INVADING THE DEAD SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3, 3 January 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

INVADING THE DEAD SEA.

The historic waters of the Dead Sea, a mockery rather than a blessing- to desert dwellers for thousands of years, are to feel the stirring of modern trade. No rudder has been dipped in them for centuries, but now steamboats, fitted with electrical apparatus, are to astonish ignorant ones who frequent its shores. The first of t\ie boats has already, been built in Hamburg, and is now on its way to its destination. Tt is named the "Prodomos," dr "Forerunner." A second craft has been ordered, and will soon be launched. The boats, which will be managed by Germans, and wore built by the (inmates of a Greek cloister in Jerusalem, are designed to shorten the journey between that city and Kerak. This latter city, the ancient capital of Moab, is the gateway of the desert. Merchants of Hebron trade in its bazaar, and caravans constantly come and go. It has a large trade with Jerusalem, and the new boats will save a weary journey in the desert. The boats are to handle freight principally, but there will be accommodation on each of them for thirty-four passengers. Desert folk are not expected to trust themselves on the strange craft for several years, but tourists will keep them busy..