MERCER.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1691, 20 July 1875, Page 2

MERCER.

(from otto own cobrespondent.)

Monday evening. The indefatigable manager of the Waikato Steam Navigation Company is making the most of time in trying to raise the sternwheel steamboat Kangiriri. To-day a party visited the sunken boat with the intention of determining the best mode of raising her. A diver was in attendance, who descended and examined the hull, «nd_ pronounced the damage to be small • the hole caused by fouling with the snag ia not sufficiently large to put one's hand through. The knowing ones are unanimous in saying she ought not to have been allowed to sink. The port sideof the Eaugiriri is resting on a snag about 14 feet from her bows, and from this point right aft there is no support. The starboard bilge is resting on the bank of. the channel, which is very steep, for about one-third of her length to the bow.s and stern without support. Her position is very precarious, and should the river fall much^—which at present there is no likelihood of its doing—the extra strain the Rarjgiriri would necessarily have to bear would be very detrimental to her safety. There have been several ways suggested for raising her by different engineers. Some are in favour of the simple old method of sinking large barges by her side, make fast, and pump the water out of them. Others are of opinion the best way will be to drive piles on either side, fix transverse beams, and lift with screws ; but the plan that seems to command most attention is to plug and bail. The task of raising her is entrusted to the Company's carpenter, Mr. Nicol, who is likely not to fail to give perfect satisfaction in this important work, having been well trained in the art of raising snagged barge 3.

The first consignment of 90 sacks coal wa3 carried over the Auckland and Mercer Railway on Saturday • the Railway agreeing to carry for 7s 6d per ton, as reported. This is a step in the right direction, by which the" people of Auckland city will largely benefit by getting a cheap good house coal, which will be thoroughly appreciated, especially as firewood and imported coal is so expensive.: Another reduction of 2s 6d in the carriage of coals and the foreign market would be closed. .