable and cozy.This is a quadrangular three-storey building with two rows of balconies protruding out of the building. The roof resembles a Swiss mountain chalet.Standing in front of the window on the top floor and looking out, you can have a panoramic view of the plantations stretching all the way to the urban area.In the past, the urban area was a vast sea.
Although the islands had long been placed under French protection, the queen's prestige remained as high as ever.If it is said that the flag of France is flying on the masts of ships of all sizes in the anchorage and the port of Papeete, and above the military and political buildings in the city, then at least the king's flag is still flying high above the Queen's Palace.This former flag of the archipelago had red and white horizontal stripes with tricolor squares at the corners.
Kiro discovered Tahiti in 1706, and he named it Sagitaria.After him, Wallis in 1767 and Bougainville in 1768 completed the exploration of the entire archipelago.When the island was discovered, it was ruled by Queen Obelea.After the queen's death, the famous Pomare Dynasty in Oceania history appeared.
Pomare I (1762-1780), the original name was Otto, which means "black heron", and later changed to "Pomare".
His son Pomare II (1780-1819) kindly received the first English missionaries to come here in 1797, and he himself converted to Christianity 10 years later.During that period, there were many disputes and years of wars, and the population of the archipelago decreased from 100,000 to 16,000 people year by year.
Pomare III, the son of the previous king, reigned from 1819 to 1827.After that came his sister Emmata.Born in 1812, this eminent member of the Pomare family was the favorite of the odious Pritchard.After Pomare III's death, she became Queen of Tasiti and the neighboring islands.Her first husband, Tapoa, was abandoned because he failed to get her to bear a child.She married Alifet instead.This union gave birth to her heir-presumptive Ariona in 1840, but he died at the age of 35.From the second year, the queen gave birth to 4 children in succession for her most beautiful husband on the archipelago.Daughter Terimawana, was conferred the title of Bora-Princess of Bora Island in 1860; the eldest prince Tamatotao, born in 1842, was the prince of Raiatea Island, and was later condemned by his subjects because of tyranny. overthrew the throne; the second prince, Terry Tapney, born in 1846, a wretched man with an ugly lame leg;
Queen Pomare's reign was not so peaceful either. In 1835, a conflict broke out between missionaries of the two denominations of Catholicism and Protestantism.At first they were all driven out of the islands by the queen, but in 1838, Catholic missionaries returned with a French expeditionary force. Four years later, the island's five chiefs agreed to accept French protection.Queen Pomare objected, and the British were not willing to give up. In 1843, Commodore Dipatti-Tujals deposed the Queen and expelled Pritchard, sparking several bloody skirmishes at Mahaina and Lapipa.But, as everyone knows, the admiral was almost opposed by everyone, and Pritchard was paid 25,000 francs for this, which was finally settled by Admiral Bruat.
Tahiti was conquered in 1846. On June 19, 1847, Queen Pomare signed a contract and agreed to be protected by France, but still retained the royal power in Raiatea, Hua Hin and Bora-Borbora .There were several riots and accidents later. A riot in 1852 overthrew the queen, and a republic had even been declared, before the French government eventually stepped in to restore the queen.Since then, the queen has given up three places: the island of Raiatea and Tahaa to the eldest prince, the island of Hua Hin to the second prince, and the island of Bora-Bola to her daughter.
The current reigning queen of the islands is her descendant, Pomare VI.
The helpful Frascolan has continued to use practical actions to prove that he is worthy of Pancina's title of "Living Dictionary of the Pacific Tropics".He told his companions in detail about these histories and people in the archipelago, and admitted that it is always beneficial to know the people who are going to visit and talk to in advance.Both Yvernay and Pancina claimed that he was doing the right thing, but Sebastian Zorno didn't buy it, insisting that he didn't care whether he knew it or not.
As for the emotional Yvernay, he has long been obsessed with the picturesque and beautiful scenery of Tahiti, and his mind is full of vivid descriptions in Bougainville and Dimon Deville's travel notes.He couldn't help but get excited when he thought of the queen who was about to face New Sitel.You know, this is a real Queen of Pomare, her name alone is...
"Her name means 'cough night,'" Frascolan said along his lines.
"Haha!" Pancina exclaimed, "so she is a goddess with a cold, a queen with rhinitis! Yvernay, you will definitely catch it, so don't forget to bring a handkerchief!"
This prankster is sure to have a good word to say.Yvernay was very annoyed at his untimely teasing, but the others laughed happily, and finally the first violinist couldn't help laughing with everyone.
The scene of welcoming the governors, administrative officials and representatives of celebrities of the model island is very grand.The captain of the royal guard even led the aboriginal guards to give a military salute to everyone.
Queen Pomare VI is about 40 years old.She, like the family around her, was dressed in a pastel pink festive attire.This color is very popular with Tahitians.The Queen accepts a greeting from Cyrus Picktaff.Her manner was amiable and her manners were dignified and generous, so to speak, that even the monarchs of Europe could not find fault with her.She answered them kindly, speaking very pure French, which is the common language in the Society Islands.Besides, she was very eager to know Model Island, because there was so much talk about this mobile island in the Pacific, and she hoped that Model Island would be visited more often in the future.James Tanken received a special welcome from the Queen, which could not but hurt Nate Coverly's pride a little.But the thing is obvious, the royal family is a Christian, and James Tanken is just the most famous figure in the Christian district of Billion City.
Of course, the Island Consul did not forget to introduce the "Quartet" to the Queen.The queen showed the four of them that she was willing to appreciate their performance and applauded for them. The Quartet saluted her respectfully, and replied that they obeyed "His Majesty" and that the Steward would arrange everything to the Queen's satisfaction.
The audience, which lasted for half an hour, was over. When they left the palace, the Royal Guards saluted them again at the gate of the palace to show their farewell.
We went to the port of Papeete.On the way, they stopped at the officers' club, where the officers prepared a buffet reception for the governor of the island and the dignitaries of the city of billions.So everyone drank to their heart's content, and with successive toasts, glasses of champagne were poured into their stomachs. It was already 6 o'clock in the afternoon when the electric boat left Papeete Wharf and returned to the starboard port.
That evening, when the Parisian artists returned to the living room of the House of the Casino, Frascolin said:
"We're going to have a recital soon. What are we going to play for that Majesty? Does she understand Mozart or Beethoven?"
"Let's just give her something from Offenbach, Vernet, Le Coq and Alderaan!" Sébastien Zornow suggested.
"No, don't! . . . There's nothing better than a dance piece!" Pancina protested, fascinated by the characteristic twists and turns of black dances.
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