SUPPLIES FOR CHRISTMAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 6

SUPPLIES FOR CHRISTMAS

CARGO DAMAGED IN HOLD OF SHIP P.A. GISBORNE, Dec. 8. A considerable amount of cargo, including Christmas goods, dried fruits, and biscuits, was damaged by sea water which penetrated the hold of the coastal vessel Margaret, which reached Gisborne during the week-end. The water apparently entered through a fracture of the deck engine intake pipe while the ship was working at the Gisborne wharf.

The ship encountered heavy seas in the Bay of Plenty, and presumably the cargo, heaving against the steel shield protecting the inlet pipe, broke it, and vibration of the working deck engine completed the damage. The water rose to an average of 18 inches in the holds. When the damage was discovered the bilge pumps soon lowered the level of the water. It is reported that consignments of dried fruit, biscuits, and other Christmas goods on the lower tier of the hold were hopelessly ruined by water and the fumes of chemicals dissolved by the water. Health Department officers inspected the damaged cargo and took steps to ensure that none went into circulation without complete examination..

The watersiders who discharged the bulk of the damaged cargo raised the question of compensation for damage to their boots and clothing, and, pending a settlement of this issue, the holds were covered.