THE MISSION VESSEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20244, 2 May 1929, Page 14

THE MISSION VESSEL.

SOUTHERN CROSS MISHAP.

REPAIRS TO THE RUDDER.

NO DESPATCH OF A TUG.

EARLY RETURN TO AUCKLAND.

News received yesterday from tho Melanesian Mission steamer Southern Cross, which is lying off Norfolk Island with a damaged rudder trunk, indicated that efforts are being made to rig a jury rudder, which should enable, the disabled vessel to return to Auckland without assistance. Favourable weather prevails, and her mastor, Captain Burgess, expects to sail for Auckland to-morrow.

The following message was received on Mr. J. H. L. Trenwith's short-wave transmission station yesterday morning: "Good weather hero now; all passeng;ers landed yesterday; am discharging Norfolk Island cargo. Make no definite agreement regarding tug until you heai from mo again. If weather keeps gooi hope to leave here Friday with jury rudder. No damage to engines or propeller. All well. Can move ship to comparative safety when necessary. Passengers all well provided for.— Captain Burgess." A further wireless message received last evening stated that the Bishop of Melanesia, who left Auckland with the Southern Cross to visit the mission stations and schools in the diocese, intends to return to Auckland with tho vessel. The party of missionaries who were also on board will remain at Norfolk Island and will rejoin tho steamer after repairs have been effected at Auckland.

In view of the master's optimism, local arrangements to despatch a tug to Norfolk Island with the object of towing the disabled, steamer to Auckland were cancelled. Offers of assistance had been made by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, the Auckland Harbour Board and others, to whom the Melanesian Mission authorities have expressed their gratitude. The mishap to the steamer has demonstrated very forcibly tho value in emergency of tho amateur short-wave radio. Efforts to establish communication with the Southern Cross on a commercial wave proved unsuccessful, and a cablegram which was despatched to Captain Burgess on Tuesday had not reached him when wireless communication was made with him yesterday. Without Mr. Trenwith's aid the news of the mishap would have been seriously delayed.