THE TRANSIT OF GUNPOWDER AT SEA.

North Otago Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1198, 14 February 1876, Page 2

THE TRANSIT OF GUNPOWDER AT SEA.

"Shippers" (Iron says), "so long as they continue to put such unlimited trust in ProYidence, should wet their powder, otherwise accidents like that which, has in all probability befallen the unfortunate Strathmore will be of frequent occurrence. The Strathmoro left I/ondon with 90 souls on board, and several tons of gunpowder, packed with various goods of m highly inflammable description. After getting out to sea, letters were received by friends at home from paisengers, stating that the crew had broached the cargo, and were in a state of mutiny, and she has most likely been blown into matchwood. From a statement issued by the Colonial Underwriters' Association, we learn that the custom is to stow gunpowder in ocean going ships, passenger or other, among the ordinary cargo. In one case, the Association mentioned that some 200 barrels were only separated from 5 passengers' cabin by a three-quarter inch I bulkhead. The case of the Altcar, however, which arrived at New Zealand lost August, 'out Herods Herod.' Four hundred kegs of powder were placed in this veisel's hold with a general cargo, which comprised, among other inflammable matters, oil, paint, spirits, and lucifer matches. Among these there was a quantity of iron, by the displacement of which during the severe weather the vessel encountered, or in some other way, eight kegs and three cases of powder were smashed, and their contents scattered throughout the whole of the inflammable cargo. Surely such a diabolical system only requires to be brought before Parliament to insure its instant suppression ; for no case, we should think, could be more calculated to call forth the sympathy of the Houses than this." The Carnatic (says an Auckland paper) jusfc arrived in this harbor, had about 500 kegs and boxes of powder, which we understand was placed immediately in the square of the main hitch, and stowed the same as and among the

general cargo. Had any attempt been made to pillage cargo, and naked lights been carried about, as occurred recently in a Vessel now in our harbor, some dire disaster might have happened. The Legislature should insist upon properly constructed copper magazines being used for the stowage of gunpowder. Messrs Shaw, Satill and Co express their intention not to allow gunpowder to be shipped unless in a mngazlue, though until compelled, it is questionable whether they will go to the expense needed.