NIAGARA'S DOCKING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 71, 24 March 1915, Page 6

NIAGARA'S DOCKING.

' REPAIRS IN PROGRESS. SHAFT AND SCREW REPLACED. The docking of the Vancouver mail steamer Niagara was successfully accomplished yesterday afternoon. Great care was used in pumping out the water, as it was found that as the big steamer eettled on to the blocks there was only about 10in to spare between her plating and the sides of the dock. Furthermore, the rudder had to be inclined slightly, to avoid contact with the caisson, and the vessels bow ovcrbung the floor of the dock considerably at the other end. A diver was stint down at one stage to make sure that everything was in order. On examination of the liner's damaged propeller, it was found that, in addition 'to the loss of a blade, the stern bearing had been somewhat injured by the vibration of the crippled screw. A start was made at once with the removal of the propeller and shaft, and work on this proceeded all night. A spare propeller and shaft carried by the ship are being fitted, and the Union Company hopes to have the liner undocked at noon to-morrow. The work is being carried out by the United Repairing Co., under the direction of the Union Co.'s superintending engineer (Mr. [Gillies). Captain C. C. Plunkct is I watching the operation on behalf of Loyd's Registry.

The Niagara's passengers, numbering over 150, are being allowed hotel expenses by the company, on a scale commensurate with accommodation in tho various classes aboard. A number of saloon passengers have seized the opportunity of taking a trip to Rotorua, and a number of third-class people arc remaining aboard the ship. Under the conditions printed on the tickets, the company is not liable for any delay arising out of the breakdown of machinery, but the rule has been waived in this instance.