HAPPY PASSENGERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16550, 16 June 1919, Page 7

HAPPY PASSENGERS.

LEAVE FOR SYDNEY BY THE MOERAKI. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, Jane 14. After being detained in Auckland fofl a fortnight, tho Niagara's through passengers resumed their journey to Sydney by the Moeraki late last night. Repeated attempts had been made by tho Union Company to despatch the MoerakL under conditions which would reduco her chances of being detained there. Tho Australian crew was paid off on Wednesday, in order to replace it with a New Zealand crow, which would Aoto likely be affected by labour conditions in Sydney. The company was unable to obtain a full Now Zealand crew, and Australian men were re-engaged, being offered special inducements to rejoin. The vessel pujled into the stream shortly after 9 p.m., and was examined by tho port health officer, who completed: his examination in time for the vessel to sail shortly before midnight. The passengers,- who had resigned themselves to the prospect of a prolonged stay, remained somewhat sceptical about the departure until tho evening. It was not until the Moeraki left the wharf that they appeared convinced that their enforced stay- was ended. As tho'vessel backed away from the Niagara they cave full vent to their elation, cheering lustily. The Niagara's bugler added to the spirit of tho occasion by playing appropriate tunes.