LINER PUTS BACK

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 92, 12 January 1929, Page 8

LINER PUTS BACK

ROTORUA RETURNING TO WELLINGTON LEAKING STERN TUBE About mid-day yesterday the N.Z. Shipping Company received a radio message from Captain J. B. L. Hunter, commander of the liner Rotorua, which sailed from Wellington on Thursday evening for Southampton and London, stating that the ship was returning to port. A “Dominion” representative was officially informed that the cause of the ship putting back was the discovery of a leak in the packing of the stern gland of the starboard propeller shaft. There wtis ho cause whatever for anxiety for the safety of the ship, which wtis making good time back to port and was expected to arrive at Wellington at 7 o’clock this morning. Arrangements have been made for the ship to berth at the Railway Wharf, and for the services of a diver, who will make an examination of the seat of the trouble. It’is understood that the defect is not a serious one, and that it can be jnade good without much difficulty. At present it is not believed that it will be necessary to discharge any portion of the ship's cargo, and it is hoped that the Rotorua will be able to resume her voyage during the week-end. The Rotorua, which sailed at 6 pan. on Thursday for England, has 65 passengers on board, and is carrying a large cargo of dairy produce, frozen meat and wool.