Lanai Mormons - Palawai Experiment - Lanai Culture & Heritage ...

Sunday 13 th May/55.
I have spent this day in reading and writing as I did not feel able to attend meeting. Bro.
Hammond preached to the people.
Monday 14 th May/55.
This morning I took thirty of the pioneers and went to work to make a hog pen, for we
have been much troubled with our hogs running at large. In the afternoon I put up several
shelves in the cook house, I then made myself a rifle to whet my cradle sithe for the
wheat is now fit to harvest.
Tuesday 15 th May/55.
This morning I commenced cutting our wheat. The weather is sultry and hot and cradling
is new to me for I have not done anything of the kind for several years. However I
succeeded in cutting one acre. When night came I found myself somewhat tired and
lame though I had not worked more than half of the time. [page 195]
Wednesday 16 th May/55.
This morning I found myself somewhat lame in swinging the cradle, though after I had got
my breakfast I ventured to try the hand again. I was followed by four natives. They raked
and bound as I cut it down. I cut nearly as much again today as I did yesterday. The
weather is so very hot that I cant work near as fast as I can in my own native land.
Thursday 17 th May/55.
I have taken a severe cold and it has affected me all over. I have not been into the field
today. The wind has blown so hard that it was impossible to work in the harvest field.
This was a good excuse for not working today.
Friday 18 th May/55.
I have kept my room all day. Bro. Hammond has been thrashing out some wheat for the
natives.
Saturday 19 th May/55.
This morning I went into the harvest field again as there is no other chance
for cutting down the grain. My health is improving, though I am far from being able to do a
good days work.
Sunday 20 th May/55.
I have not tended meeting today as my body requires more rest than I have been able to
get during the week. I have kept my bed nearly all day. Bro. Hammond has held two
meetings. They were well attended. The brethren all appear to enjoy a good spirit and
feel well. [page 196]
Monday 21 st May/55.
This morning I resumed my station again in the harvest field. I have cradled two acres
today, and four natives has bound it. The sun scalds very hot in this southern clime. I
have not been able to work more than half a day in the field at any time during this
harvest.
Läna‘i (1853-1864) – A History of the Mormon Mission at Päläwai
Working Manuscript of the Läna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (November 2009) 42