THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18195, 14 September 1922, Page 6

THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNALS.

SEARCH AGAIN DELAYED.

PATROLLING THE BEACHES.

The search to be made from Whangape to Manukau Heads by the small steamer Ohinemuri, in consequence of the supposed ship's distress signals seen from Awanui and Ahipara on the west coast, last Saturday evening, was again delayed yesterday bv the Whangape bar still being unworkable. Captain Parker, master of the Ohinemuri, hopes to be able to leave Whangape at two o'clock this afternoon, and he will follow a zig-zag course, going 40 miles out to sea. Further search for wreckage on the beaches was made yesterday by horsemen, but without result. No sign of any distressed vessel, or of wreckage, was seen by the steamer Waipori. which arrived at Auckland yesterday afternoon from Wesport, via the west coast. The Waipori passed about 40 miles off Reef Point at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, but nothing unusual was sighted. A strong westerly wind was blowing at the time, but in contrast to this a strong easterly set was experienced, which Carried the Waipori to the westward of her course.

Details of the experience of Mr. E. Walker, assistant-engineer at the Awanui wireless station, show that he saw all four rockets. He was bicycling from the station to Awanui at the time, but the wind was so strong that he had to dismount and walk. He states he was about a-quarter of a mile from the township when he saw the first rocket, due west, 15 to 20 miles out at sea. Two or three minutes later there was another rocket, and after a similar interval a third, this one bursting into stars. The fourth rocket went up two or three minutes later. The colour of the rockets was alternately red and blue. Mr. Walker says he has handled rockets himself, and is quite positive he was not mistaken in what ho saw.