EVENTFUL VOYAGE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1074, 13 March 1911, Page 5

EVENTFUL VOYAGE.

RUAHINE DAMAGED AT LAS PALMAS. X SENSATIONAL OCCURRENCE. Mien tho reports that reached Wol. liugton by cable- concerning tho collision between tho Fcdoral'Houldcr-Shiro Line's steamer Beacon Grango and the New Zealand Shipping Coinpany'6 K.M.S. Kuahino at Las Palmas on January 27, one would naturally expect to seo some of Uio outward eiTects it Had on Iho latter vessel, when she reached Wellington on Saturday. However, those who were expecting to seo some tangiblo signs of dainago wore- disappointed, lor the holo has been neatly patched up, and tho ouly difference in the appearance of tho vessel is a triangular-shaped wedge of concrete, which is showing about eight inches above the after-deck, on the starboard side. A visit below to tho steerage quarters shows the full extent of the damage, however. For some considerable distance into the third-class dining saloon (hero is built a solid enclosure of heavy timbers, inside of which is about five tons of solid concrete. Even the upper deck has suffered to somo extent, and tho ironwork has been torn asunder by the bow of tho colliding vessel. It appears that whilst the Ruahino was at anchor in Las l'almas Harbour on the dnto mentioned above, about 0.30 a.m., the Beacon Grange was shifting her anchorage. In doing so she passed ahead ol tie Euahine, and going astern againcrashed into the Ruahino on tho starboard quarter, culling into (ho side and decks for a distance of about fivo feet' abreast of the after bollard. When sho i had sheered oft', a large gaping hole, well above the water-line, was seen. In conversation with a Dominion reporter, Mr. C. Searle, purser of the Runline, said that it was a most fortunato tiling that the third-class passengers were not at breakfast at the time, for had such been the ease, many would undoubtedly have been killed or hurt, for when . the accident occurred ironwork was falling in all directions, and great pieces of ' girders fell across the table. In fact, the bow of the Beacon Grange came right up to tho edge of the diuing-table. -The repairs took about fivo days to effect, and are very well done, the' ship, it is said, being thoroughly soaworthv, and m as good condition for the Homeward voyago as sho was on her maiden trip to M« Zealand. Upon her arrival at London permanent repairs will be effected. On February 15, while the Ruahino was steaming out of Capo Town, en route to Hobart, she passed the wrecked steamer Aotea, lying on tho rocks oft' Green Point. Tho passengers had a splendid view of the sunken vessel, at which, salvago operations wore being carried out. On tho voyage out three births occurred, one of the babies dying a few houra after birth. Two minor accidents occurred, a boy slipped on the deck and broke his wrist, and a third-class passenger, who also slipped, broke his leg. The usw.l sports and pastimes were indulged in by (he passengers, and in addition dances and concerts were held in each class. Two fancy dress balls were also held on board. One and all appeared to have had a. most enjoyable voyago, for even tho man with the broken leg appeared to be in the best of spirits.