U.S.S. COY. CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1936, Page 5

U.S.S. COY. CLAIM

DIVERSION OF S.S .MONOWAI

TO PICK UP SICK WOMAN

(Australian. Press Association.)

SYDNEY,. November 1. A sequel to the diverting of the Monowai from its course to pick up the wife of Mr W. S. Nichols, of Lord Howe Island,’ and take her*to Auckland for an immediate, operation is the presentation to Mr Nichols ot an account for £llO 16s 3d, towards the cost of the ship’s diversion. The first monthly instalment of 30s has een deducted from- Mr NiehoPs paim seed bonus by the Board of Control of Lord Howe Island.

Mr Nicnols has already paid more than £2OO for the operation itself, and payment of- amother £IOO will earn him the unenvied. distinction of having footed the bill for one of the most expensive appendicitis operations on record. . ', ,

In the view of Mr D. Clyne, M.L.A. in whose electorate residents of Lord Howe Island are enrolled the financial. responsibility for diversion of the Monowai should be met by the Government, instead of by Mr Nichols. There is no resident medical officer on the island.

The dost of the Monowai’s dash to the island was estimated bv the Union Steam Ship Company at £734 13s 2d. Extra oil fuel made up £BB 15s of this amount^' and freight on 456 tons of cargo sent from Wei ington to Auckland by the steamer Waipata is calculated at £456. Included in the bill was an item of £67 15s 4d for two additional meals . for 371 passengers on tlie Monowai. The third class faxes of Mr and Mrs Nichols wer© estimated at £ls. The sum of £llO 16s 3d was agreed upon as satisfactory to the company, as it covered such items as extra oil fuel consumed, overtime, and the fares of Mr and Mrs Nichols from Lord Hoive Island to, Auckland. The arrangement, however, is not. satisfactory to Mr Nichols, who, Mr Clyne stated in the Legislative Assembly was left without ready cash after he had paid more than £2OO for the medical and surgmal costs of the operation in Auckland.