SENSATION AT PORT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11148, 5 August 1914, Page 6

SENSATION AT PORT.

FORT FIRES A SHOT. STEAMER DIDN'T STOP. With the departure of the Union Company's ferry steamer Wahine last night the regulations in regard to the examination of ships came into fprce. So as to denote to the officials off the fort that she had passed the test, the Wahine carried a red lamp on her foremast. Imvard steamers are also being examined. The coastal steamer Wakatu was the first inward craft to be subjected to the now regulations, and her arrival shortly before five o'clock this morning caused no little excitement to those in charge of Fort Jervois. In fact, it was found necessary to fire a shot across the bow of the steamer to inform those in charge that tho examining regulations were in force.

As far as can be ascertained, the vessel entered Godley Head about 4 a.m., and the authorities stationed on the hill, it is stated, signalled with a lamp for the vessel to pull up until the officers on the ship Cygnet could grant her exemption. Tho Wakatu, however, proceeded on her journey, and when off Fort Jervois tho authorities observed that she was not showing the exempt signals, and consequently a shot was fired from one of the guns across her how. Tho Wakatu still proceeded on to tho inner harbour without further incident.

In conversation with a reporter, Captain Wills, of tho Wakatu, said that when he left Kaikoura at four o'clock yesterday afternoon ho was not aware that tho examining regulations had been enforced at Lyttelton. He had not observed tho signals from off the heads, and this accounted for the steamer proceeding up tho harbour. However, when abreast of Fort Jervois, ho soon found that, a change had been effected in tho regulations.

The report of the gun caused a little excitement in the port this morning, and many of the residents wero awakened. It is not known what action the defence authorities or tho Lyttelton Harbour Board are likc-ly to take Til the matter. As a result of tho action of Fort Jervois in firing on the Wakatu at Lyttelton this morning, a departmental inquiry will bo held bv the Defence Department late this afternoon.