MAIL STEAMER STOPPED.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18346, 1 April 1925, Page 9

MAIL STEAMER STOPPED.

ISLAND TRADER SEEKS ASSISTANCE. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, March 31. It is not often that a Royal Mail steamer is stopped in mid-oceah to supply fresh milk for a sick child, but that is what happened to the Makura, which arrived at Auckland f;om Vancouver yesterday. The incident occurred on ■ March 23rd, when tho Makura was passing Hull Island, in the Phcenix Group, about 300 miles south of the Equator. A eanoo from the island, containing a white man and two natives, was observed near the Makura's course, and the occupants of the canoc signalled the steamer to stop. This she did, and the canoe went alongside. The white man handed up letters, which ho icquestcd bo posted, and also asked if lie could obtain some fresh milk for.his child, which had been ill for nine months. Needless to say, both requests wero granted, and in addition tobacco, cigarettes, and a quantity of various kinds"of provisions were given. "When the canoc departed for the shore she was full to overflowing, and the white man went on his way rejoicing. He lives on the island with his wife and family and U natives. The man is in an unenviable position, as he is agent on tho island for a firm whose principal died in Fiji some time ago, and the estate is being wound up. Iu consequence, the business of the firm is disorganised. The small steamer Dawn, belonging to the firm, used to take supplies of stores and trade goods to Hull Island, but the vessel is now tied up indefinitely at Suva, and it is not known when the white man will be relieved from his position and the tiading station disposed of.