AGAINST THE CLOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 4 (Supplement)

AGAINST THE CLOCK.

By Bobert Burgess, IS, Eemuera Boa* (age 14). The schooner Alerte, under full spread of canvas, was cutting majestically through the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. She was on her way New Zealand, and aboard her the young skipper, John Tralawney, was endeavouring to make Auckland by Christmas Day, which was two days off, in order to win a wager made to him by a shipping compacy in Vancouver. It was a hot afternoon; tho wind began to rise and the sky grew dark. A storm seemed inevitable. 1h& skipper thereupon took in sail and everything was made secure for the threatening storm. At about five o'clock the storm broke. It was a terrible night, racked by the fury of a dreadful tornado. The wind, blowing like a hurricane, swept great sheets of rain in its path. The sea w?s mountainous high. Th& deep, Tolling thunder boomed out like a salvo from a giant battleship, while vivid flashes of lightning lit up the fury of the storm The ship tossed and pitched wildly. All night the storm raged. What a small chance of getting into Auckland by Christmas Day. Dawn broke with a clue sky and favourable winds, a very contrast to the past storm indeed! The skipper was pleased, and told the sec-oiad mate that the wager was his—-" he had i counted has chicks before they were beached," for the whvd dropped and the sails flapped disappointment. This caused a,, gloomy atmosphere on tho ship and the crew lounged leisurely on deck,., However, toward evening, the breeze increased and once more the ship was under way. Next day the wind blew with incredible velocity, and what wouiu have alarmed another skipper pleased John Tralawney, for the ship raced on with ma§ts bending ominously, sails bulging, and leaving a foamy wake behind. ~ To the joy of everyone the Alerte sailed gracefully into the magnificent Waitemata Harbour,' upon which yaehes sailed, launches and speedboats raced. With all speed the skipper hastened to a solicitor's office, and on showing the solicitor a document, was handed a £SOO note. He had arrived by Christmas Day. After making a present of a certain sum to all the crew, he took a trip to "Maoriland" (Rotorua), and among the Maoris made great friends, especially one whom he took back as cook aboard the Alerte, and who had never seen a large sailing vessel. As he climbed somewhat gingerly Up the gangway £e remarked, " Pi gorry, him plenty fce b lg canoe."