VOYAGE IN DINGHY

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1935, Page 12

VOYAGE IN DINGHY

NEW PLYMOUTH TO KAWHIA.

TRIP CONSIDERED DANGEROUS.

A sea voyage from New Plymouth to Kawhia in an open 14-feet dinghy is proposed by Mr. Joseph Thomas, a farmer of Hurford Road. Seamen and fishermen at the port of New Plymouth consider- the venture unlikely to be successful, but all efforts to persuade Mr. Thomas from undertaking the trip have failed. Tire harbourmaster, Captain O. I). McIntyre, was asked to intervene, but neither he nor the Customs Department have authority to do so. Mr. Thomas has implicit faith in the ability of his craft to make the trip. His only companion will be a brown sheep dog. Washed from its moorings during the recent floods, the dinghy was slightly damaged when it was cast up on the beach a few days later. Mr. Thomas purchased it from Mr. R. Gray, Okato, for £1 and, .effecting repairs and acquiring a set of sails, proceeded to New Plymouth. Using but a small paddle it took Mr. Thomas two hours to reach the landing steps at the Moturoa wharf after rounding the end of the breakwater. Z .

Mr- Thomas has made several attempts to set out but the wind and sea were not favourable and after reaching the end of the Newton King wharf he put back to the landing. While Moturoa residents and fishermen ridicule the idea of making such a trip at this time of the year Mr. Thomas considers it is neither foolhardy nor dangerous‘to one who has had experience with that type of light craft. If necessary he would shelter along the coast. In his younger days, some 30 years ago, he gained considerable experience. with small boats in the Akaroa harbour. During his absence he has left his son in charge of his farm. The dinghy carries a mainsail and stays and a minimum of equipment, dn fact, one can see little more on board except a pile of provisions and clothing in the middle of the boat, covered over with a cow-rug, and sundry odds and ends such as a hurricane lamp, a saw, fishing tackle, a small bucket and a Primus stove.