RETURN OF THE AMOKURA

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 57

RETURN OF THE AMOKURA

After an absence from New Zealand of 25 days, during which time she paid her biennial visit to t.he southern outlying islands, the Government training ship Amokura returned to Port Chalmers late on Wednesday. 6th inst. In u brief chat with Commander Hooper, a Daily Times reporter was made acquainted with the main incidents of the voyage, these being recounted courteously and succinctly by the commander.

The object for which the Amokura dips periodically into the southern seas _is to give her complement of youthful navigators some experienco of work in the open sea, and also to inspect the depots that have been established by the Government for the benefit of ship-wrecked mariners and other castaways. On the present occasion everything was found as it had been left on the vessel's last cruise, and no sign of wreckage was noticed anywhere. The residents of the Campbell Islands were well, and at the time of the Amokura's visit were the middle of their shearing operations. The?? islands appear to be extremely favourable for sheep, and their farming there is attended by highly profitable results. The vessel has' brought back to Now Zealand ono hair seal, one fur seal, one kinj? penguin, and 12 victory-crested penguins, all of which are destined for the Wellington Zoological Gardens. At the Auckland Islands the oil engine of the launch that was lost, last season by the party engaged in sealing and whaling operations was shipped, and this will be returned to the owners.

A irood donl of intcrrst also attaches to a relic brought bark by the vessel in the shnpo of a whalers' "trypot." which .was formerly the property of the So-uhern Sealing and Fishing Company, nnrl was used at the "tryinff out" worlds of the comnnny at T-Tfvdwick settlement, in the Auckland*, in 1850. Tt is the usual tvpo of whalers' "try-pot," find was burled by Cnptnrn Hooper about 12 years npro. advantage being taken of the present trip to bring ;+ to New Zealand, it will also find a rer.ting-plnoo in Wolbncton. The commander adds that everyone on hoard onjoyed pood hnnltTi throughout (ho voyage, and the trip has boon a very <?■"■!■»! one. Tn reply to a nuestion regardmsr the con dition of Mr- stock on "Endorhy Tsland. Commander Jloooor said it was true that there was very little food available for the eattV. n<-. the ralbbits ate the greater part of \t. TTo would bo pleased *-o supply infovimtion privately to anyono who was interested..