KAHU REFLOATED

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 29, 29 October 1919, Page 6

KAHU REFLOATED

AT ANCHORAGE IN WHANGAROA HARBOUR, Advice was received in Wellington yesterday that the Richardson steamer Kalm (oil charter to the Chatham Islands Fishing Co.) had been refloated from tho beach at AYhangaroa, where she was run ■ asiioro in a sinking condition, at noon last Saturday. The cargo is reported to be in good condition. Mr. E. L. Chatwin, manager for Mr. E. G. F. Zolirab, received the following wireless messages from tlio Chnthams yesterdav"Jvahu refloated: discharging Whangaroa; not leaking; now at anchor." A later message received stated: —"Captain discovered leak into engine room through telegraph casing being smashed: now ascertaining if hull is leaking." , ~ The Customs officer at the Chatham# is to hold a preliminary inquiry into the causes of the mishap, If a further inquiry has to bo held it will probably tako placo in New Zealand. THE VESSEL'S NARROW ESCAPE. jly Telecranh—Vroßs Ansnci.'itlon. Christchurch, October 28. The latent wireless advices from the Chathams state that after the k'ahu'3 iires were extinguished tlie vesse. was at tho mercy of the heavy seas, ami preparations were made to launch tjio •boats although all were of opinion that tho boats would not have lived in the rough sea. The stern of the vessel at this timo was practically under «atcr. The captain as a last resource put all hands In bailing the ship prior to abandoning her, and after strenuous eflorls the water in the stokehold was reduced, >\nd from this 011 the wafer was kept in check. The fires were relighted but coal had to bo handed down to the stokehold from the deck in bucket--. The captain's son, aged five, not understanding '..ho dangor, expressed disappointment that- the vessel was not sinking, as 110 wanted to see tho boats launched. Many of the crew and passengers had 110 sleep for GO hours. Tho cargo is being discharged 011 tiie beach at Whangaroa, aiul launches are arranging to convey supplies to Owenga, where tho food shortago is acute.

TO RETURN UNDER OWN STEAM. By Telegraph—l're=3 ,'sFOciation. Napier, October -JS. Advices received from tho Chathavns by Messrs. Richardson and Co. state that the Kaliu will return under her own. steam, leaving to-morrow. The leak has been located and the Kaliu is now seaworthy. The Mako is not now proceeding to the Chatham*. Messrs. Richardson. and Co. stale in reference to tho telegraphed account of the mishap in which it was said there were no pumps 011 the Kaliu. that the vessel carries pumps, which are surveyed annually, and oil this occasion were out of action by being choked with coal.