STILL ABSENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 8

STILL ABSENT

HARBOUR TRIPPERS HEAVY SEAS IN GULF KAWAU AND WAIHEKE HUNDREDS HELD UP "With small craft forced to shelter and excursion steamer services disorganised by the heavy seas, hundreds of holidaymakers were unable to return to the city from Waiheke, Kawau and other outlying resrfrts in the Hauraki Gulf yesterday. The strong easterly gale forced back one steamer and left dozens of yachts and launches weatherbound at distant anchorages. When shops and offices in the city re. open this morning after the Anniversary Day holiday, staffs are likely to be depleted by several hundred people. Eighteen launches and three yachts la? within the sheltered waters of Mansion House Bay, Kawau, last night while a fierce gale raged outside. Several boats which attempted to return to Auckland were forced back, and about 100 people are virtually stranded there until conditions moderate. Launch Trip Prom Kawau Buffeted by heavy seas in the exposed stretch of water between Matiatia and Kawau, the excursion steamer Duchess was obliged to return to Matiatia early in the afternoon. The vessel cleared Matiatia on time, but, in view of the fact that few passengers were on board, she returned to the shelter of the port. Between 40 and 50 people were awaiting transport from Kawau to centres on the mainland. When conditions failed to moderate during the morning their hopes of a passage to Auckland were reduced, but shortly after midday they embarked on a passenger launch, which, in spite of the high seas, made the comparatively short run to the Sandspit, near Warkjvorth. From there they proceeded to Auckland by road. A Reduced Complement The owners of week-end baches on Waiheke were also affected. In the teeth of the gale the steamer Onewa took three hours on her voyage from Auckland to Ostend in the morning and with the conditions enforcing a reduced complement of passengers for the return trip, she was able to carry only 116 of over 300 people who were awaiting transport to the city. The remaining 200 holidaymakers returned disconsolately to their baches at Onetangi and Palm Beach. Slow Voyage to Waiheke After four hours of slow steaming the Kaipatiki arrived at Oiitend at 4.30 p.m. and return to Auckland with about 30 people. The Onewa made a second trip to Ostend last night, and, weather permitting, she will leave this morning for Auckland.

Conditions were at their worst nt about midday in the eastern tiection of the gulf, and, even when proceeding in the lee of Waiheke, vessels received a severe buffeting. Seas moderated in the afternoon, but the gale freshened again in the evening and boats returning to Auckland were at times almost hidden by the flying spray. Ia spite of tarpaulins and coverings, few passengers were able to remain on deck without a drenching.