WARSHIPS CRUISE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1937, Page 9

WARSHIPS CRUISE.

MISSION OF LEITH.

CALLS IN THE PACIFIC.

RADIO OPERATOR LANDED.

The mystery surrounding the mission of the sloop Leith, which sailed from Suva on January 25 for an undisclosed destination, has been partly lifted. The Leith returned to Suva on Saturday afternoon, and a Press Association message from that port states that the ship had come from Gardner Island, in the Phoenix Group, and that she had also visited Christmas Island. Mr. Oscar Barrack, a Fiji Government wireless operator, was left on Christmas Island, and a complete wireless plant was landed.

The only fact khown when the Leith left Suva in January was that Mr. Barrack was on board, and that he had sailed at short notice, after collecting six months' provisions. The Phcenix Group and Christmas Island were mentioned as being possible destinations at the time. It was thought that Mr. Barrack was to be landed on an island, possibly accompanied by a naval party from the Leith, in order >to establish possession. The object of. this was thought in Suva to have some connection with islands which might be used in a possible route for Imperial Airways, or for research in weather forecasting. The message from Suva does not disclose the purpose of the wireless plant or whether Mr. Barrack is accompanied by a naval party. The sole residents of Christmas Island, the message advises, are a French couple. An article published in Fiji last month, however, said the island was occupied by three Europeans and at least 20 Tahitians. Christmas island is comparatively close to Fanning Island, the cable i station, and, it is claimed by Britain, is governed by the British Resident on the latter island. Gardner Island is very fertile, and has several large coconut plantations. All the islands in the Phoenix Group, except McKean and Knderbury, were leased to the Samoa Shipping and Trading Company for 87 years from January, 1914.

Official Reticence. A Press Association message received from Suva this morning states that officials in Fiji decline to give any information concerning the Leith's voyage. Christmas Island is held under occupation by a licence granted by the Crown to the Parcentral Pacific Coconut Company, a French concern with headquarters at Tahiti. There is a French manager and native labour on the island.