GOOD NEWS RECEIVED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 261, 18 August 1930, Page 5

GOOD NEWS RECEIVED

ALL SAFELY TRANSFERRED. PASSENGERS ON THE VENTURA. WELLINGTON, This Day. The Union Steam Ship Company) announces that at 11 o'clock (Raroton'ga time) all the Tahiti s passengers were safely aboard the Ventura. ALARM IN THE NIGHT. BULKHEAD BUCKLED BY PRESSURE. WELLINGTON, August 17. An S.O.S. wireless signal_was sent out by the Tahiti" shortly before midnight on Saturday, as it was believed an engine-room bulkhead had given way owing to the pressure of water entering from the stern tifte of the lost starboard propeller. Preparations were made to abandon the ship, the passengers and crew bsing ordered to the lifeboats, but it was found that the bulkhead, though buckled, was holding, and the passengers and crew remained on board throughout the night. . It was also found possible to work the pumps in the engine-room and maintain the wireless in operation. The Penybrvn, bound for Auckland, which was nearer to the Tahiti, was expected to arrive at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and the captain reported to the Union Company's head office his decision to transfer the passengers immediately to the Penybryn and to transfer the crew at dark. The Penybryn would then stand by during the night. The steamers Ventura and Tofua were expected to reach the Tahiti on Monday. The captain reported that everything was in readiness for the transfer of the passengers. From special inquiries made regarding the weather conditions, it was ascertained that the conditions were? reported to be good, and were likely to continue satisfactory.