Sampans Again
p. 47 · Read in the full issue
Raid in the New Hebrides
From a Special Correspondent VILA, August 25.
TAPANESE from a sampan which had been working the southern portion of the New Hebrides landed at Erromanga Island on August 15 and absconded with 10 tons of sandalwood. The wood was owned by Mr. S. O. Martin, the sole British inhabitant, who runs the island as a sheep and cattle station.
A few days later, Mr. J. M. Nicol, Dis trict Agent at Tanna, surprised two sampans, with boats out, working off the island of Aneityum. Boarding one of the vessels, he made investigations but all his questions were answered by “no savvy.” He ordered the sampans to leave.
It is reported from Aneityum that a sampan located and salved the safe of the mission steamer Southern Cross VI. wrecked in 1932, in which there were 500 sovereigns and additional money in notes.
Mr. H. O. Freeman, a plamter and trader on Aneityum, reports that a sam pan which was trochus-shelling there three or four months ago left 300 gallons of oil on the beach in order to accommo date more shell, intending to return for the oil on her next voyage.
The sampans have collapsible masts and are capable of high speeds. It is believed locally that they are continually in touch by wireless with a parent ship.