SENSATIONAL TORPEDO PRACTICE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5023, 22 July 1903, Page 5

SENSATIONAL TORPEDO PRACTICE.

H.AI.S. WALLAROO STRUCK BY PRUJECITLKS. (Hecoivod July 21, 11.27 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 21. A sensational Incident occurred while tho vessels of the Australasian squadron wore at torpedo practice at Jervois Bay on Saturday. Tho naval auMoriuGo are very reticent, but from what little information is available, it appears that ,th-o flagship Royal Arthur, 'while steaming past tho Wallaroo, fired several practice torpedoes at a target which the Wallaroo was dragging three hundred yards behind her. Two shots from tho flagship’s starboard tube struck tho Wallaroo. One hit tho vessel near her port propo’.lor, donting tho outer plating. Tho second torpedo did more serious damage. It hit an unprotected spot over tho freshwater tank. Luckily tho tank was full, films preventing any inrush of water. Tho outer plating was broken, a hole sovoral inches square being made. The heads of both the missiles wero crumpled up by tho collision. Mats wero placed over tho hole, which was subsequently plugged with wooden wedges. Tho Wallaroo accompanied the other vessels to Sydney, where she is to bo docked.

An inquiry will be hehl into tho affair. Au examination will also be made of tho Royal Arthur’s torpedo tube, which, it is suggested, is defective. Up to tho time of the accident-, however, her shooting had been verv accurate. Practice torpedoes are not charged, and aro fitted with dummy heads. (R-bccivod Julv 22. 1.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 21. It is stated that only tho outer pnrt of the Wallaroo was damaged, and that after examination by a direr and Tim damage being attended to practice was continued.