NO TRACE FOUND OF THE WINDWARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19293, 2 February 1931, Page 4

NO TRACE FOUND OF THE WINDWARD.

CHATHAMS STEAMER KEPT SHARP LOOK-OUT. The Chatham Island steamers Tees which arrived at Lyttelton at 6.30 a.m. yesterday from Waitangi brought no news of the Wellington yacht Windward. Captain A. Dowell, master of the Tees, stated that the Chatham Islanders were greatly concerned regarding the safety of the crew of the Windward. The yacht's crew were likeable fellows, and had made many friends at Waitangi during their stay there. The Islanders had given them a good time and were naturally interested in getting news of their arrival at Wellington. The messages received by the Chatham Island radio station were anxiously awaited each day. The general opinion at the Chathams was that in view of the northerly and nor’-west weather that had been experienced since the Windward left Waitangi, there was every likelihood of the little vessel having been blown in a southeast direction. Adverse Weather Conditions. Captain Dowell added that having met the crew of the Windward prior to their leaving Wellington, and being well acquainted with the conditions the yacht would have to contend with if bad weather was experienced, he felt concerned about their safety. A good look out was kept by the Tees during the trip from Waitangi to Lyttelton. At intervals a man was sent up the ship’s mast, but nothing was seen. All on board were anxious and took particular interest in keeping a look out. Unfortunately, while the Tees was making a round trip of the Islands bad weather was experienced and bunker coal ran short. He received no instructions to go out of his course, but he actually went twelve miles north of the usual course owing to weather conditions. Had he wanted to go further out of his course, he could not very well have managed it, for on arrival at Lyttelton the ship had but two or three tons of bunkers left. The Tees ran into a strong southerly wind and heavy cross seas the day after leaving the Chathams. Captain Dowell said that from what he had heard, the crew of the Windward had arrived at the Chathams in a very tired condition after their six days’ trip. They had suffered from sea sickness, and were glad to get a rest ashore. He was of the opinion that with the weather conditions that had prevailed since the Windward left the Island, the crew must have experienced a trying time. Attempt to Dissuade Crew. While making preparations for the trip, Mr Rollings and his companions called on Captain Dowell on board tha Tees at Wellington, to discuss matters in connection with the voyage. Captain Dowell made every endeavour to persuade them to abandon the venture, which he considered too risky. He told them that a much more pleasant holiday could be obtained around the New Zealand coast. There are not many who know the conditions prevailing between the Chathams and the New Zealand coast better than I do,” said Captain Dowell. “There are bad seas and weather conditions at very frequent intervals. We all feel extremely sorry that we were not fortunate enough to pick up the Windward’s crew. Had we found them we could have taken them on board, but owing to the weather conditions we could not have towed the yacht. It would have been necessary to let her go adrift.”

THE MATAI'S SEARCH. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, February 1. No news has been received of the missing yacht Windward. The Government steamer Matai is reporting her position every day at 6 p.m., this being broadcast by 2YA so that the Windward, which has a radio set may know the whereabouts of the searching vessel. .