PROLONGED VOYAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18678, 7 April 1924, Page 8

PROLONGED VOYAGE.

SCHOONER MAPU ARRIVES. SO DAYS FROM AUSTRALIA PROVISIONS NEARLY EXHAUSTED. A prolonged voyage of 30 days from Clarence River, New South Wales, was made by the three-masted schooner Mapu, which arrived at Auckland early on Saturday. Easterly winds varying in. force from light breezes to moderate gales, delayed the vessel in the Tasman Sea, with the result that the Three Kings was not sighted before 24 days had elapsed. The Mapu loaded a cargo, of hardwood timber at Grafton, and cleared Clarence River at 9 a.m. on March 6. . Light head winds, varying between north-east and east-south-east, with occasional calms, prevailed for the first two weeks. The wind then freshened from the east until March 24, when it had increased to a moderate gale, accompanied by rough, confused seas and heavy rain squalls. Reefed sails were carried for the next four days, while tho boisterous weather lasted. Light headwinds again were met with, and the Three Kings were sighted at 5 p.m. on April 3. The islands were abeam at 8 a.m.- th» following day, but the wind continued light and variable to port. < ■ . The exceptionally prolonged voyage, which should have been completed in hal' the time, resulted in nearly all the provisions being consumed, and the Mapu reached port with very little food on board. v The voyage wis made more dismal by the death of William Bell, the ship's cook, who expired at 4 am. on April 3. Deceased, who was 41 years of age, and a native of Liverpool, had been a sufferer for a considerable time. He had been confined to his bunk for some days. '■ The body was biiried at sea.