NO RECORDS BROKEN

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 334, 22 September 1932, Page 6

NO RECORDS BROKEN

VOYAGE OF LAUNCH JUST CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. The large fishing launch, the Phyllis, which put into Whakatane about 10 days ago when on her way from Auckland to Napier, arrived at Gisborne on Monday morning after an eventful trip from the Bay of Plenty. The launch left Auckland in good weather nearly a fortnight ago and after passing through the channel separating Cape Colville and Great Barrier Island, burnt out a main bearing in the engine. As no satisfactory repair coqld be effected, sail was hoisted and after a slow passage against a strong sou'-westerly gale, as a result of which the launch was blown well out to sea, she eventually reached Whakatane. Repairs were carried out at the Bay of Plenty port and last week the trip' was resumed. Although the trouble recurred shortly after setting out, the little vessel pushed on and had almost arrived off East Cape when it was decided to put back into Hicks Bay. Between Whakatane and Hicks Bay no fewer than 14 stoppages were experienced. To enable the launch to continue the voyage under her own power, Mr. Munro brought the faulty part down to Gisborne by car and after repairs had been made, returned to the launch accompanied by Mr. B. McL. 'Grant, the 'engineer of the Gisborne Lightering Company's vessel Karoro. The part was replaced and at the end of last week the vessel proceeded on her way. Heavy southerly weather was experienced throughout the trip to Gisborne, but the engine gave no further trouble and the launch proved herself an excellent sea boat. Early on Monday morning a call was made at Tolaga Bay and after a stay of a few hours, the vdssel continued her voyage to Gisborne, where she arrived shortly before noon. She left again this morning for Napier. The launch, which is carrying a crew of three, exclusive of Mr. Grant, was built only last year and is 40ft in length with a 11ft beam. She is equipped with a Diesel engine and has a maximum speed of eight knots. At Napier she is to be employed in the fishing industry.