THE RUAHINE MISHAP.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 62, 14 March 1911, Page 7

THE RUAHINE MISHAP.

COLLISION WITH THE BEACON

GRANGE.

[rRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, March IP. Details' of the ramming at las Palmes of the Ruahine by oLe Roukta.r liner Beacon Grange show that the mishap occurred at 6.40 *.tn. in broad daylight, while the Ruahiaewas anchored and coaling in. There was a fresh wind with some swell., which prompted the master of the Beacon Grange to change his.anchorage and get into the smoother wafce-. She had to pass under the Ruahin&'s' stern, but when nearing her the Beacon Grange lest steering way, and at ia critical moment her engines' were put full ahead, and she struck the Ruahine on the starboard quarter. The impact caused the Ruahine to give a sudden momentary list to port, and though there was no panic the passengers came rushing up on deck. The Beacon Grange backed away and went inside the breakwater to anchor.. with her bows considerably damaged above th© v.atovline.. She had cut. into the R'uahme for a, distance of five feet, and made a gap ten feet wide about nine feet above the water-line. After working we days and- nights temporary rej: irs were effected, and the Ruahino arrived here only four days late.

As the resnli. of an official inquiry into the affairs of the Russian State Railway in Siberia, it has been established that "graft" and speculation have robbed the Government of £2,----000,000. Fees for the transport of goods and passengers' fares have been pocketed by officials, and at Tomsk the most valuable merchandise has been actually appropriated.