A COLLISION.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1938, 22 December 1913, Page 5

A COLLISION.

.: MAORI HITS THE'EUAHINE. • Ton minutes after drawing out from her berth, No. 4 Queen's Wharf, on Saturday night, the ferry steamer Maori struck'; how on, the New Zealand Shipping Company's liner lluahine, amidships. Tho liner was lying at berth No. 1 south, Queen's Wharf. Taking into consideration the positions of the two vessels,. such an accident appears hardly credible, hut when it- is assumed that tho steering gear of the Maori went wrong, such a mishap would bo possible, -The Maori hanked out from her berth at .11.30 p.m., bound for Lytielton, and a full ship, as far as passenger accommodation was concerned. Everything appeared to bo all light when the last ropo was cast off. It is understood that shortly after the order had been given for "ahead," the vessel's bow rudder jammed, and sho swung round and' hit the Riiahino just abreast of her bridge. The fresh southerly which prevailed at the time probably caused tho vessel to swing a. little more than sho would have done lmd there been no wind.

■ When seen by a reporter Captain F. Forbes, of the Ruahinc. stated thai the accident happened at about 11,40 p.m. He did not know the cause, but ho attributed the mishap to the strong southerly wind. .

Mr. Blair, representing the British Corporation, examined the Rtiahin-e yesterday and found that two plates, just above the waterlirie, had been badly buckled. This would not affect the'vessel at all. Temporary repairs could bo effected in New Zealand, and these v.ould be completed when tile vessel arrived Home.

After tiie mishap the Maori went out into the stream, and waited at anchor there until 5.5 a.m. yesterday when she left for Lyttelton.

Cantain Manning, ivho is in command, sent a wireless message to the Union Company, notifying them of the accident, and stating that tho vessel had .sustained very little damage, and

was proceeding south. It is understood that the vessel's stem is somewhat bent, as a result of the collision. It is probable that the Maori will bo docked at the southern port- for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of tho damase ■ sustained. Tho'Maori arrived- at .Lyttelton at 5,25 p.m. yesterday.

. Tlrt Ruahine left for Lyttelton at neon: yesterday.