RANGATIRA UNDOCKED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22428, 26 May 1936, Page 10

RANGATIRA UNDOCKED

REPAIRS TO HULL FINISHED TASK LASTING THREE MONTHS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Monday One of tho biggest ship-repairing tasks ever tackled in New Zealand Was brought to a successful conclusion this afternoon, when the inter-island express steamer Rangatira was taken off the Jubilee Floating Dock with her hull, which was badly damaged when the vessel struck a rock on February 2, as sound and strong as on the day she was launched. __For well over three months tho Rangatira has been on the dock, while a legion of workmen have been employed in straightening and renewing the torn and broken plates of her hull. Now, with the last now plates riveted into position, her keel straightened and hei frames in true alignment, the Rangatira has been thoroughly and permanently repaired. Tho bow rudder was placed in position several days ago, its removal having been necessary owing to the twisting of tho stem girder. Access to this girder would have been hampered with the rudder in position, and also it was discovered that the rounded plate behind the rudder had been damaged and needed attention. The Rangatira is to remain at Wellington for some weeks while internal overhauling and refitting will bo done prior to her resuming her running in the Wellington-Lyttelton service.