MAUI POMARE DELAYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20251, 10 May 1929, Page 13

MAUI POMARE DELAYED.

TROUBLE IN ENGINES.

BEARINGS BECOME HEATED.

REPAIR WORK IN AUCKLAND.

When the Government motor-ship Maui Pomare arrived yesterday from Wellington a Lloyd's inspector and representatives of the Marine Department boarded the vessel and made an inspection of her machinery. It transpired that engine trouble developed on the voyage np the coast, and in order to effect repairs the vessel will bo delayed at Auckland for a fortnight. It is announced that owing to a temporary stoppage of the lubricating system two of the bearingu in the port semiDiesel engine became heated and the metal melted. It became necessary lo stop the engine twice during the trip to allow the metal to cool, the vessel continuing her way under the second engine. It will now be necessary to remetal the bearings, a task which will be carried out while the vessel lies at King's Wharf.

The Maui Pomare was scheduled to sail to-morrow with passengers, mails and cargo for Norfolk Island, but her departure is now announced for Thursday, May 23. Tho intending passengers have been notified by telegram of the enforced delay. The trouble experienced on the voyage from Wellington only adds to a long catalogue of misfortunes that have dogged the vessel since she was launched in September, 1927. Starting out for New Zealand she was obliged to put back to Southampton, when only three miles down the Solent, on account of leaks in the ballast tank. On setting out again one of her twin engines went out of action in the Bay of Biscay, and tho bursting of water tanks restricted tho supply of fresh water. The funnel caught oil fire repeatedly on tho journey across tho Atlantic. Before commencing her maiden voyage she was delayed for three days owing to the dynamo that drove the steering gear having blown out, while winch trouble and the failure of the brine pumps developed at Niue. Repairs to her refrigerating machinery had to be effected later in Auckland, a hot bearing having developed in the port generator. Apart from mechanical troubles, the vessel has in other ways had an unenviable experience, culminating in the delay of eight days at Auckland owing to an outbreak of influenza among the crew last month. A quantity of bananas unloaded at Southern ports a few days ago were found to be in an unsound condition. The explanation is that they were stowed between decks. The bulk of the shipment, which was stored in the refrigerator, was landed in good condition. It is stated that the refrigerator is now working quite satisfactorily. NO INTENTION TO SELL SHIP. PRIME MINISTER'S ASSURANCE. [BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUNEDIN, Thursday. A rumour has been current lately that there is a movement on foot in certain quarters to endeavour to persuade the Government to sell the Government motor vessel Maui Pomare or to withdraw her from the Island fruit trade. The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Prime Minister, £3ir Joseph Ward, asking if there was any .truth in the rumour. A reply has now been received assuring the Chamber that there is at the present time no intention on the part of the Government to withdraw the Maui Pomare from tho Island trade or to discontinue the connection with the South Island.