RETURN OP THE GRATITUDE FROM THE MACQUARIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 18

RETURN OP THE GRATITUDE FROM THE MACQUARIES.

Intbbcahgill, March 18. Mr Hatch's kefceh Gratitude arrived to-day from the Macquarie Islands, bringing Mr Mellish and his wife, who declined to leave the island by the Kakauui. The ketch bad head winds and heavy gales to the islands, the passage occupying three weeks. After getting to work ab floating off the oil she had the misfortune to lose the whaleboat, and the rest of the work was done with a dingey. Daring her stay ab the islands she lost an anchor chain, and was blown to sea for 13 days. Although the work of shipping the oil was not completed, the wind being fair, a week ago, ib was decided to start for New Zealand ; the passage from land to land being made in 72 hours. The crew and passengers return in excellent health, after an eight weeks' trip, A visits was paid to the graves of 11 seamen lost in a wreck on the island 66 years ago, and an immense anchor with a built stock ■ wan found high up on the beach. The ring was 2ft Sin in diameter, and from point to point the flukes were 10ft 6in. No, recent wreckage was i eeen, but a considerable quantity of coal rounded by the action of the sea was found on the beach. No one was left on the island this trip.