THE BARQUENTINE YSABEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18679, 8 April 1924, Page 9

THE BARQUENTINE YSABEL.

AN INTERESTING HISTORY. FORMER MISSION VESSEL. The announcement that the well-known barquelitine Ysabel is for sale will arouse general interest, as the vessel was originally owned by the Melanesian Mission. The vessel was built at Auckland for th» Melanesian Mission in 1874 by Messrs. Niccol and Sons, at the North Shore, being launched as the Southern Cross. She was the third mission vessel, and the second to bear the name of Southern Cress. The first Southern Cross, which was built in England, was sold by the mission, and went to Australia, where she was renamed the Santa Crux. After 19 years' service, the second Southern Cross became too small for the increasing work of -the mission, and she was therefore sold to Captain Ross, who took out 'her auxiliary . engines and ran her fcr a number of years in the Island trade, tinder her present name. Her successor with the mission was another Southern Cross, a wooden vessel, built in England for the purpose. The Southern Cross which followed is therefore the fourth mission vessel of that name.

For 23 years the Ysabel sailed the South Seas as an Island trader, Captain Ross being her master and owner. In 1914 she was sold to her present owners. Messrs. G. H. Scales and Company, of Wellington. The dearth of Shipping during the war resulted ■ in craft of all sizes and rigs being brought into use for overseas work, and thus the Ysabel went further afield than she had ever done before. Her longest voyage was to San Francisco and back to Auckland, bringing a cargo of case oil to this - port. After the war the Ysabel was gradually forced into the background, and for some years 'her only wiork has been an occasional trip to Niue Island. The introduction of a steamer in the Niue Island service has deprived the Ysabel of even this occupation. The long life of the Ysabel and her recent record voyage to Niue Island and back in 27 days demonstrates that she was a foultlessly-built vessel. Barring accident, she may yet sail the seas for a long time if a suitable trade be found for her.