PATEENA DAMAGED.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 191, 13 August 1919, Page 5

PATEENA DAMAGED.

COLLIDES "WITH WHARF. PILES LIFTED BODILY. SOUTHERN TRIP DELAYED.

J The recently inaugurated ferry service between Onehunga and Wellington was interrupted this morning by an accident at Onehunga. When the Pateena arrived at the latter port from Wellington at 9 o'clock Captain Sewcll caused the anchor to be dropped some distance from tho wharf to bring the steamer round and alongside the wharf. As far as could be judged by those on the wharf, the anchor failed to hold. There was a strong flood tide running, and this, together with a fair wind from the south-west, caught the steamer and sent her in an oblique direction across the end of tho wharf. There was nothing to check the steamer's progress, and she caught the corner pile nearest to the beach. The force of the impact completely lifted three heavy piles bound together as one with iron hoops, out of the water. All the stringers in • the vicinity were detached and some of ! the wharf decking was displaced. The Pateena was considerably damaged. LAn iron plate on the starboard side was ripped for about 12 feet in length as if it had been cut with a knife. The plate was considerably dented for a greater length, but not pierced. The iron stanchions built inside as a framework to carry the plates were buckled, and some appeared to be broken. ! Asa result of the mishap the Pateena ' was unable to return to Wellington two hours after her arrival at Onehunga, as advertised. It will be possible to effect temporary repairs to the Pateena at Onehunga to enable her to proceed to Wellington, where she will have to go on the

slip for permanent repairs. A large number of passengers arrived at Onehunga about ten o'clock, intending to proceed by the steamer to Wellington. They were disappointed, and had to return to tbe city, or travel by the Rarawa, via New Plymouth.