MISHAP TO BADEN POWELL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 130, 26 February 1920, Page 4

MISHAP TO BADEN POWELL

TOUCHER SOUTH.OF OPUNAKE. A- mishap befell the small steamer Baden Powell on her last trip from Wellington to New Plymouth. The vessel, left Wellington at 11.20 p.m.. on Tuesday, l'ebruarv 17, and from what could be gathered . yesterday, when 15 miles south of Oputiake early on February 19 a dark object was sighted ahead. The vessel was immediately headed out to sea, but it was too late, as she hit the object two or three times. The weather was. very thick at the time. According to statements, the cours6 sot should have'taken the vessel eight miles from land at Cape Egmont. On the remainder of the trip to N?w Plymouth the vessel made very little more water, than usual, and sho arrived at her destination at 12.15. p.m. on the same day. At the Taranaki port o divw went down aiiu found one. plank 'scraped, tho rudder unshipped; and lite, propeller blades bent. After some repairs had been effected at New Plymouth, the vessel left there at midnight on Monday for AVellington, arriving here at 3 a.m. yesterday. A diver made another inspection yesterday, after which ■it was decided that the damage was such , as to necessitate Hie- vessel undergoing i repairs before she could proceed to sea lagain. , ! At the time- of the mishap. Captain Hi P. Olson was temporarily ,in command, as Captain C. MncPherson was ashore, i having had to. tender evidence in a lawsuit.