Travelling to Rotuma and back from Viti Levu is always a long and treacherous journey.
So the arrival of the inter-island ship Wairua was a joyous occasion.
A traditional ceremony of welcome was held in Rotuma and the event was recorded in The Fiji Times on November 6, 1985.
“For a long time, we the people of Rotuma have been dreaming of the day when we could travel between Fiji and Rotuma with speed and comfort,” said Beti Inia.
“That day has arrived. And may the good Lord bless this venture and those involved in it.”
The 618-tonne Wairua, owned by Interport Shipping Services of Suva was in Rotuma on her maiden voyage.
It was bought specifically to service the Rotuma/Fiji run.
Not only did the ship arrive, her owners, Leo Smith and Ratu Wili Maivalili, offered the Rotumans a 20 per cent shareholding in the new venture.
It all began three months before the article was published, when the then managing director, Mr Smith, visited Rotuma for a political meeting.
At the meeting, the people of Rotuma talked of nothing else, but the difficulty they faced because of the lack of a regular and reliable shipping service between Fiji and Rotuma.
At that time, the island had not been visited by a ship for eight weeks and basic consumer items were running out.
“Simple things like a box of matches I could not buy,” Mr Smith said.
“Being an islander myself, I was fully aware of the difficulty the Rotumans are facing.
“On my return to Fiji, I was determined to do something for them.
“It led to the purchase of Wairua, from New Zealand a month ago.
“The venture is a viable one, provided the people of Rotuma give it the support it needs,” Mr Smith said.
The talk on the island had been nothing else but the Wairua.
At the welcome ceremony, Mr Smith, Ratu Maivalili, the ship’s captain and the chief engineer were accorded the mamasa, a Rotuman ceremony performed to welcome sailors.
It involves the spreading of fine Rotuman mats on the village green where guests are seated and annointed with sweet-smelling oil. This was followed with traditional dancing and singing.
Led by Mr Smith, the crew joined in the festivities and the big feast that awaited them.
The ship was built mainly to carry passengers between Stewart Island and Invercargill, the southern most city of New Zealand.
The facilities were modern and the passenger accommodation were up to world standards.
It was comfortable and spacious and was ideal for the long trip between Fiji and Rotuma.
Mr Smith had planned on a few alterations and when completed the Wairua should be a boat fit for a queen.
The plan was for the ship to make a three-weekly trip to Rotuma.
