YESTERDAY'S TELEGRAMS

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 934, 22 June 1877, Page 2

YESTERDAY'S TELEGRAMS

INTERPROYIN OIAL. [per press agency.] Narrow Escape of the Steamer Wellington. Auckland, June 21. Mr Lusk, M.H.R., addressed the Franklin electors last evening. He advocates a scheme of colonial compulsory education. He said separation was the only solution of the present difficulties. He condemned the system of Resident Ministers, but was doubtful of the utility of the proposed substitution of a Board of Works for each province. He thought the principle of the Native Lands Bill was good, but placed too much power in the hands of the Judges. He received a vote of confidence. Captain Lloyd, of the steamer Wellington, reports that that vessel very narrowly escaped being wrecked on the Manukau bar when she attempted to enter last Sunday. At one o’clock the signal “ take the bar” was made from the look-out station, and Captain Lloyd immediately set the topsail and steamed for the south entrance. On approaching the bar it was found that the sea was very heavy and the tide had begun to ebb. When the steamer was right over the first break a tremendous green wave struck her on the port quarter, completely filling the decks to the rail, and, in addition to sending the vessel on her beam ends, causing her to broach to in a very dangerous manner. The sea carried away one boat and davits and smashed two others, stove in the stern ports and filled the saloon, smashed the main and poop rails on the starboard side and the iron railings on the top-gallant forecastle, carried away one of the iron cat-heads, filled the deck-house, and inflicted other damage. Captain Lloyd was on the bridge at the time, and on seeing the sea coming laid hold of the stern of the forward boat on the starboard side. Tin’s boat was one of those smashed, and the Captain had a most miraculous escape. The forward portion of the boat was carried away and the remainder swung round. The only part which remained firm was that which Captain Lloyd had hold of. The force of the sea knocked him down. He was prevented from sliding off into the sea through the gap where the boat had been by coming with his mouth against one of the belaying bits. A German, named Andrew, who is one of the hands on board, saw the captain’s danger, and with praiseworthy promptitude, scrambled to liis assistance. He managed to get within reach of him, and taking hold of one of his arms he drew him up into safety. Meanwhile the vessel was in a very unpleasant predicament. She was right in the trough of the sea, and it was obvious that if another sea struck her she must founder. Captain Lloyd did not lose his presence of mind for a moment, and determined to try and get her head to sea and run out again. This w'as accomplished with considerable difficulty, as the water had brought the steam down in the boilers to about 111 b. Captain Lloyd expresses his conviction that not one steamer in twenty would have done it in time to meet the next sea and that her fine lines alone saved her. She was got round safely when only about twice her length from the bank, and steamed to sea in the face of the heavy westerly gale which had now commenced to blow. ” The steamer behaved magnificently, and rode out the gale like a duck for three days. The signalman hoisted the ball for the Wellington to enter too late, so that she encountered the ebb tide when on the bar. Dunedin, June 22. Mr Rutherford was to-day elected Mayor of Caversham without opposition. In the Police Court to-day two Chinamen were charged with having committed the indictable offence of keeping a gambling-house in Stafford street. The case was adjourned.

[from a correspondent of the press.]

Sir John Coode on Timaru Harbour

Works. Timaru, June 21

The following is the reply from Sir John Coode re the Timaru Harbor Works. A special meeting of the Board is to be held on the 28th instant to consider it2, Westminster Chambers, Victoria street,Westminster, S.W., April BOLh, 1877. Sir,—On my return to England from Cape Colony, your telegram of 20th January, and copy of telegraphic reply sent you by my chief assistant, Air AI at thews, have been placed before me. 1 gather from your telegram that your Board is under the impression that 1 might undertake

to execute tlie works recommended in my report of August, 1875, at a fixed sum. It is therefore necessary for me to inform you that I do not contract for the execution of works, but confine myself strictly to the practice of my profession as civil engineer. It is true that in my report of August, 1875, I gave an estimate for the works therein recommended, stating the amount at which they could in my opinion be executed if carried on ' without the intervention of a contractor ; but inasmuch as the execution of works in this manner imposes a great amount of work in matters of detail upon myself and staff in this country, and as my professional engagements have considerably increased since the date of that report. I should not now be prepared to undertake the duties consequent upon the execution of the Timaru harbor works, unless they are carried out by a contractor. Under these circumstances, if it be decided by the authorities in New Zealand to proceed with works, it will bo for them to determine whether they will execute them by the contract system under my direction, or whether they will make arrangements for carrying them on without the intervention of a contractor under some other engineer.—l am, sir, your obedient servant, Jno. Goode.” Seventeen adults have been nominated to the Immigration Officer this month.