THE KAIPARA MISHAP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2760, 8 February 1910, Page 5

THE KAIPARA MISHAP.

THE INQUIRE RESUMED. [Per Press Association. | Feb. 7. The Kaipara inquiv was resumed this morning. Thomas Dy:;c gave the result of soundings at me Railway Wharf. In no case did the soundings give less depth than the cnan, showed. Frank Walters, a diver, described, his visit to the berth occup.ed by the Kaipara at the Railway wharf. He found a large quantity of stone.,, weighing up to lewt, but none bore evidence of contact with & ship’s oottom or anything. "Walter was also examined as to tile shoal in. Kangitoto Channel. He said it protruded three or four feet above the sea bottom, ire saw grooves on the rock and patches of red paint. About thirty yards to the south-east he found another rock on winch was a piece of copper sheating. An officer from M.aI.S. Challenger deposed that a diver from the warship located a rock in the fairway, the highest point being seven feet above the bottom, and the depth of water above it 24 feet. According to the chart lie considered the Kaipara took a irnfe course.

CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS LET

WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. A contract was signed at Auckland yesterday for the structural repairs to tli© Kaipara. Messrs Hutchison and Campbell, of Wellington, are the successful tenderers at £6OOO. Fifteen new steel plates, each 2711 by 6ft, and weighing two tons each, are being imported from Australia. A considerable number of plates in the hull are to be cut and straightened, and some new frames put in. The shipping company will pay dock dues (£6O a. day) during the progress.of repairs, v. "hk h are to be completed in forty-two days, with apenalty of £6O a day for any further time which the work occupies. Messrs Adams and Co.’s plant at Auckland will be used, and some experts will go up from Wellington for the job. The contract does not include anything relating to repairs to the holds, or paint, ing, or recaulking.