A SAFE DEPARTURE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12519, 22 April 1909, Page 2

A SAFE DEPARTURE.

The IS.Z. Shipping Company's steamer Rakaia sailed ycsteidav morning at ten o'clock, the' weather conditions being perfect.. Somo hundreds of spectators assembled at the Port to -witness the departure, and as the vessel rnored from the wharf cheers vero givoil, and responded to by those on board the vessel. ' The passage from the wharf down harbour and through the cut occupied just eight minutes, and so easily did the ship take the long sweep and pass through the channel, that the only features removing the occurrence from the absolutely commonplace was the size of the vessel and the importance attached to her presence in the harbour. The Koi preceded the big vessel with a tow line attached in order to pull the how round had it been necessary -for such assistance 1 in negotiating the channel.

The- 'spectators assembled on the railway wharf witnessed scenes similar to those enacted at all ports on the departure of the big steamers. Great amusement was caused by the calamities which befel some of the crew who came to the gangway in a state of semi or complete intoxication. Most of _ these men appeared to be endeavoring 'to carry liquor aboard. One lost liis /bottle as he was being as.sistcd on the gangway, and had it smashed agains tthe vessel's side; another had his bottle taken as soon as he reached the deck, the officer tossing it overboard ; and the last of the ship's company aboard objected to ascend the gangway, which iras raised with the obstructionist, hold in tho arms of an officer and one of the crow, still upon it. When tho level of th© rail was reached a dozen hands seized him, and he was hoisted bodily, .'heels first v over the side and dumped on the deck.