STIR IN ELLICE ISLANDS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 10

STIR IN ELLICE ISLANDS.

CRAFT'S MYSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS. SHOTS DISREGARDED, ITHE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, July 27. The mysterious movements of a dilapidated craft, which, however, is capable of an astonishing speed, have recently caused considerable conjecture in the Ellice Islands. The following account of the sudden appearances and disappearances of the vessel, which is believed to be manned by Japanese, is given by Mr John Harris, who visited the islands in the ketch Waterlily. "Life on a coral atoll, especially for Europeans, is a monotonous affair," Mr Harris writes, "but at Funafuti, in the Ellice Islands, they have recently had enough excitement to last them for some months to come. It began with the mysterious behaviour of a foreign vessel disj covered investigating the island. She [defied the quarantine law by omitting to report to the authorities, and when approached by the latter, invariably made off. She was first noticed on June 10, by native fishermen, who reported to the Government District Officer that a strange ship was anchored off the reef, on the lee side of the lagoon. They said that they had been invited aboard by the captain, who questioned them in English concerning the island, and noted their information on a chart. Capture Eluded. "On one occasion the ship was reported to be at Funafala, in the south-west corner of the lagoon. Under cover of darkness the district officer set out to investigate, accompanied by several cutters and 20 stout men, but the stranger was evidently on the alert, for all they found when they reached Funafala was evidence of a hasty flight. It was decided to make up the western eide of the lagoon in a hope of meeting her there. They had sailed 10 miles and were almost despairing of sighting their chase again, when her low outline was noticed outside the reef in her original anchorage. Orders were hurriedly given to proceed cautiously and attempt to take her by surprise, but the first grey light of dawn discovered them, when still a few hundred yards distant. The Japanese sprang to life, the engine started up and the anchor was hauled in. By now the district officer was within 100 yards. He called on the vessel to stop and finally fired two rifle shots across her bows, but she disregarded them and sped seaward. Parties of men were placed on each of the islands round the lagoon in case she came back, but apparently she had had enough of Funafuti, for no more was seen of her. Previously Reported. "The incident is of interest in view of the fact that a similar craft was reported several months ago from the Solomon Islands. She also carried a collapsible mast, was of the same size and appearance, and was said to have a speed of 20 knots. The reason for her movements remains a mystery. Her old and dilapidated appearance was belied by her obvious power and speed, while her crew of at least 20 men would hardly be warranted by her size if she were a trader of any kind, nor is there anything to attract poachers to the Ellice Islands, as there is no pearl or trochus shell."