THE MISSING HIMITANGI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15862, 27 February 1912, Page 8

THE MISSING HIMITANGI.

SEARCH VESSELS TO BE SENT

Messrs Kinsey and Company, Lyttelton agents for the Himitangi, received a telegram from Wellington shortly after mid-day yesterday stating that the agents had made arrangements to despatch the steamer Gertie from Wellington at 5 p.m. to-day, in search of the overdue vessel. THE OFFICERS AND CREW.

Captain Cowan was in charge of the Himitangi with the following officers and crew: —A. M’lntyre, mate; H. Sawyer, second mate; J. H. Prendeville. chief engineer; T. P. Scanlon, second engineer; H. Holder, G. Adams, J. Radcliff, Otto Nilsen, R. Watson, A. Fry, A.B.’s; J. White, steward; J. Merritt, cook; M. White, G. Kerry, J. Simeon, firemen. The following wore the passengers on the outward tnp Messrs Haigh,. Parkinson. Huseick, Peel, M’Lean, Foster. Wheatland, Regnnult, Morris and Blythe, Rev Archie Grace, and Mrs Blythe. The agents have no information as to the passengers on the home trip. General satisfaction was expressed in Lyttelton yesterday on receipt of the news that the Wellington agents of the Chatham. Islands Fishing Company had made arrangements to despatch a vessel in search of tho overdue steamer Himitangi. Many fear that ill-luck has befallen the vessel, while in some quarters it is thought that the weather has prevented her from working the respective ports, and in consequence her master is waiting for the. weather to moderate. Tho Himitangi, after discharging her general cargo, would in the ordinary course of events load wool and cattle for Lyttelton. The steamer Gertie, which is to carry out the search, is a twin screw steamer of 269 tons gross register. The vessel is ownod by Messrs Levin and Co., and is in command of Captain Rodger. For. some time past she has been engaged in the Wellingten-Foxton trade, Tho vessel should reach Chatham Islands about Friday next. TWO SEARCH STEAMERS. AMOKURA TO BE USED. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON. February 26. In response to several telegrams from relatives of those on board the overdue Himitangi, Mr G. Laurenson to-day urged the Minister cf Marine to take immediate action in sending out a relief ship. Mr Millar replied that the Gertie, chartered by the owners, would leave on a search to-morrow afternoon. The training ship Amokura, whioh is not ready for sea at present, i* being fitted up with all speed, and will leave on the same mission on Thursday afternoon. Mr Laurenson, speaking as one who has paid several visits to the Chathams, say that he has no fear for the safety of the lives of those on board the Himitangi. The. worst that- could happen, in his opinion, is that tho 6tenmer has broken down or gone ashore. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 26. Among the passengers by the Himitangi are believed to be the son of Mr W. G. Foster, managing director of the company, and Mr John M’Lean. formerly of M’Lean and Archibald, ironmongers.. Wellington, but now owner of a fishing station at the Chathams.

Tho Himitangi is amply provisioned, and as she can rig up canvas in the event of her machinery breaking down will be able to make port provided her hull is all right.