CRUISE OF THE JOHN WILLIAMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2913, 12 January 1910, Page 93

CRUISE OF THE JOHN WILLIAMS.

A SEARCH FOR CASTAWAYS

The London Missionary Society's steam yaoht John Williams returned to Sydney on December '2B from another, successful cruise among- the islands of the South Seas. The vessel, according to her time-table, was not due in Sydney till January 5, but owing to strong favourable winds and other circumstances the work was accomplished in much less time than had been expected. Leaving Sydney on September 10, the John Williams proceeded direct to Rarotonga, and spent a -Month in the visitation of the Cook Group. Both at Rarotonga and Aitutaki important conference's were held, in which a large number of native pastors and deacons of the churches took part. From Rarotonga the John Williams proceeded to Niue to land the Rev. Gavin Smith and Mrs Smith, who have been appointed to succeed the Rev. F. E. and Mrs Lavves, who will shortly be retiring after nearly 40 years' active, service on that solitary island. Samoa was next visited, and 10 days spent in that group, after which the John Williams proceeded to Fiji to replenish her bunkers. The eight islands of the EUice Group and the five islands in the Southern Gilberts were then visited, after which the mission ship proceeded to New Guinea, where 16 days were spent. Both at Rarotonga, and Samoa contingents of native pastors were embarked for missionary service in New Guinea. On leaving New Guinea the John Williams returned direct to Sydney. On leaving Sydney in September," strong head winds were experienced until within three days' steam from Rarotonga. Captain Steel© brought his vessel within a-quarter of a mile of Macauloy Island, in the Kennadee Group, where the New Zealand Government hai3 established a provision depot for shipwrecked mariners. Seeing no sign, however, of anyone on the island, Captain Steele kept on his course. ,In the Cook Islands strong- S.E. trades were met, which were carried right through to Samoa and the Gilberts. Heavy rain - was falling in New Guinea, and when in "the' Coral Sea a strong W. to S.W. gale was met. On approaching Cape Moveton the wind shifted to E.S.E., and blew very hard, with fierce squalls, raising a. heavy, sea. The ship was hove-to for seven hours; thence moderate weather and smooth seas,were experienced till arrival in Sydney on Tuesday night. The John Williams will remain in (port for two months for her annual overhaul and relit. At Oro Kolo, in New Guinea, the John Williams took on board a large boat, built entirely by the natives from local timbers. This has been sent here for the purpose of, haying an engine fitted into - her, the intention of. the, resident missionary, Rev. R. Bartlett, bejng, to.utilise, it, for the purpose of opening- up communications with tribes hitherto unknown.