MISSION VESSEL'S CRUISE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 280, 24 November 1903, Page 5

MISSION VESSEL'S CRUISE.

The Melanesian Mission vessel Southern Cross arrived here this morning from her cruise round the. Melanesian Islands. SI-β left Auckland on Monday, 7th September and called at Norfolk Island and New Hebrides islands. She arrived at Ruga on 25th, and commenced work in earnest, paying native teachers,; etc. Finished • the New Hebrides group by the 28th, thence proceeded on to the Banks islands, Torres Group, and Solomon Islands, visiting all schools, landing stores, etc. Bishop Wilson came on board at Siola (Florida) on October 0 with the Rev. Brown. All next day was spent in visiting all schools on Florida Island. Then the vessel proceeded to Ouadeleanar Island and Bogutu, where Dr. Welchman h in charge. On the 22nd the homeward journey was begun, calling at all the islands again, including the Santa Cruz Group and Yamkoro, and Tucopia, where new schools have just been started. Norfolk was reached on the 18th inst... and the Bishop, clergy and natives were landed there. The voyage to Auckland was marked by very strong southerly winds and high seas. The Southern Cross is anew ship, and this is her maiden trip round the Islands. We are informed that everyone connected with the Mission seems to think that she is just what was needed, and the way she has behaved this trip endorses that opinion fully.