CARGOES FOR ISLANDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 343, 2 May 1928, Page 13

CARGOES FOR ISLANDS

MISSION SHIP SAILS ON FRIDAY

FOWLS AND TINNED FOOD

A crate of fowls is bound for a voyage of adventure. On Friday they will sail by the Mission steamer Southern Cross for the Solomon Islands, there to cackle to their hearts’ content among the palms of a mission station. To-day all is activity on the Southern Cross. Coaling has finished, but large quantities of luggage and stores are pouring on to the ship. The diocese has grown so large that the Southern Cross is not nearly big enough to take all that is necessary for the lonely toilers in the faraway islands.

For the first time in her history the Southern Cross will carry a wireless plant, which has .been installed by Mr. Jacques, of Radio. Ltd. In the event of any trouble or mishap messages can be sent out. and the offices of the mission in Auckland will be communicated with.

Between 150 and 180 tons of stores will be taken by the vessel when she leaves, most of which consists of tinned food, rice,* sugar and fresh vegetables for the beginning of the three months’ voyage. When the fresh vegetables run out. the ship trusts to luck to gather some at the islands at which she calls.

Most of the food supplies for the mission stations in the diocese are carried by the Southern Cross, and goods for payment in kind to native teachers are taken on each voyage.

The Southern Cross expects to reach Siota on May 28, when the Synod will sit to receive Bishop Steward’s resignation and to appoint an administrator.

Captain H Burgess, master of the vessel, has been visiting the diocese for the past 21 years, consequently, although he takes his vesgel through almost uncharted seas, he knows every dangerous corner. A call will be made at the small island of Tucopea, where Ur. Firth will be landed. On the return journey a call will be made at Norfolk Island, which is expected to be reached on August 1.

Among those leaving in the vessel on Friday will be: Bishop F. M. Molyneux, assistant Bishop of Melanesia; Canon E. N. Wilson, assistant bishopelect: Or. E. L. Maybury, the Revs. C. E. F. Leggatt and L. E. Cartridge Mr. E. L. Francis, and the Misses Fox! Broughton and A. Scott. The Rev R. J. Sheard is already on his way via Australia, and Mrs. Mavburv and Cordell left for Sydney bv the Marama last week.