New Melanesian Mission Ship.

Arrives in Solomons.

THE new Melanesian Mission schooner, Southern Cross VII, which is now due in the Solomons, at the headquarters of the Mission, was dedicated by the Bishop of Liver pool in an impressive ceremony at Lancashire, England, on September 12.

She sailed for the Solomon Islands via

Torres Strait on September 17, and is expected at Tulagi, B.S.I., on November 20.

The Southern Cross was con structed by Messrs. Cammell Laird & Co., London, under the supervision of Messrs. Flannery, Baggallay, and John son Ltd., marine architects to the Melanesian Mission. She replaces

Southern Cross VI, which was wrecked in a storm off the coast of Aneityum, New Hebrides, on November 2, 1932, while on her maiden voyage.

She is a twin-screw motor vessel, with single funnel and two pole masts, and is built of steel and wood. The total length is 110 feet and breadth 28

feet. The propelling machinery con sists of two Gardner Diesel engines, which are started and reversed by com pressed air.

Extending about two-thirds of the length of the ship is a large deck house, which contains a saloon, two cabins for the use of the Bishop of Melanesia, four state-rooms, a well stocked dispensary, mail room and galley. All cabins, etc., are fitted out in polished mahogany and are provided with modern fittings and conveniences.

Electric light is supplied by a motor generator; and modern radio equip ment has been installed which, together with the latest sounding machines,

searchlights and other navigation de vices, make the Southern Cross one of the most up-to-date vessels afloat.

The commander of the new schooner is Captain Reginald Bray, and the chief engineer is Mr. C. W. R. Suisted, of New Zealand.

Sir Hubert Murray, on November 30, will complete twenty-five years as Lieutenant-Governor of the Territory of Papua. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the present-day Ad ministrators in the Pacific.

This new missionary ship, the “Southern Cross VII.," which has just ar

rived at headquarters in

the Solomons, is destined to become a familiar sight among the Pacific Islands, during the next few years. She is the seventh vessel, all named Southern Cross," put into the service by the Melanesian Mission since it commenced operations in the South Seas many

decades ago. The new

motor ship is described in the accompanying article.