Shipping Delays.

Patea Mail, 3 May 1882, Page 3

Shipping Delays.

The manager of the Patea S.S. Coy. is in Wellington, and reports that the Wakatu steamer may be ready for sea in a- week, the damage by collision being of a nature tbat can be quickly repaired. It is found impracticable to charter another steamer for a short time; and if the Wakaku can be made seaworthy so soon as Mr Horner reports, the delay will not be serious. : : ;

Shippers are advised, in the meantime, that they can receive cargo from Wellington by way of Wanganui for 25s a ton ; and any delayed cargo will be forwarded, on instruction to that effect.

The payment of £2,500 insurance money on account of the Patea steamer, lately, wrecked, will be made without demur. .. , ; •

r. We learn that the Westport Colliery Company, whose steamer Ladybird ran into the Wakatn fit Wellington wharf, are willing to pay tor all damage done? but they object to pay for demurrage—that is for delay and expense incidetnal to the mishap. The Patea Company will have to press for compensation in addition to actual cost of repairs. How far the Patea Co. will be entitled to consequential damage—wages of crew while the steamer is laid up, and lbss of profit during detention—will be a legal question. Probably they may get compensation for wages paid;, but loss of profit which might have been earned is a contingency that lawyers might : fight over with doubtful results.