A SICK CALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1924, Page 4

A SICK CALL.

value of Wireless

AUCKLAND, March 10.

Passengers who arrived at‘Auckland yesterday by the lonic were treated to an interesting instance of the tTsei’uincss of wireless telegraphy. On the morning of March Ist. a sick distress call was received from an American steamer, the Cape May, hound from Australia to New York, asking the poistion of the lonic, and if a doctor were on board. The lonic, being ICO miles away, proved to lie the best available ship and altering her course picked up the Cape May at 5.45 a.m. on March 2nd. The lights of the Cape May were discovered some time before the break o£ day, and she was then burning green flares so that she might more readily be seen. It was decided to wait until daybreak before the doctor in the Tonic should board the American ship. There was a moderate swell running. The Cape May sent a-way a lifeboat, and Dr. Mann, of the lonic., went on board with his assistants. It was found that the captain of the Capo May was suffering from carbuncle fever, a. very distressing complaint. After medical assistance had been given and medicines had been sent on board the Capo May, the vessels, after a delay of two hours, proceeded on their way. Ft was at first suggested that Captain Seeley should he taken the lonic, but as this vessel was fifteen day’ distant from New Zealand, and his own ship could make Balboa within five days, it was decided tha,t he should go on to the Panama port and seek hospital treatment. The Stars and Stripes flying over the stern of the American ship was dipped as an acknowledgment, the ship’s whistle was sounder several times, and the signal, “Thanks. Wish you a pleasant voyage,” was hoisted. The lonic responded with several blasts on her whistle and the hoisting of the signal “Wish you a pleasant voyage.” Subsequent' wireless messages received by Captain Hickson, of tile lonic, "'ere to the effect that the captain of the Cape May was progressing favourably under the treatment prescribed. These messages continued to be received until the Cape May went out of wireless range."