LAUNCH’S ROUGH TRIP

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25362, 9 December 1947, Page 3

LAUNCH’S ROUGH TRIP

ENGINE BREAKS DOWN; AERIAL LOST (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. A former Naval Fairmile launch which left Auckland for Dunedin on Saturday had experienced an adventurous time when she put into WelIjngtorr to-night. She had intended to make the trip from Auckland to Dunedin non-stop, but when the vessel was almost out of fuel, one engine had broken down, and the top of the wireless mast had been blown off. It was decided to put into Wellington for repairs. She berthed about 8.20 p.m. The vessel met very heavy weather on Saturday night, when half her aerial was lost, making contact with the shore almost impossible. One engine broke down on the journey, and for about an hour the other was out of action, and. until it was repaired the vessel drifted helplessly. During most of the voyage the crew had little or no sleep.

Purchased by Rodney Farry for use as a pleasure--boat, the Fairmile is being taken by her owner from Auckland, where she was delivered. There are 12 persons aboard, including Mrs Farry and two other women.

The vessel has her two original motors, which will be replaced by Diesel engines.

Mr Farry said he had hoped to complete the trip to Dunedin in about 36 hours. The journey from Auckland took about 56. The vessel is expected to leave about noon to-morrow, and will make the rest of the trip using one enginjL