31701-0016-0008

xxxx
xxxx

[con]nected it up and it meant testing our line for three miles. Two of us stayed out all day, climbing trees to search for the breakage. We found it just on tea time and now everything is OK. ( The native walked to Mapa in less time than when I rode. & did all this for 4 worth of tobacco)

Friday darling, I heard your parcel has arrived. Gee I am happy - they tell me it's a camera. I'll send you some snaps as soon as I can. I can hardly wait till I get back to camp,
to see it. Our boys have just gone away again, and the tent is packed full of fruit. They gave us an exhibition of their strength, & it was amazing the things they can lift. I got the "champ" to try to force my arm on to the table. I was the more surprised when he failed. One chap all but beat me at draughts, after he had beaten Nev. They started talking about girls. We made them understand we were not after their women, and they appreciated
it (the fine for assaulting a hahine is £150, unless you marry her & stay in her village.) The two men showed their girls photos to the boys & they were thrilled. I had yours handy so I held it up for them to see. "Namo namo heria" they said together. (Very very beautiful). Then the other chaps told me off for holding out on them with the photo. As this is the last page left, honey, I'll have to say goodnight. If I ever become rich, we'll both come back here in a visit someday. I'm sure you'd enjoy it. Honey, darling, I am

[Margin note]
Still clinging to the hope that I'll be home for the New Year, and its only ten weeks off. Though I do enjoy myself up here with adventure I am far from being happy. Someday, though we'll love again, honey, and enjoy life together. Your loving fiance Alan xxxx