LAUNCH FOUND

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 134, 7 May 1940, Page 6

LAUNCH FOUND

MEN ON BOARD WELL. TO BE TOWED TO FOXTON. Advice was received by the police in Palmerston Nortli to-day that the missing fishing launch .Madge, which left Manawatu Heads on Friday morning and had not been seen or head of till to-day, is anchored off Waitarere Beach, and is to be towed to Foxton to-day. The launch is owned by Mr S. RAustin, of Foxton, and has on board Messrs Charles Jensen, fishermen, of Foxton;. A. E. Sands, of Manawatu Heads; and Thomas Sands, aged 18, son of Mr Sands. Prior to the departure from \Vellington of the vessel Hokitika for 1 oxton the captain was asked to keep a look-out for the missing launch, which had gone to the fishing grounds, and the police were advised to-day that the Hokitika had sighted it. The captain (Mr A. Nalder) had spoken to those on board, who were well and had declined assistance. Mr Jensen was given two oars with which lie said he would be able to reach Foxton. They had said a defect had developed ill the vessel’s engine. They had intended to use the sails to reach Manawatu Heads again, hut the wind had been unfavourable. There was plenty of food oil board. It was stated this morning that the Mathre was anchored off Waitarere Beach and that another launch had left Foxton to . tow it in.

Police stations along the coast were advised to maintain a watch on the beaches and a request was made that the pilots of the Union Airways machines keep a look-out along the coast. Shipping was also advised and machines from the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Ohakea were engaged in the search.