HIKURANGI DAMAGED.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 9 September 1930, Page 16

HIKURANGI DAMAGED.

ROUGH PASSAGE FROM NORFOLK ISLAND. I.I'UESS JLSSOCIATIOV TILEGEAIt.) AUCKLAND, September 8. Newly repaired bulwarks and a stovein lifeboat, displayed by the steamer UiKiirangi when she roturned to Auckland from Norfolk Island this morning, were testimony of the stormy weather through which she had passed. Although she showed herself a splendid sen boat, Captain G. H. George says she could not escape damage from the mountainous seas tliat beset her during the voyage. The Hikurangi sailed for Auckland last' Thursday afternoon; As soon as sho. was clear of tho island she ran into a southerly gale. Captain George could not return to shelter for he did not know how long he would be delayed, and his cargo of fruit might perish. Tho Hikurangi behaved splendidly and shipped only two big seas. One of these, however, on Friday morning almost overwhelmed the little vessel. It swept right over her, smashing a lifeboat. A fresh-water tank was tarried away and tho starboard and forward part of the bulwark round tho bridge was stovo in. Even the funnel was shaken by tho weight of water which rushed against it. That sea marked the height of the storm. By Saturday evening the wind had dropped to a moderate southerly and tho Hikurangi made good time to port, arriving only twelve hours later than expected.