KAITUNA DELAYED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3806, 22 February 1927, Page 23

KAITUNA DELAYED.

CREW ALLEGE UNSEAWORTHINESS. „ . AUCKLAND, February 16. lhe Union Company’s steamer Kaituna has been delayed at Auckland for two days owing to the crew refusing to take the vessel to sea. They allege she is unseaworthy, and request'.that an inquiry into the matter should be held. The officials of the company have been in communication with the Marine Department, and it is understood that a reply received states that the Kaituna is seaworthy, and has been granted a certificate to that effect. The company is hopeful that the vessel will take her departure to-day. An accident occurred to the Kaituna on October lo last, when she grounded twice in succession at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. After she had been refloated a few hours later she unloaded coal at The Mount wharf. On October 17 the vessel reached Auckland, and has been in port ever since. During November and December extensive repairs were carried out, and at the beginning of the year she was certified as seaworthy. Owing to her services not being then required she went to anchorage off Point Resolution. The Kaituna was recommissioned on Monday in order to load cement at Portland for southern ports, and the same afternoon she was moved to. Princes Wharf to take in stores and embark a new crew. The complaint about her being unseaworthy was made after the crew had signed on the ship’s articles. Owing to the delay to the Kaituna the Kauri is to take the loading berth at Portland. As a consequence, if the Kaituna sails to-day, it will be for another port. CREW REMAIN OBDURATE. AUCKLAND, February 17. The Union Company’s steamer Kaituna is still delayed in Auckland owing to the refusal of the crew to take her to sea. on the ground that she is not seaworthy. The (tew again declined to accept the Marine Department’s certificate that the vessel was seaworhy, and said they were waiting further assurance on the point. It is understood that the views of the seamen were presented to the Minister of Marine, but his reply was not considered satisfactory. The company is hopeful that the Kaituna will be despatched fur Westport to-morrow.