VESSEL OVERDUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15861, 26 February 1912, Page 7

VESSEL OVERDUE.

ANXIETY REGARDING THE HIMITANGI.

I In shipping circles at Lyttelton » good deal of nnxiety is being caused by the non-arrival of the Chatham Island Fishing Company's steamer Hirnitangi, which left Lyttelton on January 31 for the Chatham Islands. Although the vessel was to visit seven ports, the journey should net take longer than about fourteen days, bui in the present case twenty-five day* have elapsed, and the Hirnitangi bea uot yet put in an appearance. When the vessel loft Lyttelton sho had a big cargo of merchandise and also a large quantity of coal on board, so there Bhould be no fear of her running short l in that respect. During the past few | weeks the weather has been very unsettled, westerly winds being a predominating feature. People acquainted with the Islands state that many of the ports are unworkable in westerly weather, a,nd that in all probability i the Hirnitangi is being delayed on this : account. Others aro inclined to think that the vessel has met with a breakdown or a mishap at.the Islands. Apart from the Hirnitangi there is no communication between -'Chatham Islands and New Zealand,' but this obstacle is shortly to .be' removed, as the New Zealand Government has selected a site on the islands, and intends at an early date to erect a "wireless'' plant capable of "speaking" to stations in the dominion. The .non-appearalico of the steamer was referred to the agents in Wellington. They state that there is no need for any anxiety, as the exposed. nature of the ports might prevent the vessel working for several weeks. At' many of the anchorages it has often been found necessary to keep her engines going for hours at a time in readiness for a gale. " . It is suggested in some quarters that" arrangements "should be made with the Government to send the training shix> Amokura to the islands. The vessel fs to leave Wellington on Thursday next for a trip to the southern islands, shd it is thoudit that the extra expense of wending the vessel to the Chatham Islands would be a very small one compared with the probable rrood results. Tt is hoped, however, that during the next few days the Hirnitangi will put in an appearance, and thus remove "any fears or disaster.