MISHAP TO STEAMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20243, 1 May 1929, Page 12

MISHAP TO STEAMER.

SOUTHERN CROSS DISABLED.

DELAY AT. NORFOLK ISLAND^

BROKEN RUDDER TRUNK. A PRECARIOUS POSITION. A message received on an amateur short-wave wireless set by Mr. J. H. L. Trenwith in Auckland yesterday reported the disablement of the Melanesian Mission steamer Southern ..Cross at Norfolk Island. The vessel has sustained a broken rudder trunk. Mr. Trenwith is a personal friend of the wireless operator on the steamer, Mr." N. Curtis, and has been in constant communication with him.

Unsettled weather is reported at iho island and the steamer is rolling at an, angle of 15deg. She could not be in a more precarious position, as the island is without an anchorage or shelter, for vessels. Should the wind rise to anything approaching gale fojee the situation for the little steamer will be extremely dangerous. The message stated that Captain Burgess. is landing all the passengers, with the exception of the Bishop of Melanesia, who is remaining on board. Ml are re-' ported safe and well. They comprise the Rev. C. Rawson, the Rev. B. "P. Fallowcs, Sisters Margaret and Gwen, Mr. H. Seaton, Miss E. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Watkins, all of the Melanesian Mission, the Rev. W. and Mrs. Milne, of the Presbyterian Mission, wilio are ©n route to the New Hebrides, and Mrs. Martin, who is a passenger for Vanikoro. The Southern Cross left Auckland on April 23 for the mission stations and schools in the New Hebrides and Solomon Islands. The delay at Norfolk Island-, may now cause some hardship to the missionaries in the outlying stations who are waiting for their., half-yearly supplies, as it is almost certain to be necessary to bring the steamer to Auckland for repairs. The intended visit to the islands Trill, therefore, have to be postponed for at least some weeks. The vessel has on board the largest cargo of stores she has ever carried to the islands and she called at Norfolk Island to load materials for the bishop's new house.

Efforts were made by the mission authorities and the agents, Messrs. Watkin and Wallis, yesterday, to' engage a tug or small steamer for despatch to the assistance of the disabled vessel. It is proposed to tow her to Auckland in order that she may be docked for repairs. Difficulty, however, was experienced in securing a suitable vessel and no decision had been reached last night. An effort is being made to secure the services of a> vessel from Sydney. A short time ago it was decided to replace the Southeri Cross by two schooners, one of about 45 tons and the other of about 75, tons. The steamer's career in the mission service will definitely come to an end, therefore, in a little over two years. She is the fifth of the mission steamers to bear the name Southern Cross, having been purchased for the Melanesian Mission in 1903 at a cost of £21,000.