SAW SHIP BURIED

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1937, Page 2

SAW SHIP BURIED

THE RABAUI, ERUPTION RADIO MAN’S ADVENTURES DUNEDIN, September 20. The eruption of the Vulcan island volcano, at Rabaul. on May 29 last, is an event that ’"ill always remain in the memory of a Dunedin-horn radio operator, Mr John W. Faulkner, whose ship was completely buried by the falling pumice. It was fortunate that at the time of the eruption Mr Faulkner and a friend were crossing the harbour to their ship, the Duvonr, which was on Vulcan Island undergoing repairs, and they were abb' to get back to Rabaul without injury. Following th(> eruption, Mr Faulkner motored to Kokopo, about 17 miles from Rabaul, and there he assisted in obtaining medical supplies and generally helped in establishing order amid the confusion.

The American' vessel Golden Hear, which managed to steam out 'from Rabaul Harbour with the greatest oi difficulty, arrived at Kokopo, and, as her wireless operator was missing, Mr Faulkner was appointed to the position. Then began a busy time, for lie bad to deal with dozens of press and official messages, besides scores oi private radiograms. The heat was terrific, the temperature being 97dcg., and the operator was- completely exhausted. On the fifth day he was ordered a holiday, and it was very welcome.

As the missing operator did not report to his .ship Mr Faulkner was signed on by the caotain of the Golden Bear for the voyage to Honolulu. On this trip he was the first to pick Up the report that Mrs Amelia Putnam and her navigator had crashed on their world flight. Tim Golden Bear’s position at that time was about 10 miles from the estimated point whore the aeroplane came down. Mr Faulkner did not hear anv signals, although ho listened carefully, and when a request was made to senr'h for the filers the ship was 300 miles north-east of. the position.