THE KETCH ELSIE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1923, Page 2

THE KETCH ELSIE.

SUCCESSFI'LIfY F 1 .OAT EI>• The ketch Elsie was successfully floated to sea just before noon to-day Operations had been continued yesterday evening and this morning lifting t lie vessel, hut about 10.30 o’clock this morning the vessel shifted off its ways when operations had been nea l v completed. The lug Westland lm arrived shortly before, and anchored some distance out. As the tide rose a rocket with a light line was fired hut fell short. A second rocket staled to be a Killi one, was next fired and this carried its burden lar past, reaching xhe river several hundred yards away. The large hawser was then pulled in from the tug and made last. Meanwhile the tide had been rising. at times going round the vessel. About 11.30 ii*clock a nercoptble move was made, and alter a few minutes tbe strain on the hawser had its effect, the Elsie gliding out smoothly to sea amidst the cheers ol the large crowd gathered on the beach to see the operations. The Elsie then came nil-,, tier her own power to the whari, apparently undamaged to any extent by her stranding. The services ol the tug wore of special use, as once the vessel moved she was pulled out steadily without apparent effort si raight to 5,. ;1 .

Quite a large crowd had gathered along the beach to watch the operations of Mr A. Cederman and his staff, which were thus successfully consummated.