NIAGARA DELAYED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 227, 23 August 1935, Page 2

NIAGARA DELAYED.

A SEAMAN’S ILLNESS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. Aug. 22. Tho liner Niagara, originally scheduler! to sail for Vancouver at o o’clock last night, was still in port at midday- Late cargo caused the first delav in departure, but since 9 o’clock last night the ship has been ready to sail but held up because she is ono seaman short. One seaman went ashore ill and the shipping company has been unable to fill the vacancy. The ship is on Australian articles. As a result of the delay, the New Zealand ’Varsitv hockey team will miss the first Test, which they were to play at Suva on Saturday. The vacancy in the crew was caused when, on the vessel’s arrival last Monday, a seaman was sent to hospital to have teeth extracted. To fill the vacancy a New Zealand seaman was signed on, but late yesterday afternoon it was learned that the new member of the crew would not sail. Efforts were made to find a substitute up to midnight, but proved fruitless. The time of sailing was then announced as 10 o’clock this morning, but this was altered hour by hour. Throughout the morning cargo loading continued, the vessel taking on board freight which normally would he despatched to Suva by the Waipalii. There are 109 passengers booked to sail by the Niagara. VESSEL LEAVES PORT. SEAMAN REJOINS CREW. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Aug. 22. Delayed through tho vacancy in her crew which could, not be filled, the liner Niagara did not leave for Vancouver until after 3 o’clock this afternoon. Tt is learned that the cause of the relieving seaman leaving the ship was the possibility of repercussions in view of the disturbed lalwur situation at Vancouver. The officers of the vessel stated that had the Niagara had a full crew she would have sailed on Wednesday night, leaving a small quantity of cargo if necessary. It was stated further that the Seamen’s Union had indicated that the taking of a man to fill the vacancy would not be opposed. A seaman could not be obtained, however, for some hours, but the mar. who had previously signed on eventually rejoined the vessel, and she sailed shortly afterward without further incident. , The passengers spent tbe morning on board ship as it was not known when she might lid able to leavo. It is doubtful if tbe Niagara will catch the English mail connection by the usual route.