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Noumea's "Mystery Ship"

ANCHORED in the harbour of Noumea for the last two weeks has been an 80-ton ketch, Noumea’s mystery ship.

The vessel’s bows carry the name “Ava- Ion” but it is stated that said name has only appeared during the vessel’s stay at Noumea. Inquiries at the port captain’s 6 no vleulLr shin’snaners andso she is “bf<Sue”

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The vessel ‘Taipan had been missing

off the Queensland coast for 34 days, though quite a few people in Australia knew she would ultimately turn up here, Two members of the crew, when inter viewed, denied that the “Avalon” was the ‘ Taipan”; but they said they knew all about Matter vessel, and offered to her story to Australian newspapers, The “Taipan” was originally the “Nova.” ♦J f the boat 18 the “Taipan,” then A hls 18 .° ne more adventure in her career, According to an ex-RAN man here, the “Taipan” was taken from the Japs during the wai . ( and Dasse( i through the Prize Court, and plans had been made to send

her on some “cloak and dagger” work, similar to the Singapore expeditions.

Though altered, the boat here in Noumea still shows signs of Jap sampan design.

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