Her Third Attempt

The Melanesian Mission’s ketch “Patte son, which twice left Sydney in January for the New Hebrides, but which was forced to return after sailing 600 miles with a disabled rudder, sailed again for Vila on March 9. She was commanded by Captain W. Delmer and had a crew of four.

The necessary repairs were carried out by Mr. Lars Halvorsen at Neutral Bay and she was thoroughly overhauled and underwent severe tests after leaving the yards. The “Patteson” was considered to be in excellent trim for her voyage.

The voyage to Vila is expected to take about two weeks and a call will be made at Noumea, New Caledonia.

Q.: “What would be the proper thing to say if, in carving the duck at a picnic din gier, it should skid off the dish and into your neighbor’s lap?”

A.: “Be very courteous. Say, ‘May I trouble you for that duck?’ ”