CAP PILAR HOME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 5001, 7 October 1938, Page 1

CAP PILAR HOME.

A YEAR’S VOYAGING The five New Zealanders —Messrs W,. B. Sutherland, D. Alexander, K. Clayton, A- M!c|Master (all of Auckland) and E. S. Talboys (Paeroa) —who sailed from Auckland a year ago n the 300-ton 'barquentine Cap Pilar, were full of enthusiasm, for their long voyage when they reached Falmouth, England, last week. Bronzed and looking the picture of health, they had many interesting tales to tell of their experiences. ilr. Sutherland said that the voyage throughout had been delightful The ship’s company, numbering in all 25, had been thoroughly happy together and one of the most popular had been little Jessica Jane Seligman, daughter of the captain. Mr. A. Seligman, who was born in Auckland. She had been remarkably healthy throughout the trip, and never seasick. At the Marquesas she made one cl her many “conquests” here, and the name given her by the natives was “Queen of the Island.” A native nurse was sent on board every day to take charge of her. The island was equally as attractive as the others visited, bult rather more dangerous. There were coral bound lagoons, and on one occasion the Cap Pilar was nearly aground. Skiful seamanship saved her, however, and her bow was pointed for the long 43-day sail to iCallao, the port for Lima, in Peru. The weather was fine and steady progress was made. Toward the end of jthe six weeks, however, food and water began to ran low, and ration, ing was necessary for the last few days. Land was hailed with delight, and at Lima, Mr. Sutherland declared, /the most beautiful city of the whole year’s trip was discovered. Having' found their land legs again many of the crew left by railway for the Andes. The line is one of the highest in the world, and at times climbs to nearly 17,000 fit Huanuco, a small Indian town, was visited on a Sunday, market day foi thousands of Indians, who swarmed through the streets selling then wares. Before returning to Lima the ship’s company was engaged in s pitched snowball battle! On board again’ the course wa« Set for 'the Galapagos Islands. Tin Chatham Island and Seymour Is land were visited among the group The next step was Panama. Tin ship’s company will remember thei arrival for many a day, for, as an chor was being cast, the Cap Pila was struck by a small thunderbolt All hands were busily engaged furl ing sail ait the time, and the bol fell as the anchor touched bottom Four or five of the crew rvere sha ken, and one who had a foot on th anchor chain, felt a slight shock But the Cap Pilar was not damaged and nobody was injured. The Cap Pilar was towed thro ugh the Panama Canal, but a hal was made in /the Gatun Lake, wher anchor was dropped for two day to allow the ship’s bottom to b cleared of the salt water weed tha had grown profusely since the ov erhaul at Auckland. From Colon sail was set for King ston, Jamaica. Winds were contrary and eventually Montego on the north-west coast, was reached. From here a party set off over the island to Kingstown, where it was learned that trouble had occurred among the natives. On returning tc Montego the captain was informed Iby the chief of police that rioting was expected, and the crew was asked to volunteer as special con- - stables. Twelve of the men offered then services, and were on duty fox’ foui days, carrying rifles. One or twe riots did occur*, homesteads wen set on fire and roads were barricaded. Nosing her xvay northward agair the vessel sailed on through the Yu. catan Strait'into the Gxxlf of Mexi co and then tln’ough the Florid/ Straits, where more shipping wa: seen than at any other period in tin voyage, up to New York. It is the intention of Mr. Selig man to sell the Cap Pilar, but i there are no offers he will proceei with her to St. Malo. France, wher she will be laid up for the wintei*.