Causes Shortage of Cutters.

Loss Of “Eleanor.”

THE 15-ton auxiliary cutter “Eleanor,” owned by Mr. L. J. Garnett, of Suva, Fiji, ran ashore about six miles south of Ngau, Fiji, on August 16 and became a total loss.

The mishap occurred while sailing from Cicia to Suva with a cargo of copra. Abandoning the vessel, the crew managed to reach Ngau in the dinghy.

Both vessel and cargo were insured.

Built in China for Captain Aiken, of the Philippine Islands, the “Eleanor” was well known in the Pacific and was purchased by Mr. W. C. Nicholson, of Fiji. Eventually he sold her to Mr.

Garnett, who converted her into a cargo carrying cutter.

The loss of this cutter is an addition to the existing problem of planters in the outlying islands of Fiji, who wish to ship their produce to market. Dur ing the last few years numerous cut ters have been wrecked and little has been done to replace them. Conse quently there is a lack of suitable facilities to convey bananas and copra to Suva in time to catch the, outgoing steamer.

Mr. H. Shearman, a resident of the Cook Islands for many years, has been appointed a member of the Rarotonga Island Council. He takes the place of Mr.

W. J. Wigmore, whose term recently ex pired and who did not seek re-election.

Mr. M. V. Bell and his family recently arrived in Rarotonga from N.Z. Mr.

Bell has been appointed to the Native Land Court, Cook Is. Administration.