WITH A SCRATCH CREW

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 6

WITH A SCRATCH CREW

W AIR UNA’S GOOD PERFORMANCE. Four thousand miles in eighteen days, including several stoppages for cargo-loading, is tho feat just accomplished by the Union Company’s cargo steamer Wairuna, which arrived back at Wellington at 3.30 o’clock yesterday morning from i’iji. Captain Drewotte shipped a scratch crew at Wellington, and left this port on Sunday, November 30th, for Fiji to load raw sugar and fruit for Auckland and Wellington. Tho vessel experienced a strong westerly wind with a heavy sea for tho fu-.st two days after leaving this port, and then fin© weather prevailed, till arrival at Suva after a run of 6J- days. Captain Drewotte said that tho men did well, although a few 'were sick at first, and one of the crew was not suited for the work. Ho was found lighter duties. At the Fiji Islands the Wairuna steamed SSI miles and stopped at eight different places to pick up sucks of raw sugar and fruit. This cargo was brought out to the W airuna in punts. The crow found tho heat most oppressive, and to ease, them Captain Drewotte engaged six stalwart Fijian natives to assist in tho stokehold. Tho Fijians were brought on to Wellington and will bo shipped back to Suva from Auckland. The return voyage was commenced on Friday, the 12th instant, at 11 p.m., and moderate winds prevailed until off Capo Maria at 1 a.m. on last Wednesday when a heavy south-easterly gale was encountered which lasted till tho Wairuna arrived at Wellington. The vessel came down the west coast, and not tho east side as was expected. Tho Wairuna’s cargo comprises bananas and pineapples for discharga at Wellington and 3300 tons of raw sugar for Auckland. Tho’fruit was coming out of tho vessel in excellent condition yesterday. The Wairuna is expected to sail for Auckland this afternoon. The crew of forty-eight all told are in excellent health.