A CLOSE SHAVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1922, Page 1

A CLOSE SHAVE.

•KARORI STRIKES GREY BAR.

(Grey Argus.)

To many people who lined the wharf and the pathway leading to the South tip at 5 p.m. yesterday it appeared as if here was to be yet another wreck recorded here, for, during her passage over tho bar at that hour tlie s.s. Karorji struck bottom rather heavily three times, and appeared as if she would lose weight and drift on to the South tip. It was only with the assistance of the tug Westland that she was enabled to become extricated from a very awkward predicament. Sound ings were taken on the bar yesterday afternoon and a depth of 20ft. 7in. was reported. As the Karon was drawing ]Bft Sin it was decided—being only 2ft. Jin to come and go on—to convey her over the bar with the aid of the tug. Tho passage down the river was negotiated safely ' enough, hut when tlie larger vessel arrived at the bar, a blast from her whistle signified that sli<\ had touched. This fact is not surprising in view of Tlie small scope she linff over her draught. A second blast of the whistle followed almost immcdiaely. and it was not necessary, for it could be plainly seen that the ship had struck. She remained stationary for nearly half a minute, during which period the bow swung around towards the South tip, and it looked as if the vessel was going to drift on to the tip. With the aid of the tug. however, the bow was righted and the Karori allowed to proceed. A further whistle indicated a third hump, the blow being a comparatively light, and after a short pause, cleared the dangerous area and resumed her course. Although tho incident was not of lengthy duration the Karon's passage afforded tho speetntors—and no doubt those on hoard—several minutes’ anxiety. Had the tug not been attached to the vessel the latter could not have righted her bow wlien it swung around to the southward.

Tho experience of the Karori emphasises tbo necessity of engaging tlie services of the Harbour Board’s tug when largo vessels are entering and departing from the port. There is little water on tho bar at present as a result of the absence of heavy rains, which have the effect of scouring the silting of the liar on periodical occasions* , The Karori. a vessel of 1191 tons had been in port for several days loading coal and timber. She will discharge « quantity at Lyttelton and then proceed to Miramar to complete.