CARGO OF AIR BOMBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 268, 13 November 1945, Page 4

CARGO OF AIR BOMBS

MUNITION SHIP ARRIVES AT WANGANUI FRIST IN PORT S HISTORY. Normally loaded with nothing more potent than cement from Tarakohe, the Anchor Company’s coastal motorship Nikau was flying the red “powder” flag from her signal halyards amidships as she lay alongside the Town Wharf yesterday. She had made history for the port the previous day by being the first munition ship to arrive at Wanganui. Instead of bags of cement under her hatches, the Nikau had a load of live bombs, with a deck cargo ol detonators, fuses and hand grenades, all of which were loaded at Nelson on Saturday and consigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Station, Ohakea. The entire cargo was from the R.N.Z.A.F. station at Nelson which ceased operations after the war and is now being disbanded. Though fully loaded with high explosives and capable of a lot of damage if used for the purpose originally intended, the bombs were without detonators or fuses, all of which were packed separately and segregated from the main cargo. Unloading of the vessel at the Town Wharf yesterday morning was carried out in the normal way, but Air Force personnel were in attendance to check the bombs and take delivery. Trucks were used to transport the cargo by road to Ohakea. Most of the bombs were of 2501 b. type, but there was a large number of 5001 b. specimens, several 251 b. bombs, and a number of 201 b. packed in cases. The total we.ght of the cargo was about. 105 tons. Detonators and fuses were packed in sealed tins in such a way that normal movement would not affect them. These tins were carried in wooden boxes and securely lashetk as deck cargo when the ship IcYt Nelson. They were perhaps the most vulnerable part of the vessel’s cargo and care had to be exercised in unloading. So far as can be ascertained, no 1 other ship loaded entirely with explosives or munitions of war has ever discharged at Wanganui, most cargoes of this nature being handled at the . main ports. I Apart from a red light suspended ’ i L.bove her wheelhouse as she Jay at I ’the Town Wharf on Sunday night j ■ there was nothing to indicate that the; i Nikau carried other than her usual ! , cargo. This red light, replaced by a i ied flag during the day, is required by ■ Marine Department regulations in all leases of shins loaded with explosives. j The Nikau is a well-known coastal vessel of 248 tons gross register and is

a frequent visitor to Wanganui. Before her conversion from steam to Diesel engines in 1935 she was fitted with passenger accommodation. Some years ago she was engaged in the passenger service between Wellington and Nelson. As such she gained a reputation for her ability to cross Cook Strait in heavy weather.