MANNED BY SCOUTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 173, 23 July 1936, Page 18

MANNED BY SCOUTS.

AMERICAN MOTOR YACHT. TWELVE MONTHS' TRAINING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, July 13. An unusual craft glided gracefully through the reef passage into Suva Harbour on Saturday morning. She was the large motor yacht Stranger, which is used as a training ship for American sea scout 6. The vessel, which was formerly a Swedish cargo carrier, is commanded by Captain Fred E. Lewis, who has with him a party of friends. With the crew, the total number on board is 54. On the ship the scouts receive a thorough 12 months' training, including engine room work, both motor and steam. In addition to the regulation training, research work is also carried out, and tanks with tropical fish stored on deck illustrate some of the ship's activities in this direction.

The present voyage started from Los Angeles on April 1, and the cruise so far has included Honolulu, Palmyra Island, Fanning Island. Christinas Island, Penrhvn, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Fair Harbour, Papeete and Pago Pago. After a short stay in Fiji waters the ship will return to California, via Tonga, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, Christmas Island and Honolulu. She is due back in Los Angeles in October.

The local sea scouts, who boast only a sound and speedy whaleboat, are greatly intrigued with the palatial vessel, which is manned by their American fellows.