LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 746, 19 February 1879, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

THE STEAMER TAUPO.

Tauranga, February 18. At about 5.40 this morning, the Taupo run on a sunken rock at the mouth of the harbour. Tho middle compartment if full of water. All the cargo is saved. There is a large hole in the bottom. The fives were put out by the water. All the luggage was landed on the Mount. The rock is the same as the Hawea bumped on some time ago.

A Tauranga passenger, per Taupo, furnishes the following account:—“ I was standing on the forecastle with another gentleman as we entered the heads. The vessel seemed to be going rather near the land, which we remarked to one another, and also that the tide rip ap|>eared very strong. Suddenly the steamer struck violently against a sunken rock, and appeared to lift under our feet. There was then a general lurch, aud as I looked towards the helm, which was forward also, I saw that the helmsman had let go the wheel. Both the captain and male were on deck at the time. One of them shouted, ‘Go astern ! ’ but upon its becoming obvious that this coarse would endanger our lives, I cried * Stop her! ’ The engine room now began to fill with water, and the mate, who was throughout conspicuous for readiness and precaution, ordered all hands on deck. In an instant, his orders were obeyed, and the boats rapidly lowered. Save for a little excitement amongst the women, the greatest self-cnntrol was exhibited by all who were on deck ; the others summoned from their cabins seemed rather alarmed. Some of the ladies had hardly time to dress, and were compelled to go ashore in dishabille, After the women had been carefully landed, the men, some with luggage, some without, followed. The principal danger at this time, owing to the falling tide, was the ship canting over.” The Taupo is about a stone’s throw from the beach at iMonnt Mongonui. Her cargo will be all lauded there to-day. The steamer Katikati has gone down to the wreck with passengers, agents, and reporters. No excuse can be made for the accident. Men-of-war and vessels of the largest tonnage have come the same way without running on the rocks. The men behaved splendidly ; most of the ladies were in bed. Jt is not known yet what arrangements the Union Company will make. 8.30 p.m.

The Tanpo would nut float at high tide to-night. The cargo is still discharging. Another effort will be made next tide. If weather keeps fine, she may be got off; but it is very doubtful, as there are several holes in the steamer’s bottom. She is now full of water, and the least swell would probably break her back. Picton, February 18. Mr Beauchamp’s sawmill at Waiaroa, Pelorus Sound, was destroyed by fire yesterday morning, about two o’clock. Insurance £6OO each in the National and Victoria. Wellington, February 19. Sailed—The Florence for London. The Omaha, which left the Chatham Islands on Thursday last, reports the Island Lily there, loading for Auckland. Diving operations at the wreck of the Ocean Mail were stopped, there being some disagreement between the workmen and the diver. The whalers Triton, Alasha, and Splendid were cruising off the islands.