FRAUD IN BALLAST.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 20, 16 July 1864, Page 4

FRAUD IN BALLAST.

The following letter (says the Auckland Southern Cross) from the Captain of the Dunraoro, wad received by Messrs. Thornton, Smith, and Firth, by the Fairy, yesterday, from Mongonui: — "Mcmgonui, June IS, 1564. " Dear Sirs, — T am sorry to tell you that I had to put into this place yesterday, through being defrauded in the weight of ballast. " Had the wind blown a little stronger, the Dunmore would have gone on her beam ends ; as it Mas, she went down on her broadside, but fortunately we succeeded in getting her beforo the wind, and sent down topgallant yards, and as much top hamper as possible, which enabled mo to get in here in safety, though close-reeled. " I must now take in forty or fifty tons more ballast : but, had I received the full quantity for which I paid, I could have gone to any part of the world with the ship, in perfect safety. " The ballast I paid for in Auckland is — Stones SS tons. Clay 43 tons. 131 tons. Taken on board at Adelaide 30 tons. Total 161 tons. " I do not believe that there is more than 120 tons in the ship, if that. The quantity I got in Adelaide I am positive is correct ; so that lam ; about forty-one tons short of the quantity I ought to have received in Auckland. " It is not only paying the ballast men for what we do not get, but the great danger to life and property that ensues. " Each of the ballast boats ought, to be marked or measured in some definite way, so that the masters of vessels could know for certain the quantity they were getting ; it would be much more satisfactory to both parties. I have only to add, it is more desirable that, for the safety of all concerned, some better rule shall be speedily in force. — I remain, dear sirs, yours respectfully, " Johx Robertson, " " Master Dumnore. " Messrs. Thornton, Smith, and Firth."