WRECK IN SOLOMONS

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1930, Page 3

WRECK IN SOLOMONS

ILL-LUCK WITH A LAUNCH.

DRIVEN ON TO A REEF.

The Solomon Islands have been experiencing the worst weather-that has been known there for many years. ■ In fact, old-timers do not ever remember so severe a south-east season. Even the Marovo Lagoon, with its sheltered waters, says a correspondent, has experienced its first wreck, which nearly proved a total loss. Captain A. A. Austin, of the Ngari Ngari plantatibn, was going recently an his launch to meet • the three-monthly steamer Mataram to get Ids mails, etc., when the accident happened. The weather was so bad that he pulled the bow. out of his dinghy while towing it through the choppy sea, and in his endeavours to rescue it his engine stalled. The wind and sea soon put him on a reef and owing to his dinghy being out of commission he was helpless, having to live on coconut kernels for four days before he was rescued .by some natives who were out fishing. Captain Austin’s neighbour, Mr. W. Newall, of the Lilihina Estates, went to his assistance immediately he heard , of it, and with the combined, efforts of a Japanese carpenter they dismantled the launch, having to take the engine mt under water. After getting the vessel off the reef into deep water they were able to raise her sufficiently with empty drums to enable them to tow her back to Ngari Ngari, where she now' lies, with her gaping holes, awaiting, repair. Captain Austin had only returned to his home the previous month after having been all round Malaita recruiting boys for his plantation, during which time he experienced some terrible weather, but got through the trip of 600 miles safely, only, by the irony .of fate, to be wrecked in the lagoon almost in. sight of his own home.