OCEAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

December 1 - 7, Sunday-Saturday: Read Carstens book about diamonds in Namaqualand. Letters and telegrams to and from Rose, without any change in her plans. Simultaneously, more dates with Denise, fostered by the pre-Christmas party spirit in Oranjemund. Spent whole day with Dr.David Smith, and another to transport materials to Uubvlei for more testing. Problems with pipe-connections, but Suction Pipe Carriage worked fine if pushed into sea at an angle less than 90 degrees; regardless, the longshore current is so strong it buries the wheels and makes it necessary to use a strong Cat or Loader to pull it free. The Ovambos are a good help, especially George and "Number 5800". Their labor load is very reasonable and in general, they are treated very well and are cooperative and friendly. Although their wages appear ludicrously low, they get board and lodging and at the end of their contract they go home and are considered rich there. Good party Saturday night, also attended by the General Manager, Mr. Stan Devlin.

please click on images to enlarge them transporting our gear along the SWA beach (left) Dr.David Smith inspecting caisson

December 8 - 14, Sunday-Saturday: More problems with pipe-connections and visits from Anglo big shots Ralph Daniels and McConaghee, who watched a successful demo. At his request, I started teaching Dr Wright to swim and SCUBA dive. Also bought a Christmas tree for Denise. Friday 13 was an unlucky day: the SPC got completely buried and was pulled out with a bent anchor; that afternoon, we could not get water from the sea. Later we had a conference with Shand and Walker in which Francois expressed some discontent, and I also got a rotten letter from my SIO Committee Chairman, Doug Inman. That evening, first a party with Jock and Venske till 23:00, then on to a dance where Denise was too popular and I too jealous. I left at 3 and she at 5 in the morning. To make up, I gave her a watch as Christmas present and took her, Bill and Martha to the "bioskoop" for Hitchcock's fantastic "The Birds", enough to get scared of the seagulls around the beach!