THE FRANGIPANI

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 151, 7 April 1933, Page 3

THE FRANGIPANI

LEAKING PETROL PIPE. NO HOT DRINK FOR 12 DAYS. (Special to the “ Guardian.”) WELLINGTON', April 5. Leaking benzine fumes introduced a grave element of danger into the voyage of the Frangipani, Zane Grey’s launcTi, from Auckland to Papeete, and for over twelve clays those aboard were unable to smoke or obtain any hot food or drinks. “She was absolutely like a volcano,” said Captain Pyper, on his return by the Makura to-day; “and with the least mistake with matches or even backfire from the engine we would probably have gone up. On the first day out from Auckland, we noticed a benzine leak but could not locate it, and we did not strike a match all the way to Papeete. We had to eat cold tinned food and had no hot drink at all. All five of us were smokers and we were gasping for a smoke. “It was- a lonely trip. The only craft sighted all the way to Rarotonga was a scow, .shortly after we left Auckland.” Luring the first two days the launch rolled heavily and Captain Pyper was obliged to tie himself to the mast and tie the sextant to his head to take sights. The rest of the trip was comparatively smooth. The launch used 2000 gallons of benzine. Occasionally they set sails when the winds were suitable. The benzine consumption was a gallon an hour, at seven knots, the most economical cruising speed. At the top speed, twelve knots, the consumption would have been about twenty gallons an hour - . It was most uncomfortable sleeping on top of benzine cases; all the .available .space was utilised for packing fuel. The benzine lasted out well and they had 500 gallons in reserve when they reached Papeete after taking in 400 gallons at R arotonga.