Want more articles like this? Becoming an SDC Rewards Member is the best way to show your support. ​

Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly shared with the SDC, for publication, by member @Doctor Alan. Spelling and grammar has been preserved for historical accuracy.

We left the Harbour of Brisbane on the 17th, at daybreak. The same evening, we had our last view of the shores of Australia stretching northwestwards. On the 20th, the island of Rossel, then that of Adele rose to view. On the 21st floating trunks of trees heralded the approach of dry land, and on the 22nd we steamed on northwards through a double line of islands as through a channel. Of the two main islands of the German Bismarck Archipelago, Neo-Mecklenberg (formerly New Ireland) stretching from the N.W. to the S.E. was on the right, Neu-Pommern (formally New Britain) stretched from the N. to the S.W. was on the left hand.

The mountain range of the islands attains a height of 1200 metres in Neo-Mecklenberg (sic): the hills of Neu-Pommern are probably considerably higher. The islands are covered by magnificent primaeval underwood: only near the shores, around the scattered homesteads, do we see spots that look like lawns. As I was informed later on, these charming spots are clumps of useless shrubs.

Do you keep a diary? Image Credit: Shutterstock

The interior of the two islands is unexplored. The southern half of Neo-Mecklenberg is still inhabited by cannibals: nor has the custom of eating one’s enemies entirely gone out of fashion in out-of-the-way spots on the island of Neu-Pommern. Sailing among these islands which are still in the primitive state, we are overwhelmed with curious feelings. How interesting it would be to penetrate to the district inhabited by savages, to take photos, etc. In theory the idea is a charming one: but it is an extremely difficult task to traverse the damp, impenetrable, fever-haunted bush country; and besides, it is impossible to find a suitable interpreter, as the various hostile tribes living in the island do not understand one another’s tongues.

I had thought of staying here but, when informed of the difficulties, I gave up my intention, all the more readily as we had arrived just in the rainy season of malaria.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque in diam id erat facilisis consectetur vitae vel urna.

Ut lacus libero, suscipit auctor ipsum sit amet, viverra pretium nisl. Nullam facilisis nec odio nec dapibus. Integer maximus risus et velit porttitor ullamcorper

Read more for FREE!

Become a member today and join over 200,000 Australians already taking advantage of daily news, weather, petrol costs, games, jokes, deals and more.

• 

  FREE 400-page Discount eBook upon joining

• 

  FREE Aussie-made eBook & many more

• 

  Multiple daily discounts for members

• 

  No payment required

Register Faster Using

• Continue with Facebook
• Continue with Google
• Continue with Apple

Or Register with email

Join the club

Already a member?

Log In

[RieTreesSilver]

Thank you for sharing a precious piece of family history. I find these type of documents a small window into the times they were written giving incredible glimpses to times past. Loved it

 

[Jarred Santos]

This out-Yesterday's Australia our Yesterday's Australia, if that makes sense. How insightful!

 

[Dynamo]

Amazing records meticulously compiled and
beautufilly written

 

[midgemills]

Wow. Almost makes me want to go back to those times when life was a true adventure.

 

[MIZMAC]

Very interesting reading

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Easy to see where your talent as a wordsmith came from. Always look forward to your entries and this one didn't disappoint

 

[Penny4]

Thanks for this family history. Very interesting reading. I also have old history written from a relative who was convicted of crime and was shipped on a boat from Ireland. He was very naughty being one of the Whiteboys of Ireland.