French Schooner In

Auckland For Repairs

SIX months after she was damaged on Mopelia reef, 300 miles from Tahiti, the 398-ton French schooner “Oiseau des lies” reached Auckland. NZ, for re pairs, on December 22.

When the schooner went up on the reef on June 8, at Mopelia, 300 miles west of Tahiti, she was carrying 150 phosphate workers from Rarotonga to Makatea. After the passengers had been taken off by an other vessel, “Oiseau des lies” floated off the reef and was taken to Papeete for minor repairs. Industrial troubles in that port had caused almost 6 months delay in bringing her to Auckland.

“Oiseau des lies” was built in France in 1935. She is of steel construction. She was overhauled and repaired in Auckland in 1946.

Well known Captain Andre Fraud was exonerated of all blame in connection with the mishap.