THE WRECKED STEAMER CHEVIOT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIII, Issue 226, 26 October 1887, Page 3

THE WRECKED STEAMER CHEVIOT.

„ — __♦ The condemnation of Messrs *.V, Howard Smith and Sons' steamer Cheviot by the marine authorities of South Australia has (saya the Melbourne Arg s of the 19th September) occasioned some surprise emonp ahiDowners. The vessel, while proceeding from Melbourne to Adelaide, on thestb September, was delayed (or two hours and a-half by the breakage of a certain portion of her machinery. The port of destination was reached on the following day, when Captain Strickland, the master, reported the casualty. The steamer was then examined by Mr J. Campbell, the inspecting engineer to the Marine Board of South Australia, who reported to that body that the accident had been far more serious than appeared on tbe surface. Ho stated that when the removal of certain parts was effected a clear idea could be gained of the actual damage sustained, as well as the impropriety of permitting the vessel to leave ihe port except in capable tow, or with her machinery in such a condition as to justify the fulll consent of the Board to her departure. Thiß report led to the suspension of tbe oertiticate granted to the vessel, and it was only after temporary repairs had been undertaken that the Marine Board consented to her sailing for Melbourne without either passengers or cargo. The action of the Marine Board was reported to the Victoriau Steam Navigation Board, who at once called upon their engineer surveyor (Mr A. "Wilson) to inspect the ship and report whether she was in a seaworthy condition. Tnat duty has been fulfilled, an3 Mr Wiieon has enyplied the following report to the members : — " Viotorian Steam Navigation Board, Melbourne, loth September, 1887. Memo for the Secretary. I visited the steamer Cheviot and examined the damaged parts. The low-pressure cylinder face and the side of high-pressure slide valve casing were found to be more or leas fractured, and sach fractures repaired temporarily. Tbe metal in connection therewith, although in a fractured condition, has not lost any of its original quality as a metal, and there iB nothing to prevent repairs of a permanent character being effected. Repai'.s have besn directed accordingly, and are now in progress. I attribute the cause of the breakage to the unequal expansion and contraction of the fractured metal, and am of opinion that the parts so fractured may have been weakened before the engines left the builders' hands, and that the present development of such weakness may be the result of heating the cylinders hurriedly whan preparing to get under way. It may be mentioned that snch defects are not confined to engines winch have seen yeara of service, but can be found in newlyconstructed maohinery. The hull, engines, and boilers of the steamer Cheviot, with the exception of the parts herein mentioned, are in good sea-going condition, and with ordinary repair fit for many years' service.— A. Wilson, Engineer Surveyor." The shipwright surveyor to the Board (Mr D. Elder) also reports, on 15th September, in regard to the equipment ol the vessel:— "'On the 27th July, 1557, 1 minutely surveyed the s s. Cheviot as follows :— ' Ground tackling, sluice valves in all dividing bulkheads, all hand-pomp gear shipped, side and head mast lights, riding light, red signals and shapes, band and deep.Bea lead and lines, iire hose, fire bnckets, signal gun and powder magazine, rookets and blue lights, life buoys, steering gear, boats and all their equipments, in good and serviceable condition, and all as required by the Passenger and Harbor Statute.' I visited the above vessel this day, and on examination found the items of equipment before mentioned to be in perfect good order and condition.— l am, etc, Dooglas Elder, Surveyor Steam Navigation Board."