THE ULIMAROA.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13358, 25 February 1909, Page 8

THE ULIMAROA.

VEISSIiL BADLY DA_MO£_>. Tho Huddart Parker Company's large steamer Llimaroa, which grounded in Otago Harbour last Saturday morning, and which wa_ badly damaged, was docked at Lyttelton on Tuesday evening. A survey oi tho vessel's bottom was held yesterday mornim--, and it is understood that tenders wj.J be called at onco and a contract let for the work of repairs. An inspection of tho vessel in dock shows that she has sustained very serious damage through contact with the rocks. The first dc-nt shows under the bottom of the vessel on the port side; about 60 feet from the bow. The plates are badly dented and tho rivets are started. Going aft, numorous bad dents can bo seen, and then for about 120 feet or more the plates and frames are very seriously buckled and "set up." The damage seems to be confined to the two rows of plates extending from the keel outwards for about eight feet, and fore and aft for well over 100 feet amidships. Tlie plates at tho after end of the damaged section nr_ badly cracked, and water was streaming through in numerous places.

A number of the cracks were so bad that they had to be plugged at Port Chalmers by a diver, with canvas and worn! wedges.

It is understood that the contract for repairs wilj involve the removal of 13 plates, each about 22 feet in length. Mr J. J. Kinsey (of Kinsey, Barns and Co.) stated yesterday- that tho full extent of the damage to the Ulimaron would not be "known until the damaged plates had been cut out, a work which will be commenced immediately, and which will occupy some days. Permanent repairs to the vessel -will be carried out at Lyttelton, and she will he in dock for some weeks.

lb is stated that the work of repairing the ve-*sol will be a very expensive one. and will run into several thousands of pounds.