Launch Overloaded

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 5, 9 December 1947, Page 5

Launch Overloaded

No More Mutton Birding Trips In Port Whakatane Following a complaint from the Surveyor of Ships and the Harbourmaster, Captain Carey, that the mutton birders on the recent Whale Island trips had insisted on overloading the Port Whakatane and generally shown little consideration for • the launch’s passenger license or her skipper’s wishes, the Harbour Board decided on Friday to instruct the secretary to advise the Maoris that, owing to their lack of organisation and the behaviour of some of them, the Board would be unable to provide a service in future.

Having pointed out that a breach of the Act had been committed, the Surveyor’s letter continued, “With reference to further charters in connection with the mutton birders, I should be glad if you would have a meeting with the elders of the Pa and .advise them of the conditions of loading of the vessel, which is good, for 28 passengers, and when cargo is carried at the same time one passenger should be taken off for every 1501 b. of cargo carried. On one return trip, last time the island was visited, I counted 35 passengers together with about eight bags of stones (weighing lcwt each) and all the miscellaneous gear—an estimate of 15 passengers more than should be carried—a' 53 per cent, overload. On one occasion when the launch was about to depart Captain Carey sought my assistance in regard to overloading and in accordance with the power conferi’ed on the pei’manent Head of my department I gave orders that the vessel should not leave the wharf. I would like to add that my association with your launchmaster has been cordial at all times, and I appreciate the co-operation given by this officer.”

Captain Carey said he did not mind carrying cargo in the proper place, but it should be stowed below for ballast. On one occasion the birders had heaved such a weight on deck he had had to tie the vesel to the wharf to stop her rolling over. Twice at the island over-eager passengers had overloaded and swamped the dinghy.

So far as oveidoading the launch was conceimed, he said he had been quite powerless to prevent it. There seemed to be only one man with any authority amongst the Maoris and he had done his best, but had failed to control the mob. Captain Carey confirmed that he had had to appeal to the Surveyor one one occasion. He was emphatic that unless the expedition was better organised he would not take it on again. The chairman, Mr Boon, said he thought the Board should meet the Maori elders to see if better control could be established.

Mr W. Hunter.was for teling them to make their own arrangements without the Harbour Board launch, and it was finally agreed to fell them that, owing to present conditions, lack of organisation and the behaviour of an unruly section, the Board would be unable to continue the service.