THE WESTMORELAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 41

THE WESTMORELAND.

ARRIVAL AT PORT CHALMERS. When leaving Bluff Harbour on Wednesday evening for Wellington the Federal Company's large cargo steamer Westmoreland struck the ground near Channel Rock. The damage sustained proved to be of such a serious nature that she was unable to complete the voyage to Wellington, but was forced to put in. to Port Chalmers yesterday morning for docking and repairs. Soon after the vessel left Bluff it was apparent that the damage done was not slight, but it was impossible to put back to the harbour on the falling tide, so it was decided that she should come on to Port Chalmers. Her trip up here, although an anxious one, was of an uneventful nature, pumps were successful in keeping the inrush of water in check. On her arrival at Port Chalmers her after draft was 25ft, while that forward was registered at 23ft. The vessel having a cruiser stern, as her draft is marked some little way along the side, and she had a slight starboard-list. The former measurement may have appeared greater than it really was. It was on the Westmoreland that the Maori Battalion returned to New Zealand and when' these troops had been landed at Auckland she sailed for Australia to discharge her cargo, and aleo to commence Homeward loading. On her arrival at Bluff from Adelaide, the vessel continued to take in Home cargo, and on leaving for Wellington she had on board 55.000 freight carcases of frozen meat, 18,009 crates of cheese, and a quantity of tallow, canned meats, wool, hemp, and skins. When the vessel left Bluff it was high water, and on steaming to the harbour outlet, she struck heavily in close proximity to that scene of so much trouble, the Channel Rock. This was the rock on which the Knight of the Garter was badly darnaged about six years ago, and the Union Company officials state that this particular rock has cost their company a good deal. The Westmoreland had not proceeded far from Bluff before it became apparent that the damage caused by taking the ground was severe, and the ballast tanks in the first, second, and third holds were full of water. The top of these tanks form the inner plating of the vessel's double bottom, and it is considered probable that they were keeping the vessel afloat. The bilges were kept clear by the bilge pumps, but on examination it was found that t! >re was a leak in the engine or boiler rooms, and on her way to Port special precautions were taken to have this leakage kept under control. The Lloyds surveyor (Mr A. Morrison), who met the vessel on her arrival, states that the pumping measures which were adopted to reduce the water would be able to cope with it, but they must be continued till she enters dock. Before the work of repair can be undertaken it is necessary to discharge the cargo, and this operation commenced at 1 p.m. on the fore hatch. Present indications are that the cargo is not damaged, but this cannot be definitely ascertained till the cargo is clear of the bottom of the_ holds. A difficulty has arisen as to the distribution of the cargo in the meantime. The Westmoreland was built on the Clyde in 1917. and has a gross tonnage of 9521 tons. Her length i? 437 ft. and her beam measures 60ft. She is fitted with the most modern appliances for haudlinur cargo, and has a wireless installation on board. This is the vessel's second trio to New Zealand. On her last visit to these shores a fire started on board on her Homeward trip, she was torpedoed, and ran ashore on the

beach at Whitehaven, where she underwent repairs. Captain' N. De la Cour Cornwall, R.N.R. who is in command, has had considerable experience in the New Zealand oversea trade, and has seen four and a-lialf years' war service iri the British Navy. The bilge pumps still continue to pour out a large quantity of water, but no further leakage has been noticed. SHAW-SAVILL AND ALBION LINE. The Shaw-Savill liner lonic sailed from Wellington at 8.10 a.m. on Saturday, fox London, via Panama. The Shaw-Savill and Albion liner Pakeha will complete her discharge at Lyttelton, and then visit Bluff, Timaru, and Wellington for Homeward loading, sailing about July 2 for London, via Panama. The latest announcement concerning the Arawa is that she will remain at Lyttelton till Tuesday or Wednesday for Homeward loading. The vessel is due at Port Chalmers on Thursday, and is to complete her loading at Wellington. She is expected to sail on June 17 for London, via Panama.