An Unfortunate Trial Trip.

Otago Witness, Issue 1602, 5 August 1882, Page 22

An Unfortunate Trial Trip.

The iron steamer Matau, which has recently been imported from Home for the Board of Conservators of the Clutha River (and a description of which has already appeared in these columns), made her trial trip from Dunedin to Port Chalmers on Tuesday, witharesult that cannot be termed entirely satisfactory. As a matter of fact the trip was one of trial in more senses than one, and were it not for the amusement caused by the various contretmnps that occurred, the spirits of the expeditionary farty might have been seriously depressed, t was arranged that the little vessel should leave Rattray street Wharf at 11 a.m., but from various unexplained causes it was 1 o'clock before she actually cast off, and proceeded on her way merrily enough for a time, A party of some 30 or 40 gentlemen were on board, including, Mr Geo Inglis, of the Board of Conservators ; Mr J. S. Fleming, clerk of that body ; Mr J. Dunn, Mayor of Balclutha ; Mr Willam Dallas, Chairman of the Clutha County Council ; Mr M. Patterson (engineer) and Mr H. S. Reunert (clerk), of the County Council ; Messrs Jno. M 'Donald, T. Patterson, Robert Scobie, J. M'Corley, G. H. Gilroy, A. N. Hislop, W. Tosh, Robert Hogg, and Jno. Nelson, all from Balclutha or the surrounding districts. In addition to these Capt. Cameron, Messrs M'Queen, Cook, Captain Russell, inspector of machinery to the Union Steam Ship Company, and many others were present, the vessel being under the command of Captain G. M'Kinnon, who is engaged to proceed with her to the Molyneux. It appeared to be the wish of the authorities to make a quick passage on this the trial trip, and, so far as speed was concerned, there was every reason for satisfaction in the early part of the voyage. Before long, however, this slackened perceptibly, and it became evident that something was wrong. This proved to be due to the inconsistent and exasperating action of the pumps which were supposed to supply the boiler, and some little delay and plenty of excitement was caused before they were coaxed into proper working order. The weather was, however, glorious, and neither this trifling mishap nor the presence of myriads of " smuts" produced any material effect upon the pleasure party. Beneath the latter visitation their visages assumed a mottled appearance, but their spirits, so far, remained undamped. Arrived in or about Blanket Bay, however, serious misfortunes set in. A nut attached to the check-valve of the feeding-pump gave way, the consequence being that part of the packing blew out of the valve and the steam escaped from the boiler in clouds, completely enveloping the Matau and its hungry passengers. This, too, almost within sight of the Port, and at a moment when the majority on board had abandoned themselves to the contemplation of the substantial repast that awaited them on shore. The accident, trivial enough in itself, , was irremediable at the time, and there was nothing for it but to rake out the fires and await events. Hurried councils of war were hold among the passengers, and sundry deputations explained their views on the situation to the patient master. Some wanted her run ashore there and then, some a little higher up, and all severely condemned the absence of a boat of some kind. Before, however, a favourable spot could be found to put her ashore, what little steam remained was expended, and it was necessary to drop anchor and hope for a speedy rescue. It was known that the Maori would be passing down some time during the afternoon, and the party therefore made up their minds to enjoy the ghastly horrors of shipwreck for a few short hours. Not but what the more restive spirits made vain struggles after an earlier deliverance. The outline of what proved to be an exceedingly phlegmatic Chinaman was observed on an eminence some distance inshore, and one ©f the more energetic castaways besought his attention from the bridge with " coo-ees " and even imprecations. This gentleman riveted his faith upon the telegraph-office, whither he implored John to go and get a boat, that being, in his opinion, a thing highly likely to be found upon the premises. John, however, paid not the smallest heed to either threats or entreaties, but continued his agricultural pursuits with a calm self-possession that did him credit. The cries of the energetic passenger, however, had the result of bringing to the spot a youth in a canoe of frail and riclcety appearance, who came, by his own statement, under the impression that the vessel was sinking, though why in that case he could not have chartered a more imposing craft did not appeal*. Matters continued in this condition until the monotony was broken by the appearance of the afternoon Port train in the distance, as it was hastily determined to convey by her knowledge of the catastrophe to those were awaiting the arrival of the Matau at Port Chalmers. The energetic passenger, who had by this time assumed total command of the vessel, and before whom all bowed, gave the word " Out handkerchiefs ! " and it was perceived that the suddonly-revoalcd cloud of cambric drew an answering signal from the rearmost carriage. Thenceforward the hearts of all on board grew lighter, and it was not long before the red funnel of the Maori was seen rounding the point. As she drew alongside, the calls of nature overcame the laudable desire to " stick to the ship," pud the Matau's decks were quickly deserted for the saloon of the now arrival. It was, tUore£ere ? fated that tjio uew Olutiia steamer

should make her first entrance into_ Port Chalmers in somewhat ignominious fashion— a fact that was fully recognised by a friendly but sardonic rescuing party who had put off in the Custom-house launch on the arrival of the train, and met the vessels coming in. All was, however, set right on reaching Mr Dodson's hotel, where the party found an excellent lunch prepared for them — a little the worse for waiting, but still excellent— which was certainly enjoyed more keenly by reason of the perils and hardships that had been braved. There was, of course^ under the circumstances little time or occasion for speechmaking, but Captain Cameron proposed success to the Matau. The accident that had occurred was one, he remarked, unfortunate in its immediate consequences, but really of little moment, and one that was liable to occur to any machinery. It reflected in no way upon the construction of the steamer, which he thought would be found admirably Buited for the trade for which she was designed. Mr Brydone, the chairman of the Board (who had arrived at Port Chalmers by train), responded, and endorsed Captain Cameron's remarks as to the nature of the accident.

d^he party then returned to town by the 5.15 tram.