Mosquito Fleet Puts Out to Sea

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 628, 3 April 1929, Page 1

Mosquito Fleet Puts Out to Sea

EXODUS OF SHIPPING HOLIDAY-MAKERS GO HOME Seventeen coastal vessels sailed from the ports of Auckland and Onehunga yesterday. Easter's respite was over, and the smaller craft started en masse to cope with the previous few days' accumulation. THE waterfront presented an animated scene, particularly in the afternoon, when many of the Northern Steamship Company’s vessels were dispatched. Motor and horse lorries, laden with goods from local wholesalers for their country customers, moved up and down the wharves in processions, backing in here and squeezing in there until the congestion became almost dangerous. Ships’ winches hissed and rattled, and heavy cargoes were transferred by perspiring men from wharves to ships’ holds in record time. In and out among these bustling activities moved holiday-makers from the country who had come to the city for the Easter season. Suitcases, bags, bundles and parcels of all descriptions they carried as they wormed their ways through the crowded scene to their respective ships. All looked happy and cheerful conversation was heard on all sides. They had to go for the nonce, but would come back next Easter—and so they climbed on board and waved adieus to friends ashore as the boats pulled out. Those parts of the that are devoted to coastal shipping were deserted this morning.'