Rangatira’s Rough Trip

Northern Advocate, 29 April 1940, Page 7

Rangatira’s Rough Trip

[Per Press association Copyright] CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. After a 13-hour battle against heavy seas, the inter-island steamer Rangatira, on a daylight trip, arrived at Lyttelton last evening nearly three hours late. The vessel left Wellington at 8.15 a.m. and berthed at Lyttelton at 9.30 p.m. Evidence of the buffeting she received was provided by the bent steel flagstaff on the bow, which has a diameter of about four inches, a shattered plate-glass window on the promenade deck, and a missing scuttle door from the crew’s quarters. Splinters from the broken window slightly injured three persons who were watching the seas pounding over the r forecastle. The ship, which had brought 400 passengers, left for Wellington about 11 p.m. with 700 passengers. The weather last night was much calmer. Gale Disturbs Christchurch. One of the strongest gales for some years was experienced in the city early yesterday morning. Although of very high velocity, the gale was not gusty enough to cause the damage which might have been expected. Trees were stripped of leaves, making a big task for city council employees clearing street channels all day from early morning. Some windows were broken, fences and awnings were blown away, and trees blown down in the city. There was a short interruption in the power supply.