QUEST OF S.S. GERTIE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1375, 28 February 1912, Page 4

QUEST OF S.S. GERTIE.

FOR MISSING STEAMER. FULL PLAN OF OPERATIONS. Tho steamer Gertie, which has been chartered from Messrs. Lovin and Co. by tho Chatham Islands Fishing Company lo search tor their missing steamer Jiimitangi, lelt Wellington at It) p.m. yesterday. Captain Mnnley was in charge, and had associated with Him Captain kodger (lata master of tho Gertie) as mate, and Mr. A. M'K.enzio second mate. Mr. Larsen, late mate of tho Gertie, went as boatswain. Captain Jlanley arrived liom llawera by last evening's Now Plymouth express, having been engaged lo tako charge of tho Gertie because of his knowledge of tho Chatham Islands. Up till qui to recently Captain Mauley was iu chargo of tho steamer Ilimitangi, and mado ssveral trips from Now Zealand to the ishnds in that vessel.

Fully Equipped, When eho left Wellington tho Gcrtio was fully equipped with everything noccsfary for tho quest. There wero extra stores, as well as .'lO tons of fresh water. She also took away mattresses, rugs, and pillows in case such should bo needed by tho eiew and passengers of tho Himi■tiingi. In addition, there- was several lengths of wire and hemp rope on board, suitable for towing purposes, as well as a quantity of rotkets, etc. Generally speaking, nothing was left undone lo make tlie Gertie a complete search-vessel in every sense. She also took in a block of 130 tons of bunker coal, and this caq bo replenished at tho Chathanis if necc*' sary. Captains Confer. Before the Gertie proceeded to sea last night a conference was held between Cap> lain Mauley and Captain Hooper of th» Government training ship Amokura. Tho latter vessel is to leave in search of tho Ilimitangi on Thursday night or early on f'riday morning. The result of their deliberations was as follows:— The Gertie, was to proceed from Wellington to Lyttelton Heads, where 6lie will communicate with tho lighthouse and ascertain if word has been received concerning tho Ilimitangi. The Gcrtio should orrivn off Gocllcy Head light at about 8 o'clock to-night. If no news is obtainable she will then shape a course direct for Waitangi, Chatham Islands and, given fino weather, should arrive there about noon on Saturday. Captain Manlcy will then make inquiries concerning the Hi— niikngi, and it' the missing steamer hai not arrived at tho Islands, ho will commence tho return journey, making a zig-zag course from north to south, back to the New Zealand coast. It was considered that, if tho Himitaugi has broken down, she will b© drifting in that part of the ocean north of a line drawn from Akaroa to Waitangi. If, however, the Ilimitangi is found to );c disabled at the Chathanis tho Gcrti» is to tow her back to Wellington direct. On the other hand, if' tho Ilimitangi should be found ashore at tho Islands the Gertie will bring her crew back to Wellington. There is a possibility of the missing vessel having arrived at the Chathanis nnd left again on the return trip to Lyttlcton and then broken down. It was thought that, in that ease, her passengers (if she had any on board) and crew would be able to reach the Islands again by means of the oil launch which the vessel carried. Assuming lhat to bo tho ease, the Gertie will still institute a search for the vessel. If, on the other hand, there is no sign of anything at the Islands (the Ilimitangi having left for Lyttelton), tho Gcrtio is still to tak» a zig-zag course back to New Zealand. _ When Captain Munley arrives at Waitangi he will leave messages for Captain Hooper as to what ho has dono and intends doing. The Amokura will proceed direct to Waitangi from Wellington, and should reach tho Island port about Monday evening or Tuesday morning. If Captain Hooper ascertains that tho Himitangl has visited the Chathanis and left for Lyttelton, ho will also make a zig-zaff course back to Now Zealand, but on a different line to tho Gertie. Captain Hooper's movements depend upon the report ho receives from Captain Jlanley.

Captain Manley's Opinion. Asked Inst evening as to what his opinion was concerning the missing stonier Himitangi, Captain Manlcy Etntcd that lie thought that it was a liltla too early for serious anxiety. "Wait until she is out a full month," ho said. "I know the Islands well, and know what n vessel has to do under all circumstances down there." _ , ])o you think that tho Himitangi is in trouble at sea? . "Well, she might have had a breakdown, and, if that is so, one or tlio other of us will find her. But lam inclined to think that the Himitangi lias had n misliap at the Islands, and wc will find everybody safe and sound on 6hore.