BACK IN WATER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 123, 26 May 1936, Page 8

BACK IN WATER

STEAMER RANGATIRA BIG REPAIR TASK COMPLETED [ Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, May 25. One of the Jnggest ship-repairing tasks ever tackled in New Zealand was brought to a successful conclusion this afternoon when the inter-island express steamer Rangatira was taken off the jubilee floating dock wnh her hull, which was badly damaged when the vessel struck a rock on Februarv 2. as sound and dry and as strong as the day she was launched. For well over three months the Rangatira has been on the dock, while a legion of workmen have been employed straightening and renewing the torn and broken plai.es of her hull. Now. with the last of the new plates riveted into position, her keel straightened and her frames in true alignment, the Rangatira has been thoroughly and permanently repaired. The aow rudder was placed in position several days «go, its removal having been necessary owing to the twisting of the stem girder. Access to this girder would have been hampered with the rudder in position and also it was discovered that the rounded plate behind the rudder had been damaged and needed attention. The Rangatira is to remain at Wellington for some weeks while internal overhauling and refitting will be done prio- to her resuming her running in the Welli ngton-Lyttelton «ervice.