ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE TAUPO.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1630, 12 May 1879, Page 4

ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE TAUPO.

[Press Special Hire.] Auckland, May 10. Tlio contractors for raising the Taupo managed to r’aiso tlie vessel off the bottom, when the supports gave way. The attempt was made by means of the barques Bonito and Aberdeen. The vessels were placed on either side, the Aberdeen lying to port, and the Bonito to the starboard side. They were fastened to the Taupo by 'chains passed tinder her keel. The chains were bound tightly round seven heavy spars measuring from 2sft. to 3£ft. in thickness, which lay across the decks of both ships, and were supported by blocks in such manner as to render them to all appearances perfectly secure. The ketch Laggon and cutter Sissy were alsalying alongside, near the bow of the Taupo, and were connected in a similar manner by spars lashed to their decks and fastened to chains passing under the steamer’s bow. _ The most sanguine anticipations were entertained as to the result of the effort. About three o’clock the tide began to rise, and a strong strain could be felt on the spars, which bent visibly as both vessels listed over, but little impression seemed to be made on the Taupo, though the Aberdeen and Bonito heeled over until their rigging almost locked. As the tide gradually rose higher some of the supporters gave way, and the spars fixed to the Taupo’s bow broke loose with a loud crash. At half-past three o’clock the main spars ofrer the quarter-deck cracked in the centre, and half an hour later, the tide being then nearly half flood, three successive reports, almost like that of heavy field guns, startled those present, as three of the other spars also gave way. At this time the Taupo moved slightly, and it was noticeable that though the_ spars* broke, the chains did not slacken, nor did the water make on her withjany great rapidity. It was, therefore, quite evident that she''had been raised a little, though not sufficiently to float her. Messrs Gouk and Hafckeswood returned from Tauranga this morning, for the purpose of making arrangements for another attempt. Iron girders will be'manufaetured for the spars with which the vessel is to be lifted, and a second attempt is to bo made about three days hence.