BACK FROM MACQUARIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15390, 27 August 1913, Page 10

BACK FROM MACQUARIES

TUTANEKAI AT BLUFF.

PARTY FOUND SHORT OF FOOD

EIGHT MEN BROUGHT AWAY.

[by telegraph.— rßESS ASSOCIATION.]

JNVEECA.ROITX, Tuesday. The Government steamer Tutanekai arrived at Bluff this morning after a visit to the Macquarie and Campbell Islands. The steamer was despatched from Wellington on August 13 as the outcome of a cablegram from Mr. Eitel, secretary to Dr. Mawson's expedition, in which it was painted out that the Mawson party and Mr. Joseph Hatch's men on the island were in dire stress through shortage of provisions. In June last Mr. Eitel had chartered the Rachel Cohen, Mr. Hatch's vessel, to take stores to the island for Mawson's five men there, but the Rachel Cohen met with very unfavourable weather. She got to within about 400 miles of the Macquaries, but could not make the land, and after damage to her sails anchored at Half Moon Bay, having traversed nearly 2000 miles from Hobart. The Tutanekai reached the Macquaries on Wednesday last, after having taken the stores from the Rachel Cohen. She found both parties short of provisions, and brought seven of Mr. Hatch's men back to New Zealand, in addition to Mr. A. J. Sawyers, -wireless expert to Dr. Mawson's party, who was returning foe health reasons. The members of Mr. Hatch's party have voiced a strong complaint against their treatment, particularly alleging that in their agreement with Mr. Hatch before commencing employment it was stipulated that if they so desired they could return to the mainland in April last. A ship did not reach tho island at that time. Food was short, and it being the off season for both sea elephants and penguins, no oil could be obtained. Tho members of Dr. Mawson's party were very reticent as to their doings, and are preserving tfie scientific data which they have obtained for publication when the expedition terminates. The wireless station lias served well, and communication has been kept up with the headquarters at Adelie Land, in addition to the stations on the mainland. Towards the end of the year the exploring shiD Aurora will call at the Macquaries and take the men there to pick up the main party. ' Tho Tutanekai, after coaling, will continue her voyage to Wellington.