MISSING CUTTER

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1930, Page 6

MISSING CUTTER

NO NEWS OF MARORO. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 23. No news has been heard of the auxiliary cutter Maroro since she left Pago Pago a week ago ostensibly bound for Apia. On November Bth. the vessel disappeared from Auckland with Eugene Fischer, of Auckland, his wife and four children, and A. B. Walker. Mr Fischer’s stepson, on hoard. The Beaver Boat and Engine Company, of Nelson St., staie that the boat was handed over to Fischer for a fortnight’s trial on the undertaking that he did not go beyond the boundaries of the Hauraki Gulf. However, nothing was heard of the boat until January 7tK. when word was received that the craft had entered the American port of Pago Pago without passports or papers of any description, entitling her to negotiate lot eign waters. A few days later, although the owners communicated with the American authorities and asked them to detain the boat, the Maroro left port with Apia as her avowed destination. A cablegram as then sent to the Administrator of Western Samoa (Colonel S. S'. Allen) asking him to inform the company when the-Maroro reached Apia. This morning came the reply that there had been no appearance of the vessel. As it is only two days’ run from Pago Pago to Apia the vessel should have arrived at the latter port some days ago. Unless a mishap has occurred to her she must be either at some other island or on her way to Auckland.

It is feared that if she makes for Tahiti the fact that she is sailing under the British flag will render it difficult for the French authorities to detain the vessel. The owners will have to work through the agency of t..e French Consul here. Mr Peter Smith, of the Beaver Boat Company, had intended to sail by the Tofua lor Apia to claim his property, hut in view of the boat’s second disappearance be has decided not to go in the meantime.