Shipping News Crossed wires made rating late

Press, 15 June 1979, Page 11

Shipping News Crossed wires made rating late

Just in case the naval authorities did not believe the story of a naval rating’s late return to H.M.N.Z.S. Taranaki in Lyttelton earlier this week, he received official backing from the port’s maritime services.

The Taranaki and the fisheries patrol vessel W. J. Scott were tied up on either side of the wharf throughout the week-end.

Telephones installed by the Lyttelton Harbour Board were accidentally crossed, and the number of the commander’s telephone on the Taranaki was connected to the W. J. Scott.

A rating on his way back to rhe Taranaki' on Sunday evening from the West Coast was running two hours late and telephoned (he thought) his Commander to seek a two hour leave extension.

The telephone caU interrupted a social function on the fisheries patrol vessel, and the ship’s cook answered the request for the leave extension.

A startled rating heard his “commanding officer” reply “don’t worry my boy . . . take two more days leave.” The storv reached the ears of the Lyttelton Harbourmaster (Captain J. A. Barbour) who telephoned the resident naval officer to confirm that the telephones had been crossed and the rating was late because of some form of dubious permission. fit fit fit

Overseas ships coming to New Zealand have already started moves to economise fuel, advised by marine engine manufacturers. .....

The Sulzer engines, installed in a big number of overseas ships, have had modifications tested. The modifications aim to reduce fuel consumption without reducing the efficiency of the units. In one test at the Sulzer works an engine was run for 2700 hours.

One successful trial saved fuel by cutting out a piston scavenging pump for high loads and bringing the unit in for low loads, manoeuvring, etc. An American company has recently introduced a new system of engine monitoring and control to economise on fuel. The engine rooms savings have been introduced to back up even greater ' steps being taken by ships’ masters to economise on fuel. Close attention is being paid to plotted courses, possible wind assistance, and cruising speeds to achieve maximum returns from dwindling fuel supplies. ARRIVALS Union Hobart (7 a.m.). 4637, Dunedin, Capt. C. R. Gay (U.S.S.). DEPARTURES Lindfield (6.30 p.m.), New Plymouth, Capt. W. Strevens. S.C. N.Z.). Union Hobart (9.30 p.m.), 4637, Wellington (U.S.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Wellington Star. Auckland, today. Union Hobart. Wellington. June 16. Kolle D Nauru Island. June 17. Toa Moana. Auckland. June 17. Coastal Trader. Auckland. June 18 Union Lvttelton, W’ellington, June 19. Coastal Trader, Dunedin, June 20. Moresby Chief. Onehunga, June 20. ’ PROJECTED DEPARTURES Union Hobart, Nelson. June 16. Coastal Trader. Dunedin. June 18. Union Lvttelton, Wellington, June 19. Coastal Trader, Auckland, June 20. VESSELS IN PORT Lindfield, Cashin Quay No. 8. Plod, No. 3 East. Holmdale, No. 7 East.