RANUI PUTS BACK TO AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25227, 4 July 1947, Page 9

RANUI PUTS BACK TO AUCKLAND

CARGO OF SHEEP FOR KERMADECS NORTH-EASTERLY GALE OFF COAST (PA.) AUCKLAND, July 3. After meeting a north-easterly gale when about 50 miles to the north of Moko Hinau Island, at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, the Government auxiliary ketch Ranui returned to Auckland early to-day. The was carrying a consignment of 20 sheep as fresh meat for the Public Works Department’s employees in the Kermadecs, and her master, Captain N. L. Worth, decided to return to port when it was clear that the sheep were suffering from exposure. Some of the sheep died during the 12-hour voyage to Auckland, and the others were in a poor state when discharged. The sheep were housed in a pen on the starboard side on the deck, and were exposed to cold and wet. Spray and an occasional sea swept the Ranui during the storm, but she could easily have ridden out the weather. However, the condition of the sheep made her return essential.

Additions were made to the pens aboard the Ranui to-day to provide more protection and better foothold for the sheep. Her departure for the Kermadecs has been delayed until a further consignment of sheep has been obtained.

“The seas were as big as houses, ’ said an officer of the Government motor-vessel. Maui Pomare, describing the weather off the coast after the ship arrived in port from the Cook Islands. As the vessel approached New Zealand she met the full Jorce of xhe gale. Very heavy rain restricted visibility, and the Maui Pomare was forced to grope her way to the entrance of the Hauraki Gulf.