Christmas Is.

Sloop Leith Lands Fiji Radio Operator and Party

XHE mystery of the cruise of the * British sloop, H.M.S. Leith, has been cleared up to some extent by a report from Fiji that the vessel landed a wire less operator and seven men as a garri son on Christmas Island, in the Gilbert and Ellice group.

The High Commissioner for the West ern Pacific and the officers of the Leith refused to give any definite information regarding the voyage, but it was freely stated in Suva and confirmed by some of the personnel of the Leith that she visited several islands, and finally landed Mr. Oscar Barrack on Christmas' Island.

Mr. Barrack is a wireless officer of the Fijian Government, recently seconded to the High Commission.

He had with him a wireless plant and all necessary kit, and provisions for six months. Besides Mr. Barrack, the Leith landed a detail of seven men to keep him company and act as a sort of garrison of the island.

It is reported that after the Leith left the island, the operator’s messages were clearly picked up. Then, after a tempor ary break, the messages were heard all the way to Suva.

Presumably, Mr. Barrack is to act as an Assistant Commissioner, and keep headquarters in Fiji informed of any thing that may develop in the Anglo- American competition for the possession of certain Central Pacific Islands along the projected trans-Pacific airmail route.