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Island of Rurutu.At 10, a.m. of the 24th of September, 1829, we landed on the island of Rurutu, or Oetiroa, in a bay on the S.W. side of the island, where a village is situated; the rocks have a peculiar basaltic appearance, and stalactites of large size are found in caverns on the island. Landing is difficult, on account of the only passage being a narrow opening between the reefs, requiring some expertness in the helmsman to prevent the boat being thrown on the rocks by the violence of the surf. On the beach I was accosted by a tall, fine half-caste woman, dressed in neat European clothing. Her manner was artless, and she spoke the English language with correctness. She informed me that her name was Jane Quintel, of Pitcairn's Island. "You have heard of Mathew Quintel?" she said: "I am his daughter." The following conversation then took place between us: — "How long is it since you left Pitcairn's Island?" — "A few years ago, in a whale ship." — "Why did you leave?" — "There are no husbands there; and besides," she continued, "the island is too small for us: it is, Sir, but a very small island — quite a rock." — "You are married now, I suppose?" seeing a little chubby dark urchin in her arms. "Yes," she replied; I married a native of this island (Rurutu). I was obliged soon to get married, they are so very particular — all missionaries. I could not talk to any male creature when single, so I got married." — "Do you wish to return to Pitcairn's Island?" — "No, I am very comfortable here." Having ascertained that I was in the medical profession, she made me promise to send her "stuff to raise a blister," sticking-plaister, &c., as she intended to practise the profession herself on the island. — Bennett's MS. Journal. . . . .
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Source.
"Island of Rurutu."
This transcription used images at the
Hathi Trust.
Last updated by Tom Tyler, Denver, CO, USA, Oct 23, 2025
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