THE TUG SOUTHLAND

Southland Times, Issue 20396, 27 January 1928, Page 7

THE TUG SOUTHLAND

TROUBLE WITH OIL VALVE. LATER TRIAL SATISFACTORY. At the conclusion of the Bluff Harbour Board meeting yesterday afternoon members of the board were invited to go out for a spin on the Southland, which was being taken for a trial run after three weeks’ repair work following on her breakdown at the beginning of the month. Members were keen to avail themselves of the opportunity and together with a few others interested went aboard, the Southland’s engines picking up their usual deep throated hum as she swung from her berth and headed out to the channel. Members were heard to express admiration of her powerful engines and were congratulating themselves on being permitted to see her perform her smart evolutions at sea when without warning the engines stopped and the tug was left without power in the channel just opposite the Southland Cool Stores and about half a mile from the main wharf. An anchor was promptly thrown out and the vessel- was firmly held against the strong tide whilst the engineers sought to remedy the defect.

Few of the passengers realised that anything was amiss for a few moments. When rumours that engine trouble was the cause of the stop began to go round, the passengers wondered how long they would have to stay at sea. To their relief the Harbour Board’s launch put out from the wharf and in a few moments came alongside and took a large number ashore, returning in a short time for the balance of those who were in a hurry to get back to town.

After another twenty minutes the engineers adjusted the difficulties and the engines roared once more. The anchor was taken in land under her own power the Southland reached her berth, discharging the remainder of her passengers and putting to sea again. She was put through her paces satisfactorily no further trouble being experienced. From particulars to hand the trouble appears to have been with an oil valve on the second for’ard cylinder on the port aide, and has no connection with the former trouble experienced on her previous breakdown. The matter is a minor one and has been adjusted. It is stated that there is little fear of a similar occurrence in the future. The board has announced that the Southland will take up the running to-morrow.