RECOVERY OF THE COOK STRAIT CABLE.

Evening Star, Issue 4021, 15 January 1876, Page 2

RECOVERY OF THE COOK STRAIT CABLE.

On Board the Luna, Thursday. Wc left the anchorage at Island Bay this morning at 2.30, and dropped the grapnel Once more. Shortly before sunrise, after dragging twice across the supposed line of the cable without succeeding in hooking anything, the grapnel was hauled on board. The souudings were as usual about ninety fathoms. Only about 170 fathoms of chain had been paid out, and some difference of opinion existed as to whether there had been sufficient cable out to allow the points of the grapnel to drag well on the bottom, so as to hold any obstruction. The appearance of the grapnel certainly indicated that enough chain had not been paid out, as it had not the same burnished appearance as was shown by the first grapnel. We hauled in once more, and put on the new and heavier grapnel brought from Home by the Tui, and in order that it might be closer to the bottom, and so obtain more holding power, it was shackled to fifty fathoms of ship's, chain, and thrown over for another dragging match. The ship was then about the same line as where the cable was hooked before, but half or threequarters of a mile on the White's Bay side. Just after breakfast, and when, according to calculation, we ought to be on the cable, it was noticed that the man at the wheel was not keeping the course, though the helm was hard down, and it was soon beyond a doubt that we were fast to the cable. From that moment until the cable showed above water there was the most anxious suspense, and it was during this critical period that Captain Fairchild's skill and seamanship came into play. He took every precaution to prevent any slip and surge in the hauling-in gear such as had occurred previously. As soon as the cable showed above water it was made fast, »o as to prevent ita breaking away when thd grapnel should be taken in. The cable was m good condition, but now, having caught it, there was a good deal of doubt as to whether it should be cut and tested, or under-run to discover whether we were on the Wellington or Blenheim side. It is-now noon, and preparations are being made to under-run the cable. The Tui, upon coming up, was kept alongside while the work of under-running was going on, to render any assistance that might be necessary. About one o'clock we reached the break and threw o\ or the buoy, the end of the cable being made fast to a chain which had been ready for it. All is now m good trim for joining the break, as the end can be picked up in half-an-hour.