EN ROUTE TO KAWHIA

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1935, Page 4

EN ROUTE TO KAWHIA

VOYAGE IN OPEN BOAT

DEPARTURE FROM NEW PLYMOUTH

CALM SEA AND LIGHT BREEZE.

SAIL LAST SEEN ON HORIZON.

Favoured by ideal conditions Mr. Joseph Thomas, the Hurford Road farmer who has been waiting at the port of New Plymouth for several days for suitable conditions to embark on a voyage along the coast to Kawhia in a 14ft. dinghy, put to sea at 8.30 a.m. yesterday. A few men working on the Moturoa wharf were all who, witnessed his departure on his daring voyage. His only companion was his dog “Tip.” Waving a cheery farewell to those on the wharf Mr. Thomas set a course seaward and aided by a slight southerly breeze made fast time once outside the protection of the breakwater. A speck on the horizon was all that could be seen of the boat three hours later, the daring adventurer having kept well off land so that in the event of a south-westerly wind springing up he could turn landwards and make a straight course for his destination. The frail craft has more than 70 miles of water to cover before it berths at Kawhia. Shelter points along the route are at Waitara, Urenui Bay, Mokau and Rua Point. The boat would be unable to enter Kawhia harbour unless the tide was making on account of the exceptionally strong ebb tide at the bar. The dinghy carries a mainsail and stays and a minimum of equipment. In fact, one can • see little more on board than 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.

While Moturoa residents and fishermen ridiculed the idea of making such a trip at this time of tho year Mr. Thomas considered it neither foolhardy nor dangerous to One who has had experience with that type of light craft. If necessary he would shelter along the coast, he said before sailing.