THE CRUISE OF THE WAKAITI.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1917, Page 4

THE CRUISE OF THE WAKAITI.

The Concluding Days.

Continuing the diary of the trip of the Wakaiti to the Southern Sounds, onr contributor says on the homeward journey, when in Jackson’s Bay, we caught 11 hapuka, 23 terakos, 3 rook cod, 3 sharks (which were quickly dispatched and returned to the sea for other fish to feed upon} and 6 crayfish. The fun was fast and furious, the gaff man having a busy time.

In the afternoon we started aoross the Bay homeward bound in heavy rain and a Dasty chopping sea from the N.W. After getting out nearly to Taumaki or Open Bay Island, we had to run back, as both sea and wind had increased to a gale. We lay snugly in the Bay until 4.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Jan 6th, when we Btartsd with a light S.W. breeze and heavy eea running abeam.

As soon as we aleared Jackson’s Head, tha breeze increased to a fair wind, when all our sails were clapped on and along the coast we sped. It was the Bkipper’s intention to spend an hour fishing at Abbey Rocks, but there was such a heavy sea running abeam that it was impossible to get clove in.

We had a splendid view of the Southern Alps as we up the coast, Mount Cook, Tasman, Eli De Bean Mont, the Mineretts, alt showing up beautifully in the sunshine. Then came the Fox Glacier of whioh we had a capital view. The same of the Franz Jcsef as we neared the Waiho River.

It was repeatedly remarked on, the variations of the sea, as we proceeded homeward. When opposite Weheka and Wataroa Riverß the seas ran almost mountains high- Then shortly after passing these two places it very considerably decreased. We ran very cloja in at Okariio where we signalled to be reported, the Harbor Master picking up onr request and promptly sending it on to Hokitika.’ -

From here upward every cliff and mountain was well known to the writer, Ccmmitsioners Point, Watarca Bluff, with Mount Hercules in the distance. Then oame One-One, sitnated right between th 9 Poerua and Big Wanganui, the latter running out right south of One One rock. Then appeared Mounts Bcrnae, Smythe, Allen, Rangitoto and Greenland in rapid succession,

When we got opposite to Greenland all hands were on the lookout for the lights of Roes, whioh owing to heavy smoke from bash fires were not visible until we got opposite the Totara River where we could almost place the streets by the lights.

The next thing all hands were on the lookout for wbb the Hokitika lighthouse which was seen by the cocksure Engineer before we got half-way to Rnatapu. Our ekipper, however, would not have it, and proved again his judgment correct, as the lights

seen proved to be extensive bush fires between W.ivmahii and South Spit. No leas than oleveu large trees were blazing close down to the beach in thia distance.

After putting the ship’s head due N N.W , the light-house hove iu view, and then ell eyes were concentrated on the south wall for the green beacon light, which alas was not there. WheD we got right opposite the bar, up went the signal, “ Bar dangerous ; heavy sea running ” This last part of the message seemed to us somewhat aupeifluous, for had we not been riding on tho cn-at of the waves since 5 a.m. of the day. We know a good deal neiter than all the “land lubbers” on the Coast what nea was running. H«d it not h< lped us to put up a reoord for our dandy little ship of 171 honra from Jack'Ou’s Bay to Hokitika ha*". Had the harbour maet r heard the ferveut cotees showered or. bis l ead bv (ha Atzic steersman, we feel coita'n he wocli uot have slept that eight. Ah there was nothing for it bat tarn oar backs to Hokitika b/.r, plug throe miles oot to saa and drop 22 fathoms of chain wi'h anchor attached and sole? our disappointment by singing “ Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep,” “ I Lay Me Down in Ptaos to Sleep,” and we did rock until y a.m next morning, wbea wa up anchor and came right opposite the bar again to find the same old yarn, *• bar dangerous, heavy sea running,” “ Our skipper here consulted with *• the man at the wheel,,’ whilst we did one circle around to let threa huge green monsters pass by, and around the ship oame and made straight for the south wall and right smartly did that wheal fly round, as we were caught on the top of one boomer, when the little craft very nearly stood end up. Over we rode, and the next moment we were over the bar, almost before the signals were dropped, the few spectators heartily greeting the man at the wheel.

By 10 a.m. we were tied up at the self same spot we had quitted 15 days previously, and what a happy 15 days they had been and the last 40 hours of them proved almost as enjoyable as the visits to the sounds.

Running up the coast before half a gale, with a huge sea running, was great sport, there being just enough of the element of danger to give a spice of pleasure to the whole run up. Then the termination of the run, in getting' over the bar on the top of those “ green monsters ” was highly exhiliarating, proving a fitting finale to a most happy cruise. Kapai to Kaipuke. Eapai te Rangitira. Rawe te Eaitoa.