SHIPPING CASUALTY.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 101, 9 May 1885, Page 3

SHIPPING CASUALTY.

The Steamers Herald and Gairloon in Collision. A serious collision occurred in the Manukau on Sunday, May 3, between the steamers Gairloch, owned by the Northern Steamship Company, and the Herald, owned by Messrs Stone Bros, and Company. About I a.m the Herald, in charge of Captain Savox'y, left the Onehunga Whaif, bound for Greymouth in ballast. After she had gone about four miles she met the Gairloch, in charge of Captain MeArthur, inward bound, with cargo and passengers from Waitara. There is sorce doubt as to which vessel was in the right, but through some misunderstanding cr negligence they collided very heavily. The Herald came bow on to the Gairloch and struck her severely on the starboard bow, cutting her down from her rail to within a few inches of the water. The forecastle head was lifted bodily, the deck beam§ were all smashed, and the hull thrust all out of shape from the mainmast forward. So far as could be seen from the Gairloch the Herald escaped with little or no injury, and after getting clear she con* tinued her voyage. The Gairloch came on to Onehunga, which was reached safely, and is now laid up for repairs. Ifc is estimated that £1,000 will be required to place her in seagoing order again. Particulars of the mishap from a Gairloch point of view are that Captain Me Arthur saw the light 3 of the Herald before the collision and saw that she was making a course direct for his steamer. He says that he was on the right side of the channel, but seeing the dangerous proximity of the Herald he stopped the Gairloch and gave orders for the engines to go astern. This, however, did not avoid the collision, which took place as already recorded. An inquiry into the mishap will be held upon return of the Heraldfrom Greymouth, whenmore informa* tion will doubtless be forthcoming respecting its cause. The B.s. Herald returned to Onehunga soon after, and Captain Savory reports having experienced very heavy weather outside, which compelled him to put back, The only injury sustained by the Herald in the collision was the loss of part of ono anchor.