BOUND FOR AMERICA

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1040, 2 August 1930, Page 1

BOUND FOR AMERICA

VOYAGE OF THE VALKYRIE LOS ANGELES IS HER GOAL NEW light has been shed by a City businessman on the disappearance of that venturesome schooner-yacht Valkyrie, which left Auckland on May 8, ostensibly for Norfolk Island and which has not been reported since. He says that he was informed on reliable authority that Captain E. Gilling, master and owner of the little vessel, had no intention whatever of going- to Norfolk, although the Customs cleared him for that destination. It is now revealed that Captain Gilling Intended to make for Los Angeles, with a view to interesting cinema people in an island cruise.

The Valkyrie is said to have six months’ provisions on board, this supply being shipped to the personal knowledge of The Sun’s informant, who was on board the vessel immediately before she put to sea. The ship kts no passengers, but carries a crew p{ four or five, including the master.

FILMS OF ISLANDS When the Valkyrie was on her famtnt voyage among the Pacific Islands jn the middle of last year, Captain Gilling made the acquaintance of a number of film people and others at Suva and there was a proposal that they should join the ship with the pbject of filming the unknown islands •f the South Seas. The picture fojk petually Joined the Valkyrie before

she was forced to tie lip for some months in Suva Harbour. The party included, according to a special letter-head Captain Gilling had had printed, the noted film star, Monte Blue, who was understood to be filming for Alexander Marky. Also on board were Professor H. C. Brown, Doctor of Philosophy, of Stanford University: S. T. Gurr, representing the Asiatic and Consolidated Press, and Stanley S. Schnetzler, of the de Scrobe Manuscript Club, Hollywood. It may be that Captain Gilling has been in communication with these

persons and has possibly been offered command of an expedition. NO ANXIETY FELT Although the Valkyrie has been gone about seven weeks, no anxiety Is now felt about her safety. The vessel, which is 44-tons register, does not sail fast, her sail area being comparatively small and she is not powered with much engine assistance, the horse power being only 16. The vessel has a voyage of approximately 7,000 miles and in view of the fact that on her previous voyage she took a month battling against _ the winds to reach Suva from Auckland, some considerable time must elapse before the ship reaches her destination. It is almost certain that the Valkyrie will call at one or more of the numerous islands which lie on her course, for replenishment of her water and vegetable supplies! The fact that she has not been reported anywhere is unimport'ant as the great majority of the islands are practically cut off from communication from the outside world.