THE "MANU'A."

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 23, Issue 31, 3 August 1923, Page 6

THE " MANU'A. "

N ("Fiji Times.") The auxiliary schooner Manu'a, which has been so much in the limelight of late, has had a checkered career. . She was build about 1913, in

San Francisco, under the supervision of Admiral Moore of the United States navy. The funds were contributed by the natives of the island of M«»nu'a in American Samoa and she was built for them' the U. S. Navy acting as trustees, and supplying the plans. bhe then had a 50 hj. p, Union engine. She ran about the islands for about two years. when the engine was found to be too small, arid the Uniou was replaced by one of 120 h.p. Through neglect, this engiue was spoiled and it was finally replaced by the 80 h.p. Standard, which is now in the vessel. In 1915 the Mauu'a got ashore at Safune (Savai'i), -but was eventually got afloat, and was towed to Apia for repairs. But bad luck pursued her, and she got ashore again, and remained on the beach at Apia for nine months. She was towed off. by the naval tug "Fortune," and taken to Tutuila for repairs. Later she was chartered by John Rothschild & Co., of San Francisco, who were then tra. ding in Samoa. When her charter was up, there was a dispute between the Government and Rothschild's, and the latter purchased the Mauu'a at full market rate. The firm sent her to Suva for repairs, which cost very much more than was expected, and the vessel was left here, until purchased from Mr. Boteler by Captain Alfred Johnson. ' It is alleged that the Manu'a, having been built for the Navy, was never registered and does uot own a register.