MELANESIAN MISSION

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18806, 30 November 1932, Page 7

MELANESIAN MISSION

WRECK OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS. THE OFFICERS EXONERATED. AUCKLAND, Wednesday. Cabled advice received from Vila. New Hebrides, states that the nautical inquiry regarding the loss of the Melanesian Mission’s new motor-ship Southern Cross resulted in the captain and officers being exonerated. No details are given, but the message adds that all are well.

WRECKED VESSEL'S CREW. CAPTAIN STANTON’S PLANS. HAS AN INQUIRY BEEN HELD? (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Wednesday. The Melanesian Mission Board was advised to-day by Captain Stanton, that he has abandoned the idea of chartering a vessel at Vila, and of taking the native crew of the Southern Cross to the Solomons. The whole complement of the wrecked vessel will return to Sydney by the ship La Perouse. The secretary of the board said Captain Stanton would probably go from Sydney to the Solomon’s in charge of the native crew, and the European members would return to Auckland at the first opportunity. The statement that private advice has been received to the effect that a nautical Inquiry had been held into the Toss -of the Southern Cross, and the captain and officers exonerated is unconfirmed. The Mission Board on Friday asked the customs collector at Vila, if an inquiry was to be bold, and if so for a copy of the proceedings. No reply has been received, nor ha's Captain Stanton mentioney anything regarding an inquiry.