SOUTHERN CROSS RETURNS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 190, 12 August 1919, Page 6

SOUTHERN CROSS RETURNS.

WORK OF THE MISSION. PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY. ] After an absence of about two months the Melanesian Mission steamer Southern Cross returned to port yesterday, bringing eight members of the mission and about 15 other passengers from the various islands visited. Nothing untoward is reported as a result of the visits paid to the islands of the New Hebrides, Solomon, Torres, and Banks groups. The work of the mission is proceeding smoothly and satisfactorily. The Southern Cross left Auckland oa July 14, and proceeded straight to Norfolk Island, thence to the New Hebrides, while one or two stops were made at the Torres and Banks Islands, and then the Solomons were worked. This was the first visit this year of the mission ship, and was of shorter duration than usual, but notwithstanding this fact, about seventy calls were made, during which stores were landed and the usual routine work of the mission was indulged in.

Owing to the maritime strike in Australia the Solomon and New Hebrides have been practically isolated, as their means of communication with Australia —the Burns Philp boats —had not visited the former since May last, while the arrival of the mission ship at the Hebrides marked the first break for ten weeks. Consequently food supplies were running somewhat short, and the whitt people wore hard put to it to make enda meet.

The successful termination of the war was marked by enthusiastic peace celebrations, and the Southern Cross arrived at Talagi, the capital of the Solomons, on the eve of the celebrations, which lasted four days. On the Saturday a big luncheon was give\i and the islanders were addressed by the Commissioner. The next day the Rev. Steward held an impressive service ashore, Before a large assembly, and delivered an appropriate address. The next two days the island presented a very festive appearance, a sports programme and regatta arousing much enthusiasm amongst both natives and whites. This happy scene was left on the eve of July 28. and Norfolk was reached eight days later. The final stage of the return journey, from Norfolk to Auckland, was completed just under three days. Throughout the two months' voyage favourable weather conditions were experienced.