STEAMERS AGROUND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16188, 25 September 1914, Page 4

STEAMERS AGROUND

COMPLAINT BY NEW' ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY. The following letters, -which explain themselves, havo been forwarded to the Otago Harbour Board:— "The New Zealand Shipping Company, " (Ltd.), Dunedin. "24th September, 1914. ' *' The Seoretary, Otago Harbour Board, *' Dunedin. "Dear 'Sir,—Ruapehu: Before this steamer came to Port Chalmers were were informed by your officials that she could load to a draught of 26ft at low water. Wo regret to find that this has not been possible. Steamer has taken the ground several times during her stay in Port, and on Friday the captain, on sounding, found that there was only 22ft of water amidships. To ensure the safety of steamer as much as possible, a largo quantity of fresh water has been pumped out of steamer 6 tanks. This, of oourse, necessitates a call at another port to replenish the quantity pumped overboard. "Opawa: As you are aware, this steamer arrived at Port Chalmer6 on Friday last, and was berthed at the Bowen pier, drawing approximately 23ft 6in forward .and 23ft 3in aft. Before 6tearner started discharge on Saturday morning the draught showed 23ft 3in forward, indicating that steamer was aground. Although there was supposed to be sufficient depth of "water to float the steamer, soundings disclosed the fact that at one part of the berth there was onlv 18ft at low water. "The"fact of these steamers grounding may have a serious effect in different ways. What principally ooncerns us is the prospect of damage to steamers] hulk. On Saturday morning an examination of the Ruapehu was mado bv a diver. His report is to the effect that the steamer has practically been resting her -whole length on the starboard side on the mud, but there is a greater danger of which you may bo aware, and that" is the fact of bouldcre projecting from the bank alongside the wharf. If these boulders become dislodged and fall -into the berth occupied by steamers, the consequence of steamers taking the ground may be very serious. Under the circumstances wo have now to give vou notice that wo hold your board responsible for any damage that may have occurred. —I am, otc., " (Signed) N. Galbbaith, " Local Manager." "Miller Bros., Port Chalmers, "22nd September. 1914. "The Manager, New Zealand Shipping " Company (Ltd.), Dunedin. " Dear Sir,"—Acting according to instructions, I have examined the bottom of lI.m!n.Z.T. No. 5, also the berth at which she is moored. I descended abreast of the after end of No. 1 hatchway on tho port side, examined the ship's bottom and tho berth from port to starboard, working aft. I could sec where the vessel had been sitting on the bottom—the marks were left in the mild from about the fore end of tho bilge keel to within a few feet of the after end of the bilge keel on the starboard side. "There'is no sign of damage on any part of the vessel's bottom, and the berth is all soft mud. Immediately below No. 4 there was a mark in the mud where tho vessel's koel had touched.— I am, etc., " (Signed) R. C. Miixna, "Diver for Miller Brae."