SHORT OF COAL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12618, 1 December 1926, Page 9

SHORT OF COAL

HARMATTAN PUTS BACK HARD BATTLEIN HEAVY SEAS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, November 30. With her supply of bunker coal running low, the joritish tramp steamer J.l arinattan returned to- AuoKland tins alternoou. Since leaving this port live and a-half days ago, the vessel has had a long battle with tremendous seus, being driven a considerable distance off ner course. The Harmuttan, which recently discharged a sugar cargo at Chelsea, left Auckland on Wednesday afternoon, bound for Newcastle. She was in light trim and made good time for the early part of the voyage. Favourable weather was experienced until the vessel was in the vicinity of North Cape, when the wind freshened from the west and gradually increased in force until by mid-day on Friday it was blowing a full gale. The wind caused the Harmattan to roll heavily, but as the ship was floating very high only light sprays were shipped on deck. Early on Friday afternoon the vessel was in a position approximately 90 miles west of Cape Maria Van Diemeh, and was making only four and a-half knots owing to the ship's fight condition and the heavy sea that was running. The steamer’s propeller was continually racing, and in order to increase the vessel’s draught No. 4 hold was flooded. On board the steamer the crew had an unenviable experience. “She rolled worse than ever before,’’ remarked a member of the ship’s company to-day. Preparing and eating meals was no easy task. Huge seas smashed against tho ship’s sides, but only small quantities oif spray readied her decks. In No. 4 hold tho water which had been pumped in to increase tho ship’s draught was splashing high up against the hatch cover. There was no improvement in the conditions on Saturday. The Harmattan continued to roll and strain heavily, and on Sunday morning when the vessel was about 150 miles in a northwesterly direction from Cape Maria it was discovered that tho ship had not sufficient coal in her bunkers to allow her to completo her voyage. Accordingly, the vessel put about and mado for Auckland. About noon on Sunday tho wind shifted to the southwest, but continued to blow with galeforce, and not until yesterday afternoon did it show any signs of oasing up. From the vicinity of Capo Maria until after passing North Cape tho Harmattan experienced strong winds and rough seas, but the wind then shifted to the south and the remainder of the return trip to Auckland was made under more favourable conditions. From noon on Saturday until 9.30 a.m. on Sunday the steamer’s speed averaged only 2.6 knots, and this poor speed was not all progress, for tl.ic vessel was driven a considerable distance north on Sunday, being as far as 120 miles off her course. Despite her severe buffeting, the Harmatinn, which is owned bv Willis Steam Shipping Company, of London, escaped damage. Under ordinary circumstances she would have arrived at Newcastle this morning. On arrival this afternoon’ the Harmattan anchored in {ho stream, where she is hunkering from tho Hikurangi. She will probably take her departure for Newcastle to-morrow. ncoulcrs are asked to kindly keep Saturday evening, December 11th, free. Arrangements are well in hand for an excellent evening’s programme for Ihe final social before Christmas. Ladies kindly bring a basket. Father Christmas has a gift for all. * * ■* * Kindly forward Toil:- notes to C. M'-i'cben. “Ithaca,” Thorndon quay, on or before Monday of each week.