NEW LIFEBOAT TO BE TESTED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18991, 10 February 1930, Page 9

NEW LIFEBOAT TO BE TESTED.

a* : . - CUSTOMS CLEARANCE NOT YET GRANTED. Up till noon to-day no clearance had been given by the Customs Departrtierit for Sumner’s new lifeboat, Rescue 11. The question of a clearance is under consideration at Wellington, and a reply is expected at any time. to the Customs tariff lifeboats do not come under the heading of life-saving appliances, such as rocket apparatus, guns for firing rope, lifebelts, etc. The tariff specifies that a boat or yacht built in England is subject to a 2 per cent duty,, plus 20 per cent primage. The crew, of the- lifeboat arrived at Lyttelton about 9 a.m. tp-day, hoping to obtain their clearance, but so far the agents of the ship have been instructed not to hand over the lifeboat until further instructions are received from Wellington. . It was the intention of the crew to give the lifeboat tests this morning, but unfortunately the tests' could - not be carried out owing to the mechanics not being able to start the engine. Some packing had got into the magneto, and prevented it working. It was hoped to get the engines going this afternoon, when the tests may be carried out, but unless a clearance is given this afternoon by the Customs Department, the boat will have to remain at Lyttelton in the meantime.

The Customs authorities, have no objection to the crew carrying out the tests, so long as the agents do not give delivery of the boat.