SEARCH FOR HIMITANGI.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1377, 1 March 1912, Page 8

SEARCH FOR HIMITANGI.

Messrs. I.evin and Co., local agents for s.s. Gertie, received word from their Christchurch agents yesterday statin? that the vessel called at Lyttelton Heads at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and was directed to proceed on to the Chatham Islands in search of the Himitangi. She left at 8.15. p.m. The Now Zealand training ship Araokura left Wellington for the Chathams at 0.15 p.m. yesterday. Captain Hooper had intended to anchor at the Heads until daybreak this morning, but evidently he afterwards decided to proceed direct to sea. As stated previously the Gertie should arrive at Waitangi about noon on Saturday, and her subsequently movements depend on what facts Captain Mauley may learn about the missing Himitangi. On the other hand, the Amoknra is expected to arrive at the Chathams either late on Monday night or early on Tuesday morning. In this case also subsequent movements depend entirely upon what news is received concerning Captain Mauley's future movements, and also concerning the Himitangi. If, however, Captain Hooper finds that tho Gertie has picked up the crew of the missing steamer and returned to Wellington, the Amokura will probably make for Akaroa before proceeding to the outlying southern islands of New Zealand on her periodical visit. Before Captain Hooper left last evening he mentioned that it was his opinion that there was every likelihood of his meeting the Gertie returning to Wellington with some news of the overdue vessel. Captain Hooper was inclined to think that some mishap had overtaken the Himitangi at the islands, and that the crew aro safe.