Suva Pilot Boat Destroyed

By Fire

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Aug. 13

LAST week, the pilot launch “Mona” caught fire in the harbour and, after drifting on to the reef, burned fiercely for several hours, becoming a total loss.

The “Mona” went outside the entrance to pick up Captain W. F. D. Hay, acting harbourmaster, who piloted an overseas liner out. On taking Captain Hay on board, the officer in charge of the launch, Mr. N. MacDonald, advanced the throttle to pick up speed. The engine backfired and flames burst from the carburettor.

The engine-room hand, Aliki Dabaka, was sprayed with burning petrol, and by the time the flames on him were sup pressed the fire had a good hold of the launch.

As there was danger of the benzine in the launch exploding, it was decided to abandon her and take to the dinghy. The plight of the party was noticed from the signal station, and a launch put off at once to give assistance, and brought them in to Suva.

The “Mona” was built 30 years ago in New Zealand and had had many vicis situdes. She first saw service in Tonga and Samoa, and later served as the launch to the Makogai leper station in Fiji. She had been rebuilt and refitted several times and was one of the best pilot boats Suva ever had.

Mr. H. O. Townsend, head of the Trea sury Department in New Guinea, was in Australia in August on official business.

Mr, J. Wilson, of New Guinea Gold fields Ltd., married Mrs. Lottie Wilton, at Salamaua, N.G., recently.