Rotoiti's Rough Passage.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 261, 8 November 1904, Page 4

Rotoiti's Rough Passage.

Saturday's New Zloaland Herald says The Union Company's s.s. Rotoiti, from New Plymouth to Onehunga, did not reach the wharf until five p.m. yesterday, although she was expected to arrive early 'in the morning with the Southern portion of the English mail on board. In consequence of the delay the Sonoma [was detained until shortly after eight [ o'clock last i/ght. On the Hotoiti reaching the wharf a Herald reporter interviewed the master of the steamer vCitpuun J. R. Robertson), who expressed some sur- | prise that the reason of the steamer's late arrival had not been surmised in Aucklajnd. "We have had head winds all the way up," said Captain Robertson. "In fact, off and | on for the past month there has been hud weather on the coast. We got up to the heads at nine o'clock this morning. I could see thfe break on the bar, but the weather was too thick for me to pick up the entrance, consequently I waited about outsiiide till the weather brightened a bit, and then weoamein. No, we took no water alboard but rain water, and the passage was by no mearis unusually rough.'' Among the passengers were Mr John Bollard, M.H.R., who is returning to Auckland in connection with the Royal Commission on the district hospital. Mr Bollard s4id the trip was not am enjoyable one, and it was very uncomfortable, utter getting up to the heads, to haw to wait 9utside, the sport of the 'heavy seas. "But I have been in worse wgather than this," he said, "and whian I found that we were not going over the bar, I went below, and turned in. There was nothing in parading a wet deck waiting for the weather to clear."

The Rev. Joseph Clark and tke Rev. A. North, who have been attending the Baptist Conference in Bunefim, were also passengers by the Rotoiti. Mr Clark said there was nothing unusual in the weather. It was unpleasant, and the captain, not tX'ing able to see thfl entrance to tihc harbour, very wisely decided to stand off until the light was better, and navigation easier. The passengers were all gfcud to get into Onehuiiga, but they expressed themselves as highly satisfied with the unremitting fare and attention c/f lie officers and stewards.