ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21972, 1 December 1934, Page 13

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

ADVENTUROUS VOYAGE RETURN TRIP IN LIFEBOAT FORMER AUCKLANDER'S FEAT A voyage across the Atlantic in a 19ft. ship's lifeboat in 1870 is recalled with the death at Sumner, Christchurch, this week, of Captain I'M ward William Hayter, at the age of 82. Captain Hayter, who was the son of Dr. Richard Hayter, was horn at Redcliffs, Ohristchurch, in 1852, and when six years of ago went to England with his parents, it was in the spring of 1870, says the Christchurch Sun, that Captain Hayter, then only 18, and a friend named I'rimoray, crossed the Atlantic in a small boat. Their object, they said, was to prove that a small boat, properly handled, could make long ocean voyages in safety. The boat chosen was a ship's lifeboat 19ft. lone; with a beam of 6ft. Her top-sides were raised, a small cabin constructed, and she was rigged as a yawl. As soon as the seafaring men of Liverpool heard of the proposition they came to the assistance of the adventurers, and with the help received from them Captain Hayter and his fciend were soon prepared for their voyage. The boat, which was named the Ragusa, left Liverpool amid the cheers of thousands. The first port of call was Queenstown, on the south coast of Ireland, which was made in 10 days. From Queenstown Captain Hayter and his friend set out on their long voyage to Boston, which was reached in 82 days. It was in the following year that they set out again on the return trip, which was made in .'{BJ days, the best day's sail being 120 miles. When they reached the Mersey 40,000 people turned out to greet them. Captain Hayter returned to New Zealand soon after this, and for some years he sailed small coastal vessels out of Auckland. He retired from the sea about 35 years ago, and np till the time of his death he lived at Sumner. He was married, but had no family. His wife survives him.