EXTENT OF RANGATIRA'S DAMAGE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 5 February 1936, Page 8

EXTENT OF RANGATIRA'S DAMAGE.

LAEGE HOLES IN HULL.

WELLINGTON, Last Night,

A rough estimate of the extent of the damage to the inter-island steamer Rangatira's bottom has now been made by the divers and the work of patching the holes is well in hand. When this is completed she will be docked. Mr J. W. Matthewson, general manager of the Union Company, said to-day that he could not yet say when that would be done. The principal injuries that had been located bv tho divers were a large rent in the bottom of number one hold running fore and aft for a distance of 12 feet and a number of other holes in the bottom of number

! two hold. These holes were being blocked temporarily and collision mats placed over them to enable the interior to be pumped out. No decision has yet been nade about holding an official inquiry into the mishap to the Bangatira. It is explained , by the authorities that the final decis- '. ion rests with the Minister of Marine (Hon. P. Fraser) who at present is visiting the South Island. Meanwhile the officers of the Marine Department!, are making preliminary investigations, including the taking of statements from those concerned. (

The officers' reports will be submitted as soon as possible to the Minister who, it is anticipated, will be in a position before the end of this week to decide whether a magistrate and two aceessors should be appointed to hold an inquiry into the mishap.