OCEAN RACE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 104, 2 April 1929, Page 7

OCEAN RACE.

AUCKLAND TO LONDON. AUCKLAND, April 1. Special interest in tire race fiom Auckland to London between the Commonwealth and Dominion Line s steamers Port Melbourne and Port Pirie is renewed by the arrival at Auckland of the Port Napier, of the same line, which was in wireless communication with the two steamers. The Port Melbourne and the Port Pirie left' Auckland at 10 o’clock on the evening of March. 13, and wireless messages received by the Porto Napier on March 22 stated that the Port Melbourne was. leading by eight miles. The Port Napier was within wireless range of the Port Melbourne and Port Pirie for three days, and reports of progress of the vessels created interest and excitement .among the ships’ crewe and passengers.. The first message came on March 20, and it was stated the speed of both vessels was 12 knots. . Next day it was reported that a moderate breeze was blowing, iand that theie were heavy seas. On March 22 the Port Melbourne was reported to be leading by eight miles, with the weather rtul bad. News of the arrival of the vessels at Panama is expected at the end of this week, and then will commence the final lap of the contest .across the Atlantic. . . , ' Interest in the race is increased by the fact that between them the vessels are worth about Q £2,000,000. The Port Melbourne is fully loaded with about 10,000 tons of cargo, while the Port Pirie has on board about 8000 tons of cargo. The .average speed of the Port Melbourne is about 13 knots, and that of the Port Pirie about 12J knots. The vessels are on fairly even terms, however, because the Port Melbourne is more heavily laden.