TARAWERA DELAYED.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1916, Page 5

TARAWERA DELAYED.

-■iltiHAP IN THE ENGINE-ROOM. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, March 6. A mishap which occurred to the steamer Tarawera just after' the vessel left Gisborne on Saturday, though not of a serious nature, provided the passengers with a certain ani'cuint of excitement. Shortly after leaving Gisborne a valve of the low-pressure cylinder broke and the vessel became unmanageable. Anchor was dropped, but failed to secure a hold. As the vessel drifted shorewards wireless calls for help were sent out, and distress signals burnt on the steamer. After the Tarawera had drifted five miles, and when the shore was only a mile away, to the joy of all on board the anchor held and the steamer came to a standstill. Shortly afterwards the steamer Mako answered the distress signals, but her services were then not required. Temporary repairs were effected, and the vessel proceeded on her way, although it was not possible for her to go astern had that been necessary. Passengers 011 the vessel were not alarmed at the mishap, despite the fact that the steamer had a narrow escape. The weather was fine, but there was a breeze blowing on shore and the officers were of opinion that if the anchor had not held when it did the steamer would certainly have gone aground. On arrival at Auckland the Tarawera, owing to being unable to go astern, had to have ,th« aasiitaiwe of » tux in berthing.