H.— 15a

50

No. 17. —Return of Vessels surveyed for Seaworthiness — continued.

Date of Survey. JS ame ot Vessel. Where surveyed. Nature of Casualty, *c. 1907. .pri! 22, 23, 24, 26 8.s. Morayshire Dunedin On the 19th April, whilst proceeding from Port Chalmers to Dunedin, this vessel took the ground off Kilgour Point, Sawyer's Bay, through being out of the channel. Next morning she was floated off, after being about twelve hours aground. At Dunedin the vessel was surveyed and found to have received no material damage affecting her ( seaworthiness. Whilst this steamer was lying at the Wellington wharf, it was found, on examination, that a flaw had developed in the thrust-shaft, extending nearly the whole length of the thrust-bearing through the collars, and it also showed slightly in the body of the shaft in three of the recesses. The owners were advised to get a new shaft ready to be put in at the next survey, due in a week's time. The shaft was accordingly made and fitted in at the survey. On the 15th April a flaw was discovered in the crank-shaft of this vessel. A new shaft to replace the defective one was made and fitted. Whilst this vessel was lying in Auckland Harbour, the hand steering-gear was coupled up to insure its efficient working when required. It was left coupled up, and, immediately prior to the vessel's leaving that port on the 23rd April for Wellington, the steam steering-gear was tried, without unshipping the hand-gear. The result was that the two side-rod ends were wrenched off, the worm-screw was bent, the stand for the after-bracket was pushed out of position, the angle-iron broken, and front top of the lever quadrant for top levers broken. The steering-wheel was practically demolished. Necessary repairs were effected to make the steering-gear effective and seaworthy. While this vessel was on a voyage from Wellington to Dunedin, a fire occurred in No. 1 lower hold on the night of the 5th May. The hold was flooded with water, and cargo removed at Dunedin. An examination was made at Dunedin. The only damage done was to deck-planking, which was slightly charred, and two deck-beams, which were slightly buckled. This damage, however, did not affect the vessel's seaworthiness. While on a voyage from Dunedin to Herekino, this vessel grounded on the Herekino Bar on the 13th April. On the 18th April she was kedged off with her own anchors at high water, and proceeded to Helensville. She was placed on the slip at Helensville on the 20th April, when it was found that the planking on the port bilge was sprung, and required refastening and recaulking. The centreboard was also leaking badly; this required to be refastened and recaulked. The necessary repairs were effected. On the 21st December, 1906, while on a voyage from Liverpool to New Zealand, the furnaces of the main boilers of this vessel were found to be defective. Temporary repairs were effected at sea, and on arrival at Auckland the furnaces were further repaired, enabling the steamer to proceed to Dunedin. The vessel was detained at this port to fit nine new furnaces to replace the defective ones; on completion of the Work the boilers were inspected and tested by hydraulic pressure, and found satisfactory. While on a voyage from Dunedin to Invercargill on the 14th May, this vessel grounded in the channel, below Port Chalmers. She came off with her own engines on the 15th .May, and was surveyed on her arrival in Invercargill and fovind to have sustained no damage. ,, Eotomahana Wellington April 23 „ Storm April 26 Dunedin May 2 „ Zealandia Wellington May 6 ,, Mokoia Dunedin May Flower (ketch) Helensville May 13 . •- April 4 - May 16 Dunedin S.s. Surrey May 17 ,, Rimu Inveroargill