MAORI-ZITA COLLISION.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17392, 1 March 1922, Page 10

MAORI-ZITA COLLISION.

THE 20ETA PUTS BACK. /. . ■ The auxiliary schooner Zita, which collided with the ferry steamer Maori on Sunday morning, put back to Lytteiton last evening. To a representative of "The Press," Captain Johansen stated that he had proceeded W far as the ClareUce River when continued adverse winds, accompanied by heavy seas, compelled him to turn back. The absence of sufficient head stile, owing to the smashing of the jib-boom, pre-vented the vesael from beating. "If wo had had anything liko aNavourabla wind," eaid the skipper, "we would fcavo made. Wellington e-II.J* 1 "- In fact, even after we reaebed Lytteiton Heads, if a southerly had sprung up,_we would have turned round and run for Wellington."' . . In regard to the collision, Captain Jonanson declined to make any statement, .in view of a probable enquiry. The mate,; Mr C Williamson, wa» on -watcli at Ihe tune. A jbig sea was running, with practically no wind, and the schooner was making littlo or no way and rolling heavily. The Maori struck the Zita on the port bow, smashed the jib-boom, and the bow above deck, Ihen, spinning the Zita round, smashed the starboard bow. An examination of the schooner discloses that tho danlige is much more extensive thin. at first reported. The jib-boom, of hardwood about 15 inches in diameter, waV broken clean through in two places; : the pieces are now lying on the deck. The port bow above the deck ia smashed in for a distance of thirty' feet, and a small deckhouse shattered. The starboard bow i 3 stove in for about twelve feet, some of it being missing altogether. Running gear end stays to the jib-boom wore, of course, carried »wiyalao. Below the Ship is quite sound, and has not made any water. Repairs will be carlied out at Lytteiton.