THE ANTIPODES WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2215, 12 June 1908, Page 3

THE ANTIPODES WRECK.

CAPTAIN NOEL’S STATEMENT.

THE CONDITION OF THE DEPOT.

United Press Association —Copyright SYDNEY. June 11.

Captain. Noel, of Die wrecked vessel President Felix Faure, takes strong exception to the comments made as to -the condition of the depot at Antipodes Island, left by tho crew of his vessel. Dealing with the statements of a reporter who accompanied the Hinemoa on a visit to the island. Captain Noel says his own account of the wreck Was in no. way exaggerated. He declares he left behind 11 large tins of beef brought from his own ship, and nine small tins. belonging to tho depot. The clothing was never used its described. He carefully opened a case and made a distribution. reserving three suits in the event of being” compelled to Vinter on the island. As to the allegation that the cooking utensils wore in a filthy condition, lie exipli ins''that the Pegasus arrived while the meal was in progress. Tbo shipwrecked men hurried aboard, and in the rindi forgot to clean up. After every Jnea-1 the vessels were washed with an abundance of hot water. - Owing to the heavy rain, rand the 'men having to sleep on wet straw tilie blankets at the depot got very dirty, and they were unable either to wash or dry them. Fisih was not abundant, as alleged. -Heavy seas prevented them making decent catches, and only two were left in the hut. Captain Noel added that the matches found in the' depot were useless and the biscuits weevily.