david ellis

ALTHOUGH he died eleven years ago, the name James A. Michener is still as synonymous with the South Pacific today as it was when he put pen to paper 60-odd years ago and chronicled the lives of Bloody Mary, Nellie Forbush, Emile de Becque, Atabrin Benny and a host of other wartime misfits.

Yet few know that this remarkable author of more than 40 books that sold over 75 million copies, had to use a nom de plume in 1947 to have his original classic, Tales of the South Pacific accepted.

Nor that the same publisher rejected his second manuscript, citing a "lack of any literary potential."

CANOE THAT SANK A SANDRINGHAM

AIRLINES have lost planes to many different causes, foul weather, terrorists, and just plain bad luck amongst them.

But Qantas lost a huge-for-its-day Sandringham double-deck flying boat in the-then New Hebrides’ Port Vila Harbour to a more bizarre cause: it was a dug-out canoe.

NOUMEA’S SINGING NUNS KICK THE HABIT

david ellis

THERE’s a group of nuns in New Caledonia know how to bring a tear to the eye.

And it’s not because they employ tales of hard-luck to wring donations for the needy, nor how they preach to the faithful and otherwise.

It’s the way they sing. In particular a goose-bumpy version of Ave Maria that so powerful is its effect on visitors, that many rise to their feet rather than fall to their knees, at the harmony of the young singers.

Roderick Eime braves pirates and cyclones for a glimpse of the romantic South Seas life on Vanuatu

Where: Iririki Island Resort and Spa, Port Vila, Vanuatu

“Pull that halyard! Put yer back into it, lad!” hollers Captain Harry, as I heave and sweat on the fat rope that hoists the mainsail. “Now sweat it off like this,” he curses, pulling heavily on the rope and fixing it to the cleat.

I’d made the mistake of voicing a passing interest in sailing and Harry, eager to immerse me in the experience, soon has my flabby arms aching and sore from the exertion.

We’re aboard his classic gaff rigged schooner, Cassiopeia, full rig flying and heading out of Port Vila harbour for an evening sunset cruise. Rum-laden punch is poured generously in true seagoing style and soon the tall tales are flowing.