THE MEN ON MACQUARIE ISLAND.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 860, 5 July 1910, Page 6

THE MEN ON MACQUARIE ISLAND.

WHY RELIEF IS DELATED. (By Teloeranli—Pre3s Association.) Duncdin, July 4. Speaking to a' reporter to-day, with reference to the tneu on the Macquarie Islands, Mr. Hatch stated that the repairs to the Jessie Niccoll wero almost completed, and he hoped to get her away this week, but a hitch which threatens to delay tho departure of the vessel has occurred. . The regulations in respect to the number and qualifications'of the crew stipulate that the Jessio Niccoll, on the forthcoming trip, must carry as master, mate, and second mate, men with foreigngoing certificates. Great difficulty is being experienced in procuring certificated othcers. Mr. Hatch has secured the services of a master, but only one mate, despite inquiries at various Dominion ports. In order to overcome tho difiiculty, he is in communication with the Minister for Marine, with a view to arranging_ that some experienced available man, with a Home-trade certificate, may be allowed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Hatch says that he did not accept the Government's oiler to send a steamor at his expense for the men on the island, because the charge, for the steamer was to be tC3o per day from the time she started to prepare for the trip until her return from the island. There was mi undertaking as to how long she would be getting ready, and the bringing back of the oil was to be left to tho option of tho captain. Mr. Hatch was also required to insure the Government steamer while she was away. He states that he could not, therefore, accept, the offer, as he was already responsible for about .-CiiOO in connection with the Jessie Niccoll, and had to pay tho men on tho island upwards of JiTOO. There aro 11 men on the island.