SHIPPING SUFFERS ROUGH TIMES IN COOK STRAIT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 117, 19 May 1914, Page 8

SHIPPING SUFFERS ROUGH TIMES IN COOK STRAIT.

ON THE EAST COAST. Shipping has buffered severely owing to the boisterous weather. In the first place, rain has delayed loading operations everywhere, and, when loaded, the boats have been unable to sail. If they do happen to get out of port, their skippers have found it necessary to run for shelter. There have been _ few exceptions. The Warrimoo arrived in port this afternoon after being three days at sea. She left » Auckland on Saturday, and was unable to work either Gisborne or Napier. It was the worst tvip the vessel has ever experienced. A strong south-easterly gale was experienced 'all the way from Glbborne. Seas broke all over the vessel, and there were terrific rain squalls which made matters exceedingly unpleasant. Most of the passengers were too ill to take notice of the way the vessel pitched and rolled. Between sixty and seventy passengers were oveV carried, and these will return in the Victoria, if they have not already had enough of the sea. The weather on the East Coasb has been exceptionally rough. Consequently tho small bays are not being worked. As a matter of fact, no cargo has been landed on the coast since 14th April last. The Kahu is now loading at Wellington, but there is little prospect ot her sailing for' some time yet. Advices have :ome to hand to the effect that many boats are sheltering in Cook Strait from the fury of the elements. Several steamers are some days overdue, but no anxiety need be felt for any of them. The Hawera left Wanganui" on Saturday, and has not yet put in an appearance. The same may be said of the Kamo, which was due from Westport on Sunday. Some surprise was occasioned when tho little Aorere put in an nppeai&nce pfter being three daya out from Patca. She reported violent conditions in Cook Strait, and so did the Nikau which arrived some time later from Motucka. The Rarawa was barbound at Onelmilga, but_ was oxpected to sail outwards early this morning. In that case she will leave New Plymouth on her letuin when the express train from Wellington arrives to-morrow night. The Corinna was also likely to get out of Onehunga this morning. The Kapuni tried to get out of Wellington this morning but had to put back. The Ripple's departure for Napier and Gisborne has been postponed until to-morrow, and tho Corinthic will not get away for London until Friday. The Mnritai has been unable to do any work at Wanganui, She has been in the roadstead (here since Sunday night, and has thr«;e days' loading to do.