AN OCEAN RACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20219, 2 April 1929, Page 6

AN OCEAN RACE.

PROGRESS ACROSS PACIFIC. PORT MELBOURNE LEADING.

Interest in the race from" Auckland to London between the Commonwealth and Dominion Line's steamers .Port Melbourne and Port Piriei is renewed by the arrival at Auckland of the Port Napier, of tha same line, which was in wireless communication with the two siteamers. The Port Melbourne and Port Pirie left Auckland at 10 o'clock on the evening of March 13, and wireless messages received by the Port Napier on March 22 stated the Port Melbourne was leading by "eight miles. Ihe Port Napier was within wireless x'ange of the Port Melbourne and tha Port Pirio for three days, and reports of the progress ol the vessels created interest and excitement among the ship's crew and passengersi. The first message camo on March 20, itnd it was stated the speed of both vessel:; was 12 knots. Next day it was reported that a moderate breeze was blowing, and there were heavy seas. On March 22, the Port; Melbourne was reported to La leading by eight miles, with the weaiiher still bad. j News of the arrival of the vessels at Panama is expected at the end of this week, and thui; will commence ths/ final lap of the contest across the Atlantic. Interest in the race is increased by the fact that between them the vessels are carrying to England produce valued at about £2,000,000. The Port Melbourne is fully loaded with about 10,000 tons of cargo, while the Port Pine has on board about 8000 tons of cargo. The average speed of the Pert Melbourne is about 13 knots, and that of the Port Piria about 12| knots. The vessels are on fairly even terms, however, because the Port Melbourne is more heavily laden.