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Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1929, Page 4

It is very pleasing to learn that there are high hopes of handling the stranded /Angara successfully and returning her in due, time to her native element, there to resume her usual transport activities The stranding in the first place was a very regrettable incident due to an accident for which no one was to blame. The bar was at its host, and the ship negotiating the passage with complete safety, till'the 1 udder chain breaking she became unmanageable and went ashore. Even then the situation was not had. But for the delay in the tug leaving Greymouth, there was time to take advantage 01 the next tide and refloat the boat. Ihe tug was delayed in a tantalising manner to arrive, at high water, and then grounded in the river. Again, more delay, and with the over-riding authority apparently of representatives of tlio Board, the tug when refloated steamed away without seriously attempting the mission which brought her here. There has been much adverse comment on this aspect of the incident which made matters worse for the Zingara. But for relying on the assistance of the tug, more could have been done to refloat the vessel by auxiliary aid from the shore. As it was, valuable time was lost, and the position of the Zingara went from had to worse. The proposal now is to repair the boat sufficiently to resume refloating operations-. These stops are being taken with a good deal of confidence in final success, and it is to he hoped the expectations will he realised. Locally every support will he given to assist the owners in their difficulty. A large amount, of plant is being placed at their disposal, and the co-operation which is being given is an encouragement to the owners in their task. The Zingara was engaged in establishing very successfully a lucrative trade with tno North Island. The value of that trade to the port which had boon closed for so long was being realised and appreciated at its worth. It is due to this fact no doubt that there is now th(> readiness to help in every way possible, so that at the not distant future it will he possible for this useful and adaptable boat to resume her valued trading to and from the port.