SHORT OF PROVISIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1930, Page 8

SHORT OF PROVISIONS

VESSEL’S LONG DELAY AT OCEAN ISLAND.

AUCKLAND, November 6

Short of provisions and with sickness on board, the steamer Barrdale drifted for 78 days round Ocean Islands waiting to load phosphates for Auckland and New Plymouth. 'Die crew of the vessel, which reached Auckland to-day, asserted that they had been “just starved to death.” It is over three months since the Barrdale bunkered at Newcastle and sailed for Ocean Island. Stormy southerly and sou’-westerlv weather prevailed, and when the vessel arrived at the island she could not commence loading. Continued bad weather kept her drifting about for week after week, while her provisions were being steadily depleted. Even the stock of tobacco and matches was exhausted. Macaroni had to be resorted to for breakfast, dinner, and tea. Fever was raging on Ocean Island, and some of the crew of the vessel contracted it. Others developed sores, and pesssim'ijsts starred talk about scurvy. When the Norwegian steamer June arrived at the island,, the crew of the Barrdale went aboard to barter for tobacco and food, but did not get much. Bound for Now Zealand with her cargo loaded, the Barrdale was a happier ship. When she tied up at the King’s wharf this morning, the crew did not wait to put on shoregoing clothes before they beaded up Queen street to satisfy the inner man.