SINGULAR ACCIDENT TO THE MARAROA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2480, 20 April 1909, Page 5

SINGULAR ACCIDENT TO THE MARAROA.

WELLIN GTO.N-L YTTE ETON SERVICE INTERRUPTED.

[PfcR Prices Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, April 19. This morning, while the engine of-the ferry steamer Mararoa was being examined, the startling discovery was made that the thrust-shaft was broken right across-. There had been no previous intimation of the fracture. The vessel made good steaming time on her last run down from vVellington, _ the engines working well and without hitch. She left Wellington -at. 11.5 p.m. on Saturday, and readied Lyttelton at 11.10 a.m. yesterday. The")break in the shaft is a somewhat extraordinary one. Usually the fracture in a vessel’s shaft is a longtitudinal or a diagonal one, and, in that case, it is possible to put -a patent coupling on, but in the case of the Mararoa, it would have been impossible to have done this. It is probable that had it not been discovered this morning, die break would have made its presence felt when the vessel made a start to leave the wharf. Had she got away to sea before it was discovered, the break would have rendered her helpless, and she would have gone adrift. The manager of the Union Steamship Company states that the break is a very serious one, and will probably 'keep the vessel in port for a week while a new thrust shaft is being fitted. • , As there is no other vessel available to-day to take up the running of the Mararoa. there will be no ferry steamed leaving Lyttelton for Wellington to-night. The Union Company has, however, made the necessary arrangements to enable the ferry service'to be maintained after to-day. The '» ai-k-’re leaving Wellington to-morrow night, will await the arrival of the northern express and will sail at 8 p.m. for Lyttelton. The Malieno leaving Lvttelton for Wellington on VYednesdav evening, will await the arrival o the first express from Dunedm. ibe Pateena will leave Wellington on Thursday night at 8 o'cloex, and uiU continue in the ferry service until the Mararoa is ready to resume running.