THE WAIRARAPA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1199, 3 July 1884, Page 3

THE WAIRARAPA.

The Wairarapa arrived at Russell on Sunday afternoon, the excursionists having been refused permission to land either at Samoa or Tonga in consequence of one of the sailors developing measles on the day before her arrival at Samoa. The man is now convalescent, and there is no other sickness. The cruise through the Fiji Group was an unqualified success ; a week of splendid weather being devoted to the exploration of the islands. Tt was proposed to visit Keppel Island on the way to Samoa, but thick weather prevented this. On reaching Apia, in the Samoan Group, a large number of native canoes came off, and it then became known aboard that a seaman, -who had been unwell since shortly after leaving New Zealand, had been isolated, •j'wo doctors aboard pronouncing his case to be measles, the Health Officer was signalled for, and came aboard with the British Consul, who, after inspection and considering the case, called a Consular Conrt, consisting of the British, American and German Consuls who decided to place the sick seaman in quarantine. The Native boats m re

therefore ordered away, and the passengers were prohibited from lancing. The Caplain then contemplated going to Tuiluilla, but the Consul refused him a clearance, ihe steamer then sailed for Tongatabu, where Rev. Shirley Baker, the Premier, prohibited them landing. The passengers now held a meeting to consider the situation. The majority were favorable to return to Auckland as speedily as possible, this course being recommended by Captain Chatfield. A resolution was finally carried to remain one day at Tafaa and jhen proceed to Auckland via Bay of Islands. In pursuance of this resolution the steamer left Tonga on Sunday afterneon, alter a protracted passage of five days, the vessel coming on under easy steam. Everyone aboard was thoroughly satisfied with the manner in which the steamer was fitted out for the excursion by the Union Company, and it is greatly to be regretted that this mishap should have occurred to mar its complete success.