RATA SCHEDULED TO LOAD FOR WANGANUI AT GREYMOUTH MONDAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 September 1950, Page 4

RATA SCHEDULED TO LOAD FOR WANGANUI AT GREYMOUTH MONDAY

Advice that the coastal steamer Rata, at present discharging at New Plymouth would load at Greymouth for Castlecliff on Monday was received by the ship’s agents yesterday. The vessel will bring relief to the acute coal shortage at the gaswarlcs. which in the meantime are carrying on with practically exhausted stocks.

The engineer and manager. Mr J. W. Atkinson, said yesterdav that the position was unchanged. The works wore existing on a hand-to-mou'th basis with coal which was being discharged from the Rata at New Plymouth.

Some of the coal, said Mr A'rkinson. was unloaded yesterday morning and was expected at Wanganui early today by rail. Onlv a small portion of the New Plymouth consignment was being sent, to Wanganui, but it should be enough to see the works through till the Rata arrived at Castlecliff next week.

In 'the meantime, pressure was being cut in the mornings but not at meal times. "The dribble of coal we are getting from New Plymouh is just enough to keep us going on present production.” said Mr Atkinson, " there Is no change In the position.” The Rata has a carrying capacity of 809 tons of coal. It is hoped that the vessel will complete discharge at New Plvmou'th todav and be in Greymouth in time to begin loading for Wanganui on Monday morning.