Wed. Jan 29, 1919
The Paloona arrived last evening but could not come through the pass on account of the high sea, so she went to the other side of the island to wait until it calmed a little.
It is much calmer this morning and the sea has receded leaving the flooded streets filled with driftwood, rocks and all sorts of ill smelling rubbish. Paloona returned from opposite side of island. Received letters from Fred, Afton, Irene & Sadie.
Thurs. Jan 30, 1919
Washed & stretched several pairs of curtains, besides regular washing. Sewed for orphans. Rain.
Fri. Jan 31, 1919
Sewed all day for orphans. In the afternoon took the dresses down to Mrs. Falcos & she helped me with the button holes. Visited Terai ma in the evening & gave Mrs. Falco some pictures & a boudoir cap as a remembrance of our friendship in Tahiti.
Sat. Feb. 1, 1919
After having been under quarrantine for the past three months on account of the influenza epidemic, all local vessels were to have [been] set free, but two days ago the “Flora” arrived from New Zealand, with a number of her crew ill, dead rats were also found aboard, so we [she] was put under quarrantine and all local vessel[s] were held to await the outcome of it before leaving for the different islands.
Held Elders priesthood meeting.
Sun. Feb. 2, 1919
Fast day. Terai remained for dinner after fast meeting.
Mon. Feb 3, 1919
Comple[te]d my sewing for the flu orphans and delivered the clothing to the different children. Reretava gave me three bolts of lace and a pretty silk handkerchief, Madam Falco sent me a souvenir in the form of 6 cups & saucers of very fine Bohemian china.
Tues. Feb. 4, 1919
Ern went with Teuria to put his children in school. The two boys were received alright, but the girl who is over 14 they did not receive, but when Miss Benzette the principal learned that she was a Mormon girl she remarked that she knew it would be perfectly safe to accept her, since she was under Mrs. Rossiter’s direction, as they knew all the Mormon children would give them no trouble, as they were held in better control than other children. Turning to Ern, she asked him if he was a[c]quainted with Mr. & Mrs. Rossiter, to which he answered “yes very much so for I am Mr. Rossiter,” at which Miss Benzett was quite confused and said, “Well; at any rate you know my sentiments concerning your wife dont you” and laughed.
Just as we finished our washing to-day, our washer was broken, so from now on we must wash by hand, as a new one cannot be gotten in Tahiti. Mrs. Falco called on her round of visits preparatory to leaving for Europe. Visited with Vaio & family.
Wed. Feb. 5, 1919
We bought some cooking utensils and a new oil stove from Mrs. Falco. Visited Martha.
Thurs. Feb. 6, 1919
Wrote letters all day. Prepared meals ect.
Fri. Feb. 7, 1919
Marama, the little Prostestant [sic] girl who used to study music with me, called to see us. Gave a music lesson to Tecopu who comes very irregularly for her lessons since I returned from Hickueru, her tane [?] who is not a member of the church appears to be the reason for it, not allowing her to leave the place. The “Kersaint” a French military patrol vessel arrived, also the “Moana” en route to America.
Sat. Feb 8, 1919
Finished writing my letters, 23 in all & sent off the annual Relief Society report & $30 for the sisters offering for the temple fund.
Sun. Feb. 9, 1919
Went down to see our friends the Falcos, off by the S.S. Moana.
Mon. Feb. 10, 1919
My 28th birthday. Tecopu came to do the mission house washing, the first washing for the mission that I have hired done in the four years we have been here.
We purchased a new piano for the mission home for $380 and had beautiful new indirect light brass chandeliers installed in the parlor & library & also a light on the front porch.
Tues. Wed & Thurs. 11, 12, & 13 [February] 1919
Attended auction sales at Marie Braults store in order to get some bead fringe to make shades for all the lamps in the home.
Fri, Feb. 14, 1919
Made green satin bead fringed shades for all the lights. Matairu commenced taking music lessons on the organ. Every night this week the crew from a vessel from the Phillipines have played at our neighbors “the royal Family,” on the numerous stringed instrument[s] and we have enjoyed listening to it, as we rarely ever hear any music of any kind down here excepting the accordion. The Elders were so entranced with the music that they climbed out on top of the kitchen roof in the moon light, where they could hear & see better, they were so starved to hear a little music.
Sat. Feb. 15, 1919
An unexpected vessel came into [harbor] bringing mail from home, which we especially enjoyed since it came as a surprise. Received letters from mother & Sadie also $10 from them for Ern’s & my birthdays. Held Elders priesthood meeting. Bought Chinese vases and a jar for the parlor.
Sun. Feb. 16, 1919
About five am we had the most severe earth quake that we have felt yet. We were afraid that the house would crack, which it certainly would have done if it had lasted very long.
Mon. Feb. 17, 1919
Four years ago to-day we left dear old Salt Lake. Had two teeth filled at the dentist. Visited Mrs. Coles and while there met Mrs. Sherud, wife of the new manager for Donells. Received a box from Miss Edwards from Australia containing several strands of handmade beads and a beautiful georgette crepe waist, all hand made &e embroidered in lavender & pale blue.
Tues. Feb 18, 1919
Elder Stevens dropped in and surprised us coming down from Makema and leaving his companion Elder McCullough there alone. He had been appointed to the island of Kotui but did not get there. Gave organ lesson to Matairu and Teura.
Wed. Feb. 19, 1919
Elder Robertson left with Vaio, a native Elder and his family, on the Heiparouia for Tubuai. Vaio had just received his sea captain papers and this was his maiden trip under his new office. The former captain with 16 others of the 30 who had come up from Tubuai died here during the influenza epidemic.
Thurs. Feb. 209, 1919
Gave two lessons & wrote letters. Visited Martha. Ern bought a large oval gilt-framed mirror for the parlor, which looks very nice now all excepting the carpet. It has very little of its former left on it now.
Fri & Sat. Feb. 21 & 22
Sick with the la grippe, which almost everyone in Tahiti is suffering with at the present time.
Sun. Feb. 23, 1919
Held regular Sunday meetings.
Mon. Feb. 24, 1919
The “Navua” arrived from America. Received one letter from Mother and two from Sadie. Three boats have arrived now, and no word from Margarette.
Tues. Feb. 25, 1919
Washed & ironed & mended. Visited Terai & Martha. Martha gave me a pretty white bamboo hat & taught me how to plait a new design braid.
(To be continued)