TRIP IN A TEMPEST.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1886, 21 October 1913, Page 6

TRIP IN A TEMPEST.

MONOWAI TK THE BAY OF ■ PLENTY. (By Tolojjrapll.-■£lWin 1 OoTTcimo'ndpnt.) Auckland, October 20. Tlie Monowai did not reach port until nearly 6 p.m. yesterday from southern ports, having encountered a heavy gale after .rounding East Capo on Saturday evening. Some idea of tlio nature of the st-orm may bo gathered from the fact that the passago from Gisborno to Auckland occupied over AO hours, which, in fiuo weather, is usually accomplished hy this vessel in 20 hours. Captain White Parsons reported thati his vessel cleared the Gisborno Bond" stead shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday, the wind thon blowing strongly from' the. north-east. Tokomaru Bay, in which a sea was running, was worked; with considerable difficulty. East Capo was rounded at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and tho wind gradually increased to a' strong galo from tho north-west, while r high confused sea prevailed. Tho Monowai battled on against the elements. but, so heavy were the seas, that she only logged GJ knots for most of the time. All went well, however. until 3.30 a.m. yesterday,.the jfonowai being then half-way across the Day of Plenty. Here a huge sea broke Tight over tho foredeck, carrying almost everything movable before it. ' Tho wafer to*©:two ventilators from their fastenings oil the foredeck, .and swept wooden gratings and heavy coils of ropo right along the deck. It iwurcd down tho forecastle in cataracts, completely saturating tho crow's quarters, while the captain's cabin and purser's office and cabin were almost knee-deep in water. A jjreat .nortion of tho deck cargo broke loose from its lashing, and. Some wont over tho side. lii tiro swirl \ of waters the crew managed to secure the greater portion of the dech cargo, and it was relnshed. Tho ftalo moderated as tho vessel neared 1 Mercury Island', and she was then able to steam at her usual speed. The Monowai has tho .reputation of hointr a good sen-boat, and Captain AYliito Parsons reported l that she behaved splendidly throughout tho gale.