STORMBOUND ON THE HEN

Northern Advocate, 7 February 1936, Page 2

STORMBOUND ON THE HEN

A MEMORABLE WEEK END

Visitors to Whangarei today were Dr. E. E. Porntt, of Wanganui, and Messrs. D. H. and T. E. Mackay, of Waipu, who had a most interesting story to tell of their adventures on the Hen Island, where they were camped (at the Caillach) during the great storm experienced during the past week-end.

They landed on the island on Friday, having made the journey in a launch. A small dinghy was left, but it was smashed to matchwood when the storm was at its height. As there was no, indication of heavy weather, the party took with them only a small “bivvy” tent some six feet wide.

This had to accommodate the three men while the deluge and the storm lashed the island. They could get no shelter, and their tent, threatened to disappear at any moment. The occupants were wet to the skin from Saturday morning till Monday, and they had an unforgettable time. When the storm passed, the visitors made a thorough examination of the island, where Nature is seen at its best. Yesterday the launch called for them, and the party after enjoying some fishing, returned to the mainland. The experience was as strenuous as it was unexpected, but Dr. Porritt voiced the opinion of his colleagues when he said; “I would not have missed it for worlds.”