THE VIEW FROM THE WHARF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 19 April 1909, Page 2

THE VIEW FROM THE WHARF

An ''Onlooker" at the Railway Wharf as the I'takaia came in writes:— The s.-fine from the wharf ami the, hill side-- well repaid those who had left tln.ii beds at eo early an hour lo giiecl Iho advent of the pioneer noean liner. The Alexander Umderril lh~ Rakaia in the outer anchorage, and preceded hor into the new entrain e. But the great su-ani-ft's own .'crew wa*' moving, ami there was absolutely no strain on the tow line as the ve«?ei slowly and majestically cam? in. When within swinging dis tance of the wharf, tho Alexander crossed the Rakaia's hows and stood bv to starboard, while the Rakaia dropped her anchor and swung round, bringing her stern gracefully lo the northern end of the wharf. Then, with the shore linos thrown out, and amid a deep expectant silence, the great vessel gradually drew in, and was berthed. There was no noise, no confusion, and the st?amer came beside the wharf so gently that had the "fenders been of eggs not a shell would have been broken." Owing to the extreme quietude of the manoeuvre the public: failed to realise that a marvellous feat of good seamanship had just been executed in their presence, otherwise they would have given a rousing cheer long before they were ealbd upon to do so by Mr Graham.