FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 47, 25 February 1933, Page 22

FIFTY YEARS AGO

A. disappearance from the steamer Eotomahana was reported, in last week's notes. A similar mishap occurred fifty years ago on the Manapouri when one day out from Melbourne, en route to the Blufi. The man was J. W. Stock, a steerage passenger, and it was surmised that he fell overboard. An. extensive report of a function on the Japanese warship Biujio was published in "The Post" of Febrnaiy 20, 1883. The Biujio had been in port for some time, and the "at home" was given, in return for entertainments given to the warship's men. About three hundred, people attended, and exhibitions of Japanese fencing and arms exercises were given, and the vessel's band played. Captain Ito was in command of the ship. She left Wellington on Saturday, February 24, for Peru, and a large crowd gathered to watch the departure. The 'Lady Jocelyn, which had been loading produce in New Zealand for the United Kingdom, left port on Saturday, February 24, with about 5800 carcasses of mutton, 88 carcasses of beef, : and wool on board. "The Post" referred to the "expeditious manner" in which her cargo had been handled, only five weeks being taken to complete the job. In these days of fast loading operations it is interesting to note the fact that another vessel, the Dunedin, took even longer to load a cargo of about the same quantity. A venture in the Islands trade was started when Captain yon Sehoen, owner of the schooner Saucy Lass, announced his intention of placing his vessel in the Fiji trade. "The Post" adds: "The Fiji trade, which is such a source of profit to Auckland, has been too long neglected by Wellington, and its development cannot fail to be of great benefit to the citizens generally." A writer in the Melbourne "Argus" in a report republished in "The Post" becomes heated over the action of certain people at the wreck of the Berengaria at Barwon Heads. He speaks of a ''vile crew, the oif-seourings of society," and "wild orgies" with brandy looted from the ship's cargo. A large loss was suffered by the owners of the vessel through the action of these thieves, who damaged her appointments and stole valuables. A collision between the steamers Omapere and Mahinapua occurred in the Inner Harbour at Lyttelton on. the afternoon of February 23, 1883. The Omapere was leaving the port, and the Mahinapua was entering. The accident did not result in serious damage, and the cause was attributed to the Mahinapua attempting to cross the bow of the Omapere when rounding the mole. The Omapere was not delayed, and arrived in Wellington next day, where she underwent inspection. The British King, British Queen, Fenstanton, lonic, and lioric, "all new steel boats," were announced by the New Zealand Shipping Company as being scheduled for the monthly service to New Zealand from Great Britain. Three more vessels, each of 4000 tons, were then in course of construction for the company, and were expected to be completed within the year.