Claims Ruawai Fit For Voyage Round Cape

Northern Advocate, 15 January 1948, Page 5

Claims Ruawai Fit For Voyage Round Cape

“IT is a lot of hooey to say the Ruawai is unseatvorthy. “She has not been surveyed for some years, but she steers beautifully and is not making any water. “The engines are good, too, but the condensors need attention.”

These comments were made by Mr A. Szigetvary, .of Auckland, a member of the volunteer crew which started to fake the 291-toy steamer Ruawai from Helensville round the North Cape, to Auckland. ' Putting into the Hokianga Harbour after condenser trouble had reduced her speed, the Ruawai was repaired and left harbour yesterday afternoon in continuation of her voyage. FORCED BACK AGAIN

He could not say when the voyage would be resumed. Given time the condensers could be repaired efficiently, and qualified engineers were available in the Hokianga to do the work.

No decision has yet been reached as to whether the vessel will be stripped or recommissioned, when, and if, she reaches Auckland, the owner stated before she left Rawene. Members of the crew are not inviting publicity for their venture, and can see nothing sensational in their trip. They have consistently refused to answer inquiries as to their intentions, and it is not known whether another attempt will be made to put to sea after repairs. No further action has been taken by the police or the Marine Department after the second detaining order was served against the vessel being taken to sea.

She made a good crossing of the bar at about 1.30 p.m., but was forced to turn back to Opononi with engine trouble. Another good crossing was made and the Ruawai put into the wharf at 5.30 p.m. Earlier that day she had been beached at Rangi Point for repairs to the rudder and for an inspection of the shoe which extends under the propeller. Mr Szigetvary, who had to leave tne ship to attend to business affairs in Auckland, and who was in Whangarei today, said that he could not give any information about the future movements of the vessel. NO DAMAGE Asked about the second detention notice, he said that it had not been served on Captain H. Stanaway, who is in charge of the Ruawai, althougn it may have been served on the owners. It was true the vessel had scraped the Hokianga bar when entering harbour but it had been found that no damage had been caused. While beached for inspection the bottom othe ship had oeen cleaned and the rudder, which had shifted slightly, nad been repaired. Questioned about the attuude of the crew towards continuing the voyage around the Cape after condenser trouble had twice caused delay, Mr Szigetvary said that none was scared. Three of the crew had left at Opononi and a boy had “been called home to Dargaville on account of sickness, while he had had to leave for business reasons. He was prepared, and proposed, to continue the voyage if he was needed, and this attitude was general among the crew. The nine remaining members of the crew were sufficient to take the ship round the Cape and to Auckland.