WRECK OF THE S.S. TAUPO.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 271, 21 February 1879, Page 2

WRECK OF THE S.S. TAUPO.

[By Telegkai>h.]

(Times' Special Wire.)

Tauranga, Feb. 18

The s.s. Taupo went ashore about 7 o'clock this morning when entering the harbor. There was great excitement here when she was reported ashore. The s.s. Katikati at once went to her assistance. She lies about a stone's throw off the beach of Mount Maungatapu, with a big hoie in her bottom.

The steamer Taupo is on a rock at Stoney Point, at the entrance of-the harbor. The mails and passengers were landed all safe. The engine-room is full of water, but the other compartments are dry. It is hoped that it will be able to remove her to a safe position at the next tide. Later.

Mr Walter Bishop, a passenger, sapplies the following account of the wreck: —The Taupo left Auckland yesterday at five o'clock p.m., and had a good run and fine weather down the coast. En- | tered Tauranga Heads about a quarter "to seven this morning, against a strong ebb tide. When passing Stoney Point reef about 100 yards from Monganui Hill the vessel struck heavily, and remained fast. The engines were at once stopped, and in a few minutes the fires were extinguished by the influx of water into the engine-room. Anticipating serious injury to the vessel's bottom, immediate preparations were made to land the passengers and mails. Boats were quickly lowered, and within twenty minutes all passengers, mails, and a quantity of luggage were safely ashore whence they were taken to Tauranga by .the Katikati. From subsequent examination the vessel has apparently, struck a reef immediately under the engineroom, which, with the middle compartments, are dry at Jow water. Soundings giye two fathoms of water all round at low tide. She is hanging amidships on a shallow.patch of big round boulders. Strong hopes are entenSined that the vessel will float off next tide. In the meantime lighters are busy relieving her of cargo and coal. The officers and crew were most energetic in their efforts to relieve the vessel. Great praise is especially due to Mr Garrard, chief officer, for his prompt and unremitting exertions in getting the boats out and landing passengers, which was done without confusion. The accident was caused by the vessel's head suddenly canting shorewards when steaming in the strong tide-rip at the most critical point in the channel. General sympathy is felt for Captain Cromarty under the circumstances, which are considered purely accidental and unavoidable. Dunudix, Feb. 18. Captain Cromarty has been in command since Captain Andrews left, three months since. He came out from Home in the Taupo as chief officer nearly four ' years ago. The Company "intend to abandon her to the Underwriters. Wellington, Feb. 19. The Secretary of the Post-office received the following from Tauranga last night:—"The Taupo would not float at high water. The cargo is still being discharged. Another effort will be made next tide. If the weather ; kpeps -fine she may be got off, but if is very doubtful. There are several holes in the steamer's bottom, and she is now full of water... The least swell would probably break her back."

The. Hawea returns South oh Friday. The Napier mails will be sent overland; those for the South wUI go by tue

Havrea.