OCEAN ISLAND PHOSPHATE

Wanganui Chronicle, 25 February 1947, Page 8

OCEAN ISLAND PHOSPHATE

CARGO ON WAY TO AUCKLAND BY LIMPING SHIP (P A * Auckland, Feb. 23. With one engine out of commission . the Bank Line’s 5154 ton motor-ship Olivebank is steaming at half speed for Auckland to discharge the firm cargo of Ocean Island phosphate to enter the port since early in the war. One of the vessel’s twin propellers struck an object when she was steaming from Nauru to Ocean Island. She loaded a full cargo at Ocean Island and is making 5b knots on Ihe voyage to Auckland where she is expected on Friday. The Olivebank will enter the Calliope Dock for repairs. Still recovering from the effects of wartime sea attacks and Japanese,occupation, Nauru and Ocean Islands resumed exporting phosphates last August. In September the first Nauru shipment arrived at Auckland in the Moray Bank. As Auckland has been drawing largely on phosphate supplies from the French Pacific possession of Makatea, no further shipment has since arrived from Nauru and that carried by the Olivebank is only the | second sent from the group. Because it has been impossible to obtain a chief steward and three firemen to complete the crew of the BankLine’s 7292-ton steamer, Hazelbank, at Auckland plans are being made to fly replacements from Sydney. The Hazelbank has beefl waiting since February 16 to leave for Makatea, where she will load a phosphate cargo, and she has been at anchor in th« stream for a week. The vessel arrived at Auckland from Newcastle on February 8, to load stores and to receive engine repairs. Strenuous efforts have been made in New Zealand to complete her crew' but it is stated that no suitable men have been available.