SOLOMON ISLANDS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 15 October 1927, Page 7

SOLOMON ISLANDS.

THE SOUTHERN CROSS. NO ANXIETY FOR VESSEL’S SAFETY. (BY TELEGRAPH - PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 15. The Melanesian Mission authorities at Auckland feel im anxiety whatsoever concerning the Southern Cross, stated Major H. S. Roberto on this morning wtien replying to a reporf that a certain amount of concern was being shown for the vessel which was due at Solomon islands. The report added that it was not considered safe for the vessel to undertake any pro traoted tour of the Solomons, especi ally Tuliagai, where the recent massacre occurred, and in view of the fact, that she was not equipped with wireless, instructions had been issued to the warship Adelaide to- intercept the Southern Cross and ensure a *aie passage to the groups. Major Robinson explained that the massacre did not take place at Taulagai, but on the island of Malaita. Taulagai was not on this island, but was the headquarters of the British Protectorate Government and the residence of the commissioner. It will be recalled that when the Southern Cross left Auckland recently her departure had been delayed for several hours by the Marine Department because it was not equipped in accordance with New Zealand wireless regulations, but as the vessel was registered an London, it appeared that she was not governed by the Act and was .so allowed to proceed minus the equipment.