The Cruise of the Kawa

The Cruise of the Kawa, by
Walter E. Traprock

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Title: The Cruise of the Kawa
Author: Walter E. Traprock [Pseudonym of George S. Chappell]
Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6586] [Yes, we are more than

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[Illustration: The Author and His Island Bride]
THE CRUISE OF THE KAWA
WANDERINGS IN THE SOUTH SEAS
BY
WALTER E. TRAPROCK, F.R.S.S.E.U.
WITH SEVENTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS AND A MAP
1921

DEDICATION
TO THE GIRLS WE LEFT BEHIND--
KIPPIPUTUONA (DAUGHTER OF PEARL AND CORAL)

LUPOBA-TILAANA (MIST ON THE MOUNTAIN)
BABAI-ALOVA-BABAI (ESSENCE OF ALOVA)
THIS VOLUME IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED

PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Of late the lure of the South Seas has laid its gentle spell rather
overwhelmingly upon American readers. To be unread in Polynesiana
is to be intellectually declasse.... In the face of this avid appetite for
tropic-scented literature, one may well imagine the satisfaction of a
publisher when offered opportunity of association with such an
expedition as that of the Kawa, an association involving the exclusive
privilege of publishing the manuscript of Walter E. Traprock himself.
The public, we feel, is entitled to a frank word regarding the inception
of this volume. Now at last it is possible to withdraw the veil of secrecy
which has shrouded the undertaking almost until the date of publication.
Almost, we say, because some inklings of information found their way
into the newspapers early this summer. The leak, we have reason to be
believe, is traceable to a Marquesan valet who was shipped at Papeete
to fill the place left vacant by William Henry Thomas, the strange facts
surrounding whose desertion are recorded in the pages which follow.
"Filbert Islands" Found by South Seas Explorers
Special to The Evening Telegram.
SAN FRANCISCO. Friday.--Returning from an extensive exploring
trip in the South Seas, the auxiliary yacht Kawa, which reached this
port today, reports the discovery of a new group of Polynesian Islands.
The new archipelago has been named the Filbert Islands, because of the
extraordinary quantity of nuts of that name found there, according to
the ship's company.
The Kawa is owned by Walter E. Traprock. of Derby, Conn., head of

the expedition. Traprock leaves for Washington today, where he will
lay before the National Geographic Society data concerning his
explorations.
The telltale newspaper item, reproduced above, outlines the story
behind this volume. What is not made clear is the fact that the entire
expedition was painstakingly planned many months ago, the publishers
themselves making it financially possible by contracting with Dr.
Traprock for his literary output. Provision was also made for recording
every phase of experience and discovery. With this in view, Dr.
Traprock's literary attainments were complemented by securing as his
companions the distinguished American artist, Herman Swank, and
Reginald K. Whinney, the scientist. By this characteristic bit of
foresight was the inclusive and authoritative character of the
expedition's findings assured.
How well we recall our parting with Traprock.
"Any further instructions?" queried the intrepid explorer from the
shadow of that ingenious yardarm.
"None," I replied. "You understand perfectly. Get the goods. See South
Sea life as it actually is. Write of it without restraint. Paint it.
Photograph it. Spare nothing. Record your scientific discoveries
faithfully. Be frank, be full...."
"Trust us!" came back Traprock's cheery cry, as the sturdy little Kawa
bore them toward their great adventures.
Herein are recorded many of their experiences and discoveries,
contributions of far-reaching significance and appeal.
Uninfluenced by professional self-interest, unshaken by our genuine
admiration for its predecessors, and despite our inherent inclination
toward modest conservatism, we unhesitatingly record the conviction
that "The Cruise of