MAUI POMARE'S TRIP

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1939, Page 8

MAUI POMARE'S TRIP

(To the Editor.)

I Sir,—As a passenger in the m.v. Maui Pomare during the voyage recently concluded, which is the subject of a ; news item in Friday's paper, may I be allowed to state briefly the following facts:— In fairness to the Government and Department concerned, it should be I stated that the ship left Apia with i both engines running normally. Intermittent stops of one engine were experienced, meaning very slow progress, and on occasions both engines were stopped for repairs. The weather I was exceptionally, fine, and at no time was the ship in any danger. As the port engine was principally the one stopped the ship made a course much I to the eastward of the usual track, and was therefore very many miles from Vavau. The engine trouble necessitated the ship anchoring off Sunday Island to await assistance from New [Zealand, so ably supplied by the Go'vI ernment ship Matai. On account of the long voyage supplies of vegetables and fresh water were in danger of running short and were wisely rationed. The weather throughout the stay at Sunday Island was perfect and launch fishing trips were organised to relieve the monotony. Amusement rather than a necessary addition to the menu was the reason, and, in fact, the result of these excursions. The Matai did not leave the Maui Pomare and have to be recalled, but merely stood by until it was seen that the Maui Pomare's engines were npt going to function. Almost immediately after leaving Sunday Island the ship's engines were running, and remained so for the rest of the voyage to New Zealand. It is a fact that on occasions the Maui Pomare's speed had to be reduced tQ avoid over-running I the tow wire between the ships. The time occupied on the voyage from Sunday Island to Wellington, four and a half days, speaks for itself. May I as a passenger publicly express' my admiration of the efficient manner in which the Matai carried out her job. Fresh water and stores were transferred to us speedily and without any 'fuss, and I heartily endorse the expression "superb seamanship' in this connection.—l am, etc., A PASSENGER.