WINGATUI IN TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 8

WINGATUI IN TROUBLE

DIRTY WF.ATHER OFF BANKS

PENINSULA.

CHRISTOHUBCH, 6th May. News was received to-night that the Union Co.'s cargo steamer Wingatui was' in trouble off Akaroa Heads. The first bows was received in a -wireless message from the Wingatui, which was picked up by the -Awarua and Wellington wireless stations, and was forwarded to Mr. W. H. Price, Chriatchuxch, manager of the Union Company. The message stated that the vessel was experiencing a heavy south-east .Rale;' and was then about seven' miles off •'Akaroa.' The f wseel was fairly'."close 1-' to"''the shore," and "Captain \V: Paul was experiencing great difficulty-in steering his correct course. His only remedy, was to try to get north.

A subsequent'message from Captain Paul stated- lie was flooding the afterhold in order to, put .the vessel further down at the stem, and enable him to steer better. Another message' stated that the captain-could then see the Alcaroa light eight'miles away, and that he was making for Lyttelton.

The Mararba, at Lyttelton, is under full steam, waiting to proceed to the assistance of the Wingatui if necessary. .

The Union Company stated this afternoon that the Wingatui was safe, and was expected to' reach Lyttelton about 4 p:m.

[The "Wiiwatui left Lyttelton at 9.50 p.m.. on Saturday for.Dunedin. She trades regularly, up and down the coast between Auckland and Dunedin, calljmf

in at Wellington each trip. Captain. Paul, who is an experienced master, has been in command of the Wineatui for a considerable time. His horjm is in Wellington.]