The "Tahitienne"

AFTER lying idle in Auckland for several years, the two-masted schooner “Tahitienne”, one-time Islands trader, has been sold to Mr. Alex.

Donald, of Auckland. He is refitting and overhauling her for use as a pleasure yacht, the purpose for which she was originally laid down 16 years ago on the Californian coast.

The “Tahitienne” was taken to Auck land from Papeete in October, 1934, in charge of Captain W. Brander and a native crew of six. She had been intended by an American master mariner, Captain A. C. Norton, for use as a private yacht, but he died before she was completed.

The hull was then bought by S. R. Max well and Company, Islands traders, and for some years she plied among the is lands of the Eastern Pacific until the depression. Then, as a result of slacken ing trade, she was laid up at Papeete un til it was decided to send her to Auck land for disposal.

The “Tahitienne” is a vessel of 93 tons, with an overall length of 93 ft., a 20 ft. beam and a draught of 10 ft. 6 in. When she was put on a slip recently it was found that her timbers had withstood the long idleness remarkably well. Mr.

Donald intends to retain the vessel’s schooner rig, but to give her all new gear.

Mr. G. Allen, manager of the C.S.R.

Company at Ba, Fiji, was in Australia at the end of March, spending furlough with his wife.

Mr. E. W. P. Chinnery, formerly head of the District Services Department in New Guinea, arrived in Sydney, en route to Melbourne, by the “Tanda” from Ra baul on March 23. He has been appoint ed Director of Native Affairs in the Northern Territory, with headquarters at Darwin.