Malaita Back On

Ng Run

4½ Years in Dock After Torpedoing

AFTER four years and eight months of waiting for repairs to be effected, the BP islands motor-vessel Mal aita” left Sydney for Port Moresby, Sam ara! and Lae, on April 24, with its old master, Captain W. Wilding in charge.

There was a full complement of pessengers for the Territories and the holds well filled with cargo.

She is under control of the Australian Shipping Board. The real owners, Burns, Philp & Co., are merely agents for the vessel, and take their orders from the Board.

War conditions, coupled with the hold up consequent on the waterside strike, delayed extensive repairs being effected to this popular Islands vessel.

“Malaita” was torpedoed by the Japan ese as she was leaving Port Moresby on August 29, 1942. She was three miles from the entrance to the Port, at 12.20 p.m., on her way south, and under escort of HMAS “Arunta” (destroyer).

Tflie torpedo struck “Malaita” on the starboard quarter, entering the vessel for ward of the after No. 3 bulkhead, but did not explode, apparently, until it actually struck the bulkhead. The explosion tore away some 25 ft. of the ship’s starboard side, from the waterline to a depth of 15 ft. Considerable internal damage was caused to the dining saloon, music room, chief steward’s cabin and the surrounding accommodation; hatches and beams being blown into the sky to a great height.

Fortunately, there was no panic, and tbs crew lowered the starboard life boats as the vessel was listing quickly to star board. The Captain Duddell. ordered all hands to* the boats; and all wounded were transferred without mis hap. There were no deaths. Most seri ouslv wounded was tho Chief Steward. Mr.

H. Stone, who had both legs broken.

The BP vessel “Matafele” was soon alongside to render assistance, and the destroyer dropped depth charges, which are claimed to have been successful.

Shortly after the topedoing. “Malaita” was taken in tow by “Matafele” and tem porary repairs were effected in Port Moresby, as it was discovered the main engines could be put in running order.

Later, under her own steam, she proceeded to Sydney.

Repairs were effected in Mort’s Dock.

On her recent departure, to resume her Islands run, Chief Engineer Walsh was in charge of the engine-room and Chief Steward Harry Stone was once again back on the job.

“Malaita” is due back from her present voyage on May 25, and will leave for Port Moresbv. Samarai and Rabaul about the end of May.