SHORT RATIONS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18725, 23 June 1926, Page 12

SHORT RATIONS.

SCHOONER'S LONG TRIP. HARDSHIPS OF CREW. ' (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) The little sei.t iters aijsolution, built by the .■" bed Island to enable them to'pis; " -JCif fruit on the Auckland market) 0 ids' already had an interesting although brief career. After a voyage of 13 clays, during which the crew of nine, were most of the time on reduced rations, the Resolution was towed into Auckland Harbour on Monday night, and berthed at Prince's Wharf this morning to unload about 50 tons of oranges, bananas, and kumaras. When last in Auckland an oil engine was installed, and the vessel left after her trials on May 28th. On the first day out, it] was found that the engine bed had moved slightly, and this put the engine out of action for the remainder of the trip. When three days out, the schooner was caught m ■ a cyclone, and received a severe buffeting, which she came through remarkably well. Norfolk Island was reached on June 4th, and a warm welcome was given by the Islanders, many of whom had seen the vessel built at Emily Bay last year. The return' .•journey was commenced after a stay of five days, but the ship was becalmed off the Island for three days before meeting favourable winds, which carried her to Cape Brett. About five days after leaving, it was' found that provisions were giving out, and the crew was placed on short rations. The position became acute and rations were shortened daily. Until on arriving off Tiri Island there were 'onlyabout, two pounds of bully beef, and a little flour left in the galley, there being no- milk or biscuits. The lifeboat rations had been eaten as well as all emergency supplies. Temporary-supplies were obtained from the scow Jane Gifford, which was hailed as she passed. The schooner was then towed to port by a launch as the wind had fallen completely.