BIGLINER ASHORE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1924, Page 1

BIGLINER ASHORE.

PORT ELLIOTT ON REEF. NEAR EAST CAPE. [I!V TELEGRAPH rER PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] GISBORNE, Jan. 13. A serious shipping mishap occurred near East Capo about midnight on Saturday, when in thick weather, the Commonwealth and Dominion liner Port Elliott, bound from Auckland to 'Wellington, was stranded hear Horoera Point, half way between Teararoa and East Cape, and between eighty and eighty-five miles north of Gisborne. At eight-thirty this morning the vessel was lying on a reef of soft papa, about three hundred yards off the shore at full tide. The bow of the vessel is slightly dipped. Tho stern is out of the water, and the propcllor blades are showing. Tho sea is now calm, with a slight north-east wind. On Saturday night the weather in

tho vicinity of East Cape was misty, and a low lying fog hung over the water. Shortly after midnight the settlers in the neighbourhood of Horoora Point were awakened by tho ship’s siren followed by distress signals. The settlors did not attribute any great danger to the vessel, as it was thought it was a wool boat nosing her way through the heavy fog. At daybreak, however, tho big vessel was seen, ly-

ing about one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy yards out at low water. The settlers at once got into communication with Teararoa. The crew, of about seventy, had taken to the lioats at about three thirty, and remained lying near the ship till tho arrival of the Government steamer Tutanekai at daylight. The Ttttanekiii had received a wireless message front the Port Elliott when she first struck and the Government vessel raced to the scene. This afternoon boats remained lowered near tho ship, in ease of emergencies, and two men were standing near each boat. The first notice of the mishap was

received in Gisborne at 1.5 a.in. from Auckland, stating that a wireless message had been received from the Port Elliott which was stranded sixty miles north of Gisborne. About tin hour inter the "Port Victor left Napier for the scene, and should arrive this afternoon. The Arahttra, which left Gisborne at 2.15 p.m. on Saturday for Auckland was in the Bay of Plenty tit the time she received tt. message, and raced hack and stood by the disabled liner until early morning. The Awahou on its way to Auckland left tit seven o'clock on Saturday night. She reached the scene tit three o’clock this afternoon. After receiving an assurance from

the Master of the Port Elliott that till was sale in the meantime, the Tutanckai proceeded to Hick’s Bay. returning to the wreck again at about two o’clock this afternoon. At four thirty this afternoon a slight northerly was blowing, and Ibis increased the swell of the sea. The weather, which cleared somewhat/ in tho morning, had changed again to mist and rain. The steamer has not shipped much since she first struck. Her forehold is leaking badly, and there is eight feet of water in the engine room. Spectators on the shore state that several of tho ship’s plates are twisted and buck led. If the weather keeps fine it is considered that there is a good chance of salving tho cargo. The Hum is to be despatched front Napier to-night, and the Koutunui from Tolago. Bay. Both vessels are to assist in the salvage operations. The Port Elliott is a vessel of 731)5

ions. She is commanded by Captain A. T. Eishirk. and was coming south to complete her discharge of cargo from Now York. SALVAGE WORK. NAPIER, Jan 13. The salvage work in connection with the wreck of the Port Elliott is to he carried out l>v Richardson and Co. Napier, who. this afternoon despatched the steamer Ruru for the scene of tho wreck taking the necessary appliances and officials, including Mr K. Mo-, r.ettry (Manager of Richardson and Co.) to superintend the work. Another vessel the Fanny, will leave Napier to-morow. whilst the Koutunui. which left Napier on Saturday night for Tolaga. Bay. has been ordered mi. She will stand by the Port Elliott from In-morrow morning.

Captain Rainey, manager for New Zealand of the Comomvealth and Dominion Line, arrived at Napier during the night, and proceeds to the wreck' to-morrow morning.

AUCKLAND. Jan. 13. The Port Elliott sailed from here at (3.15 p.m. on Saturday.

CREW TRANSFERRED. WELLINGTON. Jan. 12. The Secretary of the G.P.O. has received Llie following radio message: “Auckland, 6 p.m.. Tutanekai lias finished transferring the Port Elliott’s ere to the Port Victor."

set'., W. league. JO see., J. Ifoitlahau (10, A. Cook and D .McNicol 65, A. Parker 80, Geo. Muir 100, J. Muir and W. Boiirke 120. Result—Bottrke Ist., 0. Muir 2nd.. .1. Tloulnhan 3rd. This race was run in the rain consequently the road was heavy whirl, was much to the advantage of the limit men. Im liu- evening a ball was held in the Toliira Hall, the floor was crowded and the function proved most enjoyable and successful. 'I lie ladies provided a very nice supper which was much appreciated. FLOOD DAMAGE. The exceptionally heavy rain of Saturday night caused floods throughout the district, which have caused a good deal of damage.

On tin- Hess mini about half a mile north of Tut am sawmill, a large sized culvert Inis collapsed and was the means of preventing the mail cars and others from getting south on Sunday. The cars which came as far as this bridge had to return to Hokitika. Hr 0. Sutherland who has a farm on the hanks of Totara river had the misfortune to lose eleven pigs on Saturday evening, which were drowned through his grounds being flooded.