THE GREY BAR

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1930, Page 4

THE GREY BAR

STEWART SCHEME TRIAL. The tug Westland with tiie Stewart J machine on board had a trial run on the Grey bar yesterday.

Tne tug readied the bar at about--1.15 and shortly after the process started operations. Soon the effect of tiie plant became noticeable when the water became discoloured, and a large ’quantity of sand was driven to the surface, there to stay in suspension until taken to sea by the outgoing *.de. i lie govCel was then taken, astern seawards again for the purpose of having another trial against cue tine. It had not gone Jar when one of the cross beams to which the apparatus was affixed, snapped and ,» tne next moment a volume of water T poured over the stern as one of the nozzles swung to the surface. Those in the vicinity immediately clambered to the saler legions of the bridge. -A further mishap followed on this as the lines attached to the plant fouled the rudder and thy tug started to swing in towards the south tip. Fortunately the vessel can also- be steered by the paddles, and it. was by this means that she was righted; in her course.

The cause of uie accident was explained by Mr Stewart- to be due to one of the ~ftp?zle,s - striking the sand bank when the tug was drifting back. The strain caused the., cross to snap, carrying the'nozzle away from its fixings. An investigation' showed that none of the parts had been lost. After the mishap, Capt. Cox immediately turned the tug’s head for home, and ~ s -y tnree-quarterS of an hour after it had J. left, it was baclc’ again at the lagoon wharf. When the tug' reached the wharf again i t was ascertni lied that the damaged portions of tiie superstructure, which is a part of Mr Stewart’s scheme could he repaired. The damage will be repaired in time for another trial to-day. Soundings will be taken between 10 and 11 o’clock this morning, arid at 1.30 this afternoon another test' will be made.