MISHAP TO NIAGARA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 69, 22 March 1915, Page 7

MISHAP TO NIAGARA.

PROPELLER BLADE LOST. WILL PROBABLY BE DOCKED. HER DEPARTURE PUT OFF. On Saturday night, while on her way from Sydney to Auckland, the R-M.s. Niagara lost a blade from her centre propeller, and in consequence she will probably have to be put into the Calliope Dock to-morrow for repairs. The accident occurred about teatime, and the passengers were rather alarmed by a sudden and very severe vibration, wliich, however, soon ceased. The big steamer was then slowed down until she was making about four knots, but after a few minutes she continued on her course, using the two remaining screws, and arrived in port at 10 o'clock •this morning, about a couple of hours late. As soon as the Niagara was berthed, a diver was sent down, but as the water was far from clear he was unable to make a close examination. It is certain, however, that the loss of the blade has caused some damage to the lignum vitae of the stern bearing, which is somewhat loose around the shaft. As the result of a conference between the general manager of the company (Mr. C. lloklsworth) who was a passenger, the local manager (Mr. A. B. j. Irvine), and the port authorities, it has been decided that the Niagara shall be docked to-morrow, provided that the necessary arrangements can be made. It is not certain at present whether it will be necessary to remove the propeller shaft, or merely to fit a now propeller blade. It is not anticipated that the repairs will take any great length of time, and in the meanwhile the Niagara's departure for Vancouver has been postponed till Friday at 10 a.m.

The Niagara is driven by a combination of reciprocating engines, coupled to twin screws, and a low pressure turbine driving a centre propeller. Her average speed with two screws, subsequent to the mishap was about 15 knots, or 1J knots less than she can easily do with three screws. Captain Rolls stated to ' a reporter this morning that the ship was quite capable of going on to Vani couvcr in her present condition.