Fire on the Wingatui

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 231, 30 September 1936, Page 4

Fire on the Wingatui

VESSEL PUTS INTO NAPIER. Per Pres 3 Association. HASTINGS, Last Niglit. Au outbreak of lire eitlier iu portion oi' her cargo of Jimo in No. 3 Hold or in the coal in her bunkers caused the Union Steam Ship Company's 2075-ton freighter Wingatui, eu route from Hun edin to Auckland, to put into Napier, where sho arrived about 3 o'clock this evening. .Because the tide was at its ebb, sho was unable to berth at the breakwater, but she is to do so at about 1 o ’clock to-morrow morning, when an immediate start will be made to unloan portion of her cargo, so that the origin of the outbreak, which is of a smoulder ing nature, may be investigated Immediately on the vessel's arrival off the breakwater to-night, harbour officials and manager oi the Nupscr branch of the company, Mr. H. V. Hell, went out to the ship in a launch, &no on their return it was learned that the origin of tho trouble had not been definitely located, it seemed it had occurred either in No. 3, where siuked lime is stored, or in ono of the coal bunkers, but . definite investigations could not bo carried out until the vessel was berthed and portion of her cargo was unloaded. This will bo commenced at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning, and in the meantime tho Napier Tiro .Brigade is in readiness to give assistance should its services be required. If necessary, it will be loaded oil to a lighter aud from there pump water into the Wingatui.

When the vessel arrived oft the breakwater, there was no sign of smoke or flames to be seen, which was probably somewhat of a disappointment to some 400 interested onlookers to the proceedings.