A DAIRY NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10180, 15 June 1911, Page 3

A DAIRY NIGHT.

THE MAORI IN A GALE. Ever since the Union Company's turbine steamer Maori entered, the Wellington-Lytteh on ferry service there iias been plenty of conjecture as to how she -would behave in really dirty weather. Why there should be, any doubt a,s to her ability to '"'sou it out" is not clear, lor on many occasions she Ims come through strong gales and she has rarely been behind her schedule time for arriving at Lytieltoii. The people at Lytteltou have, been so accustomed ,to seeing her signal on the flagstaff at an early hour in the morning that her late arrival is a matter of grave concern. This morning the "early bird" was not signalled until after seven o'clock, and this was evidence that she must have encountered the gale which was raging along the coast yesterday.

As the Maori came alongside tlio wharf her big rod funnels' provided sufficient visible proof that, she had had a rough night. Tho little iron flagpole above her sharp how was badly twisted and them were, other signs of damage. To a representatives of this journal Captain T. .). Aldwell gave an account of the vessel's experience. "We left Wellington at eight o'clock." said the captain., '* and at once felt the effects of the strong wind, and it was not long before every "passenger resorted to bis bed, preparatory to having a '' good time' across tho strait. The "Wellington Heads were cleared about half-past eight. Tile strait, proved ' pretty dirty.' but lite shin fought along steadily until about ten minutes to nine. "We. won' then four miles from the Head*, and suddenly in front of her bow a huge rolling wave came along, and in a moment swept the fore-deck. Tt struck the partition and woodwork iu front of the bridge on "ill** lower and upper decks, tearing away some of the timber. A hiwser reel, which was fastened to the deck by bolts, was buckled by the impact. Two windows on the. port side of the social ball, although protected with shades and floors, were smashed in id the water found its way inside, flooding the room. The engines were at once slowed to two knots, and for several hours only steering way wa ,; kept on the vessel. About half-past on-' this morning the gnle moderated and the order For full speed -was rung on the telegraph. The Maori, little the worse for her buffeting, steamed along steadily and reached Lyttolton at. ten minutes lo nine."

Captain Aldwell further stated that the Maori bad experienced stronger gales than last, evening's, but on no previous occasion bad the wind Won so gusty. The steamer behaved splendidly, and this was the firsl lime the Maori had been damaged >ipco she entered • the ferry service. She will leave for Wellington this evening at the appointed time.