PACIFIC CRUISE

Evening Star, Issue 23376, 20 September 1939, Page 14

PACIFIC CRUISE

STORMY TRIP FROM FIJI [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 19. After a stormy voyage from the Fijian" Islands, the 34ft yawl Marie, owned and commanded by Captain Frank Dona, arrived at Russell late this afternoon, having completed an enjoyable cruise of the Pacific which began at Auckland on June 17. Also on the vessel are Mr E. Long, a retired school' teacher of Whangaruru, and Mr Neville James, of Wanganui, both of whom left New Zealand in the yacht. Captain Dona, who is a Netherlander, reached New Zealand from Seattle via Australia last March. The yawl was built at Seattle, and she was flying the United States flag on her arrival this afternoon. After leaving New Zealand in June, the Marie visited Sunday Island, and then spent a considerable time calling at out-of-the-way spots in the Tongan group. Subsequently she called at Suva, and then at Kamlavu in the Fijian group. The crew heard of the outbreak of war by a-adjo shortly after leaving Kandavu. The last lap from Kandavu proved the most difficult of the cruise, lasting 13 days. Owing to the time taken on the run, the Marie arrived at Russell very short of provisions,, little remaining except biscuits.