Lost

Trading Vessel

Wreck in the Solomons

THE well-known trader and recruiter, A Mr. M. Harper, of Mandoliana, Solo mon Islands, had the misfortunte to lose his trading vessel, the “Trader,” on the coast of Guadalcanal early in the morn ing of February 3.

Mr. Harper had been recruiting on the weather side of Guadalcanal, and was anchored about three-quarters of a mile from the Roman Catholic mission station at Avu Avu. About 3.20 a.m. a south erly came up and shortly afterward it changed round to south-west and attained gale force. Two anchors were down, and the engine—an excellent machine, a 30-40 horse power Invincible Diesel—was started going full speed ahead, but in spite of this the ship was driven stern on to the shingle and the propeller began to

throw up stones. So the engine was stopped and the boys ordered to grab any thing they could and jump over the stern on to the beach.

Mr. Harper lost practically everything— drums of kerosene, oil, half a ton of rice, etc. A few odds and ends of things were got ashore, but practically everything went down with the ship, which later dis appeared in deep water alongside the shore.

In trying to save his vessel, Mr. Harper received a severe cut on his leg, and this later turned septic and compelled him to spend some time in Tulagi Hospital.

The unfortunate trader received much assistance from Father Boudard and Father Courtais who came to his assist ance with their boys from the mission, and did their best to save Mr. Harper’s property from the surf. They then took him to their mission house and nursed him carefully until he could get a passage to Tulagi.

The “Trader” was insured, but only for the hull and engine. Mr. Harper estimates that his loss in gear and goods is about £1000.

Photos taken immediately after the wreck of the “Trader.” Left: The two Marist Fathers with some of the mission boys who assisted Mr. Harper. Right: Inspecting the remains of the “Trader” thrown up on the beach near Avu Avu.