Small Steamers Laid Up

The small steamer, Mitiaro, which has been running - on an inter-island schedule in the Solomon Islands for some years, was laid up in Tulagi in April and is now out of commission. Captain Swanson and the mate (Mr. Robinson) returned to Sydney by the last Malaita. The chief engineer (Mr. Ward) has remained at the Burns, Philp workshops at Makambo and the supercargo (Mr. Firth) has joined the office staff there. The only inter-island communication in the Solomons at pre sent, apart from the Malaita, is provided by the mission motor ship Southern Cross, Messrs. Lever’s motorship, and Messrs.

Carpenter’s schooner Dawann (formerly La France).

The Mirani, which has been trading inter-island in New Guinea, also has been laid up for the present, in Rabaul, and her crew returned to Sydney by the May Macdhui.