A GIRL AT THE WHEEL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 311, 26 May 1911, Page 3

A GIRL AT THE WHEEL.

STEERS A SHIP THROUGH A STORM. San Francisco, April 10. The big schooner W. H. Talbot arrived at San Francisco last week after a run of 85 days from Newcastle, New South Wales. She was weather-beaten, with sails torn and her jibboom lashed together where it had been snapped in a gale in the South Pacific. From members of the crew came the story of how, when the vessel was partly disabled by the storm, early in February, Miss Sylvia Knudson, daughter of the skipper, had taken practical command, and, with her sister to relieve her at the wheel in the alternate watches, had navigated successfully for 14 days, much of the time in the dirtiest weather.

When tlie storm hit the schooner Captain Knudson was confined to his berth with illness. The sailors had all that they could do to save the sails, keep the rigging straightened, and attend to damaged spars. The mainmast itself was sprung. Miss Knudson saw their plight, and, breasting the heavy gale, mounted the bridge and took charge of the navigating. She brought the ship safely through and made good headway. The crew had been grumbling much at the food they were served. The girl skipper took it upon herself to steer out of this trouble. She put into the island of Oaitupu, in the Ellis Group, and traded with the natives for fruit and vegetables. The sailors were not satisfied even then, but their admiration for their "Captain Sylvia" helped to make j,he rest (jj the ypyage a little smoother,