ON THE RUAHINE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 131, 27 October 1914, Page 4

ON THE RUAHINE.

STIRRING INCIDENTS. PABSKXUKBB ORDERED TO BOAT STATIONS. MAILS READY TO TRANSFER. Wellington, Yesterday. The Runtime came abreast of the Heads at 2.10 this morning, with the Wahino about a quarter of a mile in front, showing the way. The Harbourmaster (Captain Jolmson) boarded the disabled vessel about two miles from the Heads. IJis task, in tho heavy swell that was running, was 110 cas.v one. All haste was made to bring the vessel into port, anil she steamed down the harbour at 10 knots, and with a long sweep berthed quickly at the King's Wliarf. A HEAVY LIST.

Viewed from a launch opposite Worser Bay, the first sight of the vessel showed that she had an extraordinary list. "Times" representatives who boarded the vessel found cheese crates spread all over the decks, and a general sceno of confusion compared with'the snng appearance of the ship when she left port 011 Saturday. The cause of the 'list was that the cargo shifted badly through the inflow of water. When the leak was discovered the mails were at once removed, and then the cheese was brought up—or as much of it as was possible—out of the danger zone. Passengers willingly gave a hand in bringing up both mails and cheese. THE DAMAGE. Inquiries early this morning failed to elicit even ail approximate extent of the damage, but from tho extent tile water made, it must, be fairly considerable. The vessel itself was examined as. soon as she was berthed. There appears to be an impression amongst the crew that the vessel will have to be doeiced, as they say two or three plates <j.i (lie port side were strained, fn this case, the Ruahine will probably go to Tort Chalmers for repairs. CAUSE OF T£IE MISHAP. Nothing official was given out this 11101 as to the cause of the mishap. A significant reticence was observed bv Captain Forbes and his officers, who were absolutely resolute against a (ire of questions. The theory generally accepted, and given credence'by the engineers 011 the vessel, is that a refrigerating door, 2ft. x Ift. Gin., was inadvertently left unlocked before the vessel's departure, and this, being below the uater-line when loading wag completed, sprang open when tu« ship had been under uay for some .ictuis, causing fiie flooding of the 'tween decks. \ A rather startling . .:ee<ry was given a ••Tillies" represents.ear.y this morning by a tinrd-c.il.-: lie deel,lies that the ves-ei went n ir rou]hl when leaving the King's Wharf at no-.a on Saturday, and ti.ai *lie stuod praelieally still for some three minutes, rtlV;mg to shift eitln r «,«y. She churned up a great deal of mud, and the passenger considered that tiie rack of this experience had started some plates belo.v the water-line. When this theory w:is mentioned to one of the ofiieers, l,e said it was possible, but refused to conlinn the story that the vessel grounded. REMOVING THE CARGO. At 3.30 this morning the examination ol the vessel was still proceeding A gang of some sixty m.-n were at work as soon as berthing wa , completed >e moving the dairy produce from 'the Hooded holds. The fir.i sii,uj which eaine np appeared to have suffered little damage.

Discharge of the cargo will be. pro. cceded with with all haste.

xo ALARM OX YKSSEL.

BOATS PREPARED FOR KMERCJKXCY.

The leak was discovered and the vessel 3Jiead turned round for Welling ton at 7.J5 on Sunday morning. As soon as the ship turned back, before breakt> Captain Forbes assembled all tiie passengers in tlieir respective classes. To each c ass he addressed a short spceh urging them to remain calm. There w.i*' he said, no cause for alarm. Everything was being done to ensure their safcK 'nit precautionary methods must be taken. 11, 0 news was naturally received with some excitement, but the passengers kept their heads very creditably. a single lady fainted, and the ah-■-.enee ol alarm was no doubt due to the tactful attitude adopted by the cm tarn. J '

. The boats were got out, and the angers and crew took their stations. water-tight compartments were promptly closed. Everything was prepaid for the worst, and the Ruahiue !-pceued on her return course to Wellington. Happily, (ij e precautionary measure proved unnecessary. A number of the crew, assisted by soma of the male passengers, shifted the bulk ol the .-ar-o mto the starboard side of the ship, \s a result the ship stopped making water. \\ hen the Kuahine entered port she had a port of fully 15 degrees. It is stated that she left port with a slight .bat to starboard.

DECKS LITTERED WITIJ CARGO. Mhrn (lie vessel berthed (it 2.45 o clock Uus morning she presented a i' ''""'V appearance. The excitement 11,11 na t«rally kept, most of the passengers awake, and the decks, littered with cargo, contained scattered groups of men discussing the situation. Most of the ladies had retired to their cabins }! t,1(: sI "P entered the Heads. • \ small crowd assembled on the wharf to meet the lutahine, despite the lateness 7, ;™ I' V UI th ° r «' lie ' »' ™«« v t! lends and relations at tne safe return of which had been the subject (>r various rumours as to her fate was obvious. ; little delay as possible. How long the Buahine will b« deayed in New Zealand cannot ret lie stated, but it is not anticipated that it unl be more than a few days. "We am doing everything possible to make for as Ittle delay as possible," said Mr Billnll.l « nCS ", re P rcacn tative last n o ht and ive will despatch the vessel for Home at the earliest moment." T?,rV- ° VCr , * ytar "B°' wll(, n the Ruahmo was lying alongside No. 1 south (outer tee), Queen's Wharf. Welshe was run into by the Union Company's turbine steamer Maori 0 m >™ap occurred about 11.45 o'clock fioo\f aturday Tho with 600 passengers on board, backed out m l>erth No - * <J U<<S , 4