FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 71, 24 March 1934, Page 23

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Mysterious injuries to the ne.w express steamer Takapuna were reported in "The Post" of March 19, 1884. The ship was docked at Port Chalmers and, although no report of grounding or mishap of any kind had been given she was found to be extensively damaged. Her keel was twisted, and several of her stern bottom plates cracked, and bent. It later transpired that the vessel had struck the Opunake reef whilst going at full speed some two months before. She had cleared the reef and her double bottom had prevented serious leakage. Since then, the vessel had continued her service as usual until, docking had revealed the damage. There was much discussion fifty years ago about the poor nature of the immigrants' quarters on board several of the overseas ships. The Northumberland's steerage and immigrant accommodation, according to a reporter, was very inferior. There was a division of opinion between passengers regarding the Plymouth Depot, but several very condemnatory letters were written to "The Post" on the subject. The New Zealand Shipping Company's direct steamer Aorangi completed on March 14, 1884, a fast passage of 40 days' steaming time from Lyttelton to Plymouth. Her total passage time, including stoppages, was 42* days.

It was found that the damage sustained by the Adelaide, which had collided, with the Wairarapa when leaving Hobart, was greater than anticipated. Repairs to her bow cost £1000.