SOUTHERN CROSS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 276, 21 November 1932, Page 8

SOUTHERN CROSS.

NEW SHIP INTENDED.

STORES FOR ISLANDS.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES STJRE.

"As far as I have. heard there is no intention of recommissioning the Southern Ci;oss V. to replace the new motor vessel that was wrecked on Aneityum Island on November 2," said Mr. H. S. N. Robinson, secretary to the finance board of the Melanesian Mission, who returned from Sydney by the Marama this morning after arranging for the dispatch of stores to the mission's stations in the Solomon Islands.

"I understand that a new vessel has been determined upon, but have not heard whether it is to be built in New Zealand or in England," he said. "There would be many advantages in 'building her in the Dominion. That is obvious; but, on the other hand, we cannot lose sight of the fact that she was. a gift— lock, stock and barrel. If the donors wish that she should be replaced at Home, then we cannot have any grouse. We must leave it entirely to them. If, however, we make the suggestion that 1 the ship should be built in New Zealand no doubt the proposal will be enthusiastically received, T)ut we cannot press the claim." Mr. Robinson said that on the morning the news reached Sydney of the disaster to the Southern Cross the Morinda was sailing for the Islands, and he was aMe to send by her a shipment of rice and cabin biscuits so that there would not be any likelihood of a shortage of food supplies. Orders had been given in Sydney for the duplication of the stores that had been lost in the wreck, and these would be forwarded by the Mataram leaving Sydney on November 30. Everything had been done in respect to essential food supplies for the stations. "I do not think there will be any difficulty in distributing tlie stores," said Mr. Robinson. "The authorities at the island will be able to send the goods k.

to ,the -various islands by small local craft. The greatest difficulty will be in transporting . "the scholars from the schools to their, island homes. This .will .be a grave problem in the meantime?' . • •

, Mr. Robinson said that the insurance of £500 on the stores that were lost was approximately two-thirds of their value. That, was a big loss. There was also a loss, on "incidentals" not included iij the general cover on the hull and the machinery of the Southern Cross.