SOUTHERN CROSS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 125, 23 November 1932, Page 14

SOUTHERN CROSS

NEW SHIP INTENDED

"As faras I have heard there is no intention of recommissioning the Southern Cross V to replace the new motor vessel that was wrecked on Aueityum Island on 2nd.November," said Mr. H. S. N.Robinson, secretary to the finance board of the Melanesian Mission, who returned to Auckland from Sydney liy the Marama, after arranging for the dispatch of stores to the mission's stations in the Solomon Islands (states the "Auckland Star"). "I understand that a new vessel has been determined irpon, but have not heard -whether it is to be built in New Zealand or in England," he said. "There would be many advantages in building her in the Dominion. That is obvious; but, on the other hand, we canuot lose sight of the fact that she was a gift—lock, stock, and barrel. If the donors wish that she should be replaced at Home, then we cannot have any grouse. Wo must leave it entirely to them. If,, however, we make the suggestion that the ship should be built in New Zealand, no doubt the proposal will be enthusiastically received, but we cannot press the claim." - Mr. Robinson said that on the morning the news reached Sydney of the disaster to the Southern Cross the Morinda was sailing for the Islands, and he was able to send by her a shipment'of i-ice and cabin biscuits, so that there would" not be any likelihood of a shortage of food supplies.^ Orders had b'eca.given' in Sydney for the duplication of the stores that had been lost in the wreck, and these would be forwarded by the Mataram leaving. Sydney on'3oth November. Everything had been done in respect to essential food supplies for the stations. .-; ','1 do not;; think there will be any difficulty in . distributing the stores," said Mr.' Robinson. "The authorities at the island will be. able to send the goods to the various islands by small local craft. The greatest difficulty will be in transporting ■ the scholars from the schools to their island homes. This will be a grave problem in the meantime. '■' ..:..... . Mr. Robinson said that the insurance of £.500.0n the.stores.that were lost was approximately two-thirds of their value. That was a big.loss. There was also a loss/on "incidental" not included in ''the general cover on the hull and the machinery of the Southern Cross. ' ■'"■"■■ -. ■ ■ : : .-,?