COLLISION IN THE MANUKAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7319, 4 May 1885, Page 5

COLLISION IN THE MANUKAU.

THE GAIRLOCH SERIOUSLY DAMAGED.

At about two o'clook yesterday .morning a collision took place in the Manukau harbour between the s.s. Herald, outward bound, and the a.m. Gairloch, inward bound, by which the latter vessel suffered serious damage, which to make good It is anticipated will cost fully £1000. From partioulars to hand we learn that the Herald, which arrived in the Manukau early on Saturday morning from Greymouth, left Onehuoga again at one o'clock on Sunday morning, bound for the Grey. She was in ballast, The Gairloch was at the same time coining up the Manukau, inward bound from tbe Waitara, with cargo and passengers; When about four miles from Onehunga those on the Gairlooh saw the lights of the Herald, and at the same time it could be seen that the Herald was making a course direct for the Gairloch. Captain MoArthur seeing this, at once stopped his vessel, and then gave the orders to go astern, but it was too late to avert a collision, the Herald striking the Gairlooh with considerable force on the starboard bow. Immediately the vessels got clear of 'each other the Herald proceeded on her journey, and the Gairloch steamed slowly to the OnehuDga wharf. Upon examination it was found that the Gairloch had sustained considerable damage, among which were the severe denting and breaking of the bowplates down to the water mark, raising her forecastle-head, and in other ways severely straining the vessel, and to such an extent that she is making water rapidly, and, to keep the vessel clear she has to keep her pumps constantly going. The Herald at the time of the collision was under the charge of Captain Savory, and the Gairloch under that of Captain McArthur. An enquiry into the circumstances connected with the collision is to be held at an early date. Yesterday the Gairloch was visited by a large number of persons, all anxious to inspect the damage done. Both these steamers are new, and are but lately from Home. The Gairloch belongs to the Northern Steamship Company, while the Herald is the property of Messrs. Stone Bros., and the Messrs. Elennedy Bros., at Greymeuth.