CHRISTMAS AT SEA.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19815, 31 December 1929, Page 8

CHRISTMAS AT SEA.

FESTIVAL IN THE RANGITATA.

[THB PRESS SpecUl Bertie*.]

AUCKLAND, December 30.

Very stormy weather was experienced during the early part of the voyage of the New Zealand Shipping Company's new motor liner Bangitata, which reached Auckland from London and Southampton last evening. The vessel sailed from Southampton on November 22nd, and almost immediately after leaving port she encountered a southwest gale accompanied by high seas, which buffeted the liner and delayed her progress. Owing to the force of the storm she could only progress at times at the rate of 7} knots, which was a little over half her normal speed. Seas broke over the bow and on to the foredeck, but did not damage the fittings. While adjusting a ventilator on the forecastle head a seaman was struck by a sea, and a leg was broken. The injured limb was set by the ship's surgeon, and when the Eangitata reached Colon the man was sent to hospital. Christmas on board the liner was a happy finale to an enjoyable voyage. It lost none of its festival spirit because it was celebrated in mid-ocean between Pitcairn Island and New Zealand, and all the passengers joined in a hearty exchange of greetings and presents. Arrangements for the" festival were placed in the hands of a particularly energetic sports committee of third-class passengers, who had so thoroughly organised the daily programme of deck games and sports for each day during the voyage. All classes co-operated and made the occasion one that will be remembered by those on board.

Christmas Day broke with carol singing, which was followed by an appropriate service for all passengers. The chief event of the day was the arrival of Santa Claus and his wife with an overloaded bag of gifts, which were distributed among the boys and girls, of whom there were over 50 on the ship. This was made possible by the forethought of some of the passengers, who arranged before the vessel reached Panama that the children should write to Santa Claus and tell him what to bring them at sea for Christmas. In the evening he returned with a magnificent Christmas tree, which groaned and swayed under its heavy burden of good things. From this every child received a gift, and it was an occasion for great glee when each passenger on the ship had to go down on bended knee to receive a gift from Father Christmr-«.