Rat Sends Crew Ashore

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 152, 30 June 1938, Page 5

Rat Sends Crew Ashore

REFUSE TO TAKE VESSEL TO SEA Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The presence of a rat ia tho forecastle of the coastal steamer Canopus resulted in the- ship's crow refusing to take her to sea on her voyage to Westport from Auckland to-nivht. claiming that they would not put to soa until the ship had boe i fumigated and the rat killed. The crew approached the master (Captain W. Rowland) shorrdy before sailing time and later wont ashore lor the evening. When tho Cinopus, which is owned by tho Westport Coal Company arid plies regularly Dctwcen Westport and Auckland, arrived, tho members of tho erew went, to the master and produced a pyjama coat which had apparently beon attacked by tho rat. No complaints concerning the presence of rats in the forecastle had previously been made and as the Canopus had received hef annual fumigation somo months ago it was decided not to accede to the crew’s request to fumigate. In an endeavour to catch the animal the Auckland agents sent a professional ratctacher t 6 the ship, but no trace of tho rodent could be found.

As the ship's only cargo is coal it is claimed that the Canopus should be relatively free of rats and it is possible that tbe single animal responsible for tho dispute has since gone ashore. Although it is not considered necessary a fumigation apparatus will be sent to the Canopus this morning and possible hiding places for rats will be Bealed and fumigated, and it is possible that tho work will be completed in time to allow the steamer to clear port to-morrow.