WESTMORELAND ARRIVES.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 April 1919, Page 6

WESTMORELAND ARRIVES.

WARTIME EXPERIENCE. The Federal-Shire steamer Westmoreland, which is at present berthed at the Queen’s Wharf, has had a most exciting career during the time that she has been running between England and New Zealand. On her maiden voyage, when she left England for Australia and New Zealand she was attacked by ra> submarine, which discharged a torpedo at her, but, owing to clover manoeuvring, the deadly missilel passed a fcw r feat astern. ' Upon her arrival in Auckland on September 29, 1.917, a fire broke out on board'as she lay at the King’s wharf. The fire had been smoldering for some time before the vessel reached port, but by closing the hatches the fire was kept

under. When endeavouring to remove the cargo in order to roach the fire flames broke out, and it required the attention of the City Fire Brigade for 13 hours before it was subdued. On that occasion cargo valued at nearly £50,000 was destroyed. In fact, ia*t one time it was thought the vessel would have to be sunk as she lay at the wharf. The outbreak of fire was not made public at tie time, owing to the then existing War Regulations. After completion of her discharge, the Westmoreland loaded foodstuffs for Home, and the voyage was uneventful until near the Irish coast, when she was attacked by a submarine. The first torpedo struck her abreast of No. 2 hold, on the starboard, and tore a huge hole in her side: she was- then immediately turned for shore, and was beached just in time. She was considerably damaged by the heavy seas ps she lay stranded on the beach, but she was later floated off and taken to Liverpool fo v repairs. After remaining in England for twelve months, the Westmoreland was agri’n requisitioned, and brought ever the Maori troops, who landed on -Sunday. —.