August 27, 1920, will be well remembered by the natives of Moose Island,
as it marks the arrival of the first air machine to any H.B.C. post in
James Bay district.
A high-pitched, droning noise heralded the approach of the machine; and
soon the 'plane came into view, flying at an altitude of about three
thousand feet. A fine sight it was to see the great bird coming nearer,
suddenly "bank," and, with a great flash of silver, as the sun's rays
glinted on the tilted planes, it nose-dived and planed down to the
"landing" stretch of water, which had been previously marked with a buoy
and red flag. This channel of deep water runs between Moose Island and a
smaller island, the river at this point being of delta formation.
Meanwhile the inhabitants and the Company's staff had gathered on the
bank, the latter all armed with cameras. A canoe shot out from the river
side and the airmen were soon exchanging greetings with us.
The seaplane to the Indians was a matter of great mystery and for long
bands of them stood gazing at the craft which the white men had handled
so dexterously.
During their subsequent trips to their base near Cochrane they very
kindly carried our outward mails.
The object of the seaplane's journey was the recording by motion
pictures the life and customs of the inhabitants of northern
Canada.--_G.F._