UCKLUN TULL UN DEM TULL
Pitcairn
News
Volume 1 No 6
November 2007
Julie in New Zealand tull – Every month I worry there wont be enough news to fill four pages but again there has
been a lot happening and this month the newsletter is a little longer. I have included more photos than last month to
accompany the stories. Pitcairn is well known for nicknames, politically incorrect ones which usually have humorous
background. PIG is one such nickname. In fact a few of the nicknames have become identifying names on email
addresses. In this issue we have a wedding and an apology.
REMEMBRANCE DAY – 11 NOVEMBER 2007
Pitcairners have always been proud of our contribution to World War II. The details of our contribution are in the
September 2007 issue of Pitcairn News in the section “A Piece of Pitcairn History”. On Sunday, 11 November 2007 we
celebrated Remembrance Day.
The program as follows:
At 17.55 everyone gathered at the Village Square. At 18.00 an introduction was made by our Acting Mayor, Mike Warren
followed by Hymns and Prayer (The Lords Prayer) by Pastor Ray. S/Sgt R Cuff ex NZ Army (Corrections Officer) gave
an address after which the wreaths were laid against the Bounty anchor. This was followed by the Ode by Mr W Wylie
ex RNZ Navy (Corrections Officer). A recording of the bugle playing the Last Post was played followed by a minutes
silence. At 18.18 the Revell was sounded and the two flags, Pitcairn and New Zealand which had been flying at half mast
were raised. At 18.20 the two flags were lowered before the setting of the sun. This was followed by refreshments.
During the program a story on Armistice Day was read and a list of Pitcairners who served in World War II was read out.
Following the one minute silence they sang the song, In the Sweet Bye and Bye accompanied by Meralda, Carol, Dave
and David on guitar and ukulele.
In New Zealand, Jay Warren our
Mayor was invited by the Auckland
Museum Trust Board to attend a
ceremony commemorating Armistice
Day and to lay a wreath at the
Auckland War Memorial Museum. It
was an honour to be invited and Jay
attended with Shirley Dillon from the
Auckland Pitcairn Administration
Office.
Mr and Mrs McNabney
Christian (L), Raa and Cousin
BUILDING BLOCKS
James McNabney arrived on Pitcairn in July 2004 to help build the museum and one stage
of the remand center. The museum couldn’t be built while he was there because of bad
weather which saw the building materials go past Pitcairn two to three times. His trip
wasn’t a waste of time though because he met PIG and fell in love.
Tania is the only daughter of Steve and Olive and her nickname is Pig (not after the
bovine animal). James left Pitcairn in October 2004 on the Braveheart and Pig and Raa
followed him in February 2005 on the cruise ship Saga Rose. James couldn’t wait for
them to arrive in New Zealand and was waiting for them in Tahiti when the Saga Rose
docked there. The two of them have built a brand new home in Auckland and together
are building a lovely family. They already have two young boys, Raa and Christian
whom Tania proudly tull about in the August issue of Pitcairn News.
THE WEDDING
James mum Kathy made the dress from
part dress pattern, part photograph and
part imagination. She did a wonderful
job and Tania received heaps of
compliments.
5pm Friday, 2 November 2007, Tania, escorted by her brother Trent followed her two bridesmaids into the sheltered outdoor
courtyard of Soljans Winery where James was waiting to make her his bride, before family and friends. The weather was perfect. So
was the ceremony. Tania wore a beautiful, yet simple dress that suited her to perfection.
The wedding was a mixture of formal and informal. The bridal party dressed formally and the grooms party, informally. The two
boys looked gorgeous in their white shirts, black pants and black ties. Likewise the guests were dressed, some formal and some
informal which made for a very relaxed evening. There were children galore, all ages, and if it wasn’t for their fun and laughter we
wouldn’t have known they were there. For dinner we queued buffet style for our food and returned to formally set dinner tables with
white starched table cloths and neatly folder cloth napkins. The guests including children, filled nine tables of eight plus the wedding
party.
Everything gelled just nicely. The only sad thing was Steve and Olive, Randy and Shawn and Nana Dobrey were on Pitcairn and
weren’t able to attend. But Big Fence celebrated with a party of their own, simultaneous with the one here. Thanks to mobile
telephones we were able to give them a running commentary from time to time.
Trent, Tanias oldest brother flew over from Norfolk Island and gave her away. He was also the DJ and singer. The mixture of formal
and informal also flowed through to the dancing. The bride and groom led the dancing to the Country Music tune of “Our Little Girl”
sung by Trent. Listening to the words of the song brought tears to our eyes and lots of us joined them in dancing to a medley of
country music songs. Not forgetting the children the set was followed by a series of songs, just for them. Trent sang, Mary had a little
lamb, If you’re Happy and you know it clap your hands, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Bob the Builder and Incy Wincy Spider while the
children took their turn on the dance floor to the clapping and singing of the adults.
The Honeymooners stayed around home for the first week but James is very successful at Motorcross Racing and he has gone away to
compete in the NZ National Motorcross Championships and next Thursday 15 November 2007 Tania will take the two boys off to
Norfolk Island for a weeks holiday. Congratulations to you both. We look forward to the next block. Stay tuned.
During the speeches and reading of the congratulation messages from family on Pitcairn, two photographs of Dobreys home made
presents were passed around the tables for everyone to see. I have placed the two photographs on the next page – as they are not for
the faint hearted. If you are, close your eyes!!!
The middle picture is of James family. His mum is 2nd from left and his dad is on Trents right, front row
Brother & Sister – Tania and Trent
James family
Clarence (Dobreys brother) and Pat
BLOOMERS – Pink for the bride and Blue for
the groom – modeled by the lady herself
Dobrey is still at it, sewing and creating mirth.
We all screamed when we saw the photos. Such
fun and sense of humour. Dobrey has stipulated
that they will not be given the bloomers until
they model them in front of her. At 84 she is still
going strong. I hear she is going to England to
attend the wedding of another grandchild in
May next year. (Photos courtesy of Tania)
The guests at the wedding on the Pitcairn side were: Trent and partner Sally from Norfolk Island, Ruth and Philip from
Invercargill, Clarice and Kerry from Oakune, Leon and Brendda from Wellsford and the Auckland crowd were Nig and
Lorraine, Jay, Jason, Pat and Clarence, Shirley and Phredd, Mum, Ben and Julie. Pat celebrated her 77th birthday the
next day, 3 November and Clarence will celebrate his 82nd birthday on 13 November 2007. Happy Birthday to you both.
SOME A YORLEY GWEN JAALESS FER JASON UN TURI
(Some of you might be jealous of Jason and Turi)
JASONS SNAPPER – Jason pictured with his dad Ron
JASON WARREN (in Auckland) TULL
Jason and his dad Ron went fishing in Auckland a
couple of weeks ago and Jason caught this huge
snapper measuring 820mm in length. They didn’t
have scales to weigh it but estimated it weighed
more than 20 kilos. His mum Suzanne thought it
was a pity such a large fish that had obviously
lived a long life, was caught and Jason should
have let it go. I wonder if she would have
believed him if he had told her he let such a big
fish go. It is currently lying in their freezer as no
one feels like eating it. They should contact a
taxidermist.
Jason and Mason (Pawls son) are working on the
Southern Salvor – the ship that once carried
supplies to Pitcairn. They are getting it ready for
Charters i.e. Dive etc. They both hope to go back
to Pitcairn in March next year. Ron bought Jason
an outboard motor as a present for his recent 21st
birthday to take back to Pitcairn and he had
intended to take the materials to build his own
fishing boat on Pitcairn. But after catching the
snapper he caught the fishing bug and last week
went out and bought his own boat. Jay and Jason
went fishing last weekend in Jasons boat
accompanied by Ron and friends in Rons boat.
They are now doing their sums on how much it
would cost in freight to take the boat to Pitcairn.
DARRALYN TULL
Turi dig his taro yesterday (3
November 2007) fu dinner and
he mussa (nearly) pee in his
clothes when he saw the size
fu et (for it). He grow et down
behind our house.
Es Big un. Mum looked jealous
when she saw the size of the taro.
Dem tull es the type grown down
tedside way where the water
springs are. Jay tull it was grown
near dems leaking watertank
TURI AND HIS PRIZED
TAROS
Jasons new boat called “Bounty Dreams”
Grooving the E’I
Pounding the Aute
Bark from Aute tree
Drying
E’I and pounded Aute
MERALDA TULL
FROM AUTE TO TAPA CLOTH
For nearly 6 decades the sound of the E’I have been silent on Pitcairn Island. The women in my Grandmothers era
defied the elders of the church, singing and chanted to the rhythm of the E’I beating against the doodwi log. Sad to say
the tradition of Tapa cloth making was lost as Pitcairn became so strict in the churches teachings that Dancing was
immorally wrong and chanting was a big no no.
Finding our way, the newly formed Ahu sisters have been gathering what little information we can on how to bring back
the art of the Tapa. Sue Pearson had blank E’I beaters made and we had to groove them ourselves. Pauline Barff
researched and made her tapa cloth on Huahine, Tahiti. Jean Clarkson and Sue pounded out the bark of the Banana
tree in Auckland, New Zealand.
On this November 5th morning, I was determined to start the project after reading what I can from a book Pauline sent
me and from other information passed my way. Quickly I sorted out a piece of Aute from the Garden and started to
prepare the stick. The book said to bite the bark…Yukk…but a plumbers pliers was just the thing and quickly I saw why
the stick was bitten before stripping the entire bark of its stick.
Cautiously I rolled the bark inside out and with a knife removed the outer bark. A shell as described in the book quickly
took the green bark from the Aute and the water washed it all clean on my sloping board. Now the hairs on my neck was
prickly as I took the E’I and started the pounding using the Big a pili side first. The bark was over a log and it quickly
spread itself out with each pounding of my E Í. Although I have never done it before it all came naturally and soon I had
this stretched out piece of bark about 150mm by 500mm. It looked a bit thin so I went and cut another piece and
pounded that out then pounded them together finishing with the flat side of the E’I. My pieces didn’t quite match each
other due to the different age of the Aute so I cut the whole thing in 2 pieces and made 2 smaller ones.
The pieces are being dried out on a Towel. I hope to be able to make a good design that would make us proud.
Thank you Ahu sister for your determination that we keep our tradition.
Aute is the name of a tree. E’I is the name of the wooden club (beater). Doodwi is the name of a tree. Warde , we look
forward to seeing the finished product.
HALLOWEEN
Nadine and Adrianna have been at it, again.
Nadine handsewed another Quilt and put it up for sale on the
internet. It sold for the princely sum. Well done Nadine. You must
heed the advice and make heaps of cushion covers and smaller
quilts. You will end up doing a roaring trade, I am sure.
As for little Adrianna. Someone should tell her that when you try to
eat mummys dinner when she isn’t looking, one must use a spoon or
fork instead of ‘look mum, no hands’.
All the school kids, six in all (not the pre school
kids) did the rounds on Halloween, led by Ariel
the oldest, and ended up with three baskets
full of sweets and lollies, enough to last them
all till Christmas.
GUY FAWKES
5 November is Guy Fawkes day. Here in NZ there is much controversy
over whether Fireworks should be banned because some believe it is too
dangerous. Growing up on Pitcairn, Guy Fawkes day was much
celebrated. I can remember the huge bonfires out at the school and on
the beach at Oeno. In the photo, Olive is holding her first prize Guy. Not
sure who is in the middle – could be Steve!!!
Photo - Guys with Olive (L) & Julie (me) (R)
Photo courtesy of Pastor Cobbin – 1960
BITS AND PIECES
ISLAND SECRETARY – On Pitcairn the compulsory retirement age for Government positions is aged 65. The current
Island Secretary will retire this month. Three people applied for the position and after being interviewed by the Acting
Mayor & Chairman, on Pitcairn and the Mayor, Deputy Governor and Deputy Commissioner in Auckland (by videolink),
Heather Menzies partner of Kerry Young (Pat and Clarences son) was chosen to fill the position. The Secretary is
present at all our Council and public meetings, taking minutes, and shares the office with the Government Treasurer.
Congratulations Heather.
FISH CLUB – I hear a new fishing club has started up on Pitcairn for those interested in fishing and having a fryup.
COURT APPEAL – No verdict yet on the appeal hearing from October. I understand the three judges have requested
further affidavits. Nothing new to report. (PS. Some may think the trials are over. THEY ARE NOT)
Mail Statistics for October = IN 198 and OUT 206
JULIE APOLOGISES
In the October newsletter I wrote an article titled “In a public place”. Below is an email I recently received from
Mike Lupton-Christian which reads as follows:
“From: Mike and Brenda Christian [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:15 a.m.
To: Julie Cc: George Fergusson; Leslie Jaques Subject: Pitcairn News
May I refer you to the October Edition of Pitcairn News, Reflection on Pitcairn Funerals, Kari Tull and the last line of the
second paragraph in the article headed “In a Public Place.” I wish to inform you that I have never spoken to Vula about
the incidents which occurred on Pitcairn. I completely deny that I am alleged to have said and I quote “that if he had a
gun he would blow the men’s heads off.” I request that a retraction of my alleged quote is made in the next edition of
Pitcairn News. Any failure to do so will leave me no option but to seek legal advice on the matter.
Michael Lupton-Christian”
While Mr Lupton-Christian does not deny saying the things we can prove from the written press and recorded
television news I have no written or recorded proof that what I alleged he said to Vula is actually correct. To
enter into protracted arguments through the courts that might involve her family and other members of the
community on a “he said, we said” basis is non productive to her memory, family or to the community in
moving forwards. If Mr Lupton-Christian says he did not say to Vula what I alleged he said then I accept his
honesty and I apologise.
JULIE COMMENTS: For those who may not know, George Fergusson is Pitcairns Governor and Leslie Jacques is
Pitcairns Commissioner. Mr Lupton-Christian adviced he has remained neutral throughout the Pitcairn troubles. That is
good to hear. He also advice “With lots of hindsight the folk that have let the boys down were their defence lawyers.” I’m
not sure everyone will agree with that but we all have opinions, don’t we? At the height of the media frenzy emails and
postings on chat sites like FOP flew left right and centre. Many wrote things they may now wish they hadn’t. I consider
those years to be dark years in our history as some very ugly things were said and written. Not many of us can now
deny or wish they weren’t said because they were and are on record in print, DVD, Video and sitting on your PC not to
be forgotten for a long time to come. We still talk about the Mutiny on the Bounty and I place what has happened
recently in the same category. That is my opinion.
Why I include controversial news
I started this newsletter for family and friends who are interest in all news about Pitcairn and Pitcairners, ON and OFF
Pitcairn. Sometimes I write news with certain friends in mind, news that may not interest the majority. If news happens
in a Public place that upsets the majority of the community and I am asked by them to write about it then it is likely I will
write about it. Some have commented that the newsletter is getting too political. So be it. I believe changes to
Constitutions and Charter without consultation is very big news and needs to be told. I believe court judgments and
progress on court proceedings should also be told. I am mindful of the small community and the effect some news can
have on some of them. Following the funeral I received quite a few telephone calls from friends asking me to tull the
story. I believed it impacted greatly on the majority of the community so I told it. The newsletter and some attachments
may be available from time to time on Mike Warrens website www.onlinepitcairn.com. Thanks to all yorley who tull. Ef
anybody wunt a tull please tulla me orn [email protected] . Hooray.
I hear there is recent debate going on around the meaning of the word “quisling” which has the meaning ‘collaborator
or traitor’. In recent times I have discovered two further English words “disingenuous” meaning dishonest and
insincere and “disinformation” meaning false information intended to mislead