SERIES OF MISHAPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 594, 21 February 1929, Page 9

SERIES OF MISHAPS

DELAYS TO WESTMORELAND SLOW TRIP FROM ENGLAND Chiefiy as a result of engine trouble at sea, the steamer Westmoreland (Captain F. fcs. Hamilton), which arrived at Auckland this morning, took a week longer than usual to make the trip from Liverpool. The vessel had to put back a day. after sailing. The Westmoreland loaded at Glasgow, Avonmouth, Newport, and finally at Liverpool, which port was cleared on January 5. Trouble developed with one of the turbines next day and so the vessel put into Falmouth for four days. The vessel left Falmouth about January 10, but the turbine continued to give trouble. Further delay was caused when the vessel reached the island of Curacao, off Venezuela, to replenish her oil fuel supply. Owing to congestion at the fuelling berth, another day was lost. At Colon, the Westmoreland had to anchor for some hours before? passing through the canal, as only one lock is working at present owing to extensions being made. While at Cristobal, a cracked waterpipe leading to one of the boilers had to be repaired. Balboa was cleared finally on January 29. For the voyage, the vessel averaged 12 knots, instead of her usual 13i and 14. Th* whole trip, usually of 38 or 39 days' duration, occupied 45 days.