The s.s. Elginshire Ashore Near Timaru.

Manawatu Herald, 12 March 1892, Page 3

The s.s. Elginshire Ashore Near Timaru.

» The s.s. Elginshire, one of the direct steamers of the Shire line, is reported to be ashore at Normanby, nine miies south of Timaru. The s.s. Elginshire is a steamer of 4579 tons, 9000 h.p., and his commanded by Captain Millar, RN. She left Oamaru about Midnight for Timaru. There was a dense fog along the coast, and the vessel got off her course landward. She was observed off Normanby about 5. 30 a. m. on Wednesday, going along close fco the beach by a platelayer, who ran down and sang out to her. He was asked where they were, and he told them five miles south of Timaru, and to stand out to sea. Southward from that spot where there is a straight and clean beach, Dolerite reef runs out, and the steamer turning her head seaward went on this. The news was brought to town by a horseman, and the tug Mana was then outside in the fog looking for the steamer. About 10 a.m. the fog cleared, and the harbourmaster on the tug being informed of the accident by Mr Bullock, a shipping agent here, who went in a boat to look for the tug, the Mana went straight away to Normanby. She passed a steel ' hawser to the steamer, and tried to help her over the reef. She. moved very slightly at high water. At latest reports the Mana was passing a tow rope to her stern, to try and pull her back. There is no news from the vessel exoept what is observed from shore. The steamer is on a reef only 200 yards or so from the shore. It is not known here what cargo is on board. She came from the North tq Oamaru, and is probably nearly fnll. It is expected she will have to jettison cargo if not floated by the stern tow. There is too much surf on the beach for safe landing by boat, hence the fact that there is no news from the vessel. The tug Mana returned for coal at 8.80 pm. Her efforts to move the steamer were practically fruitless. 'J' wo more tugs have been wired for to Dunedin, and are expected for a oombined effort on to-night's tide. If this is unsuccessful her cargo will be thrown overboard to-morrow. When the Mana left 6ft of water was in the Elginshire's fore compartment. The day has been fine and calm overhead, but there is considerable ■well on the sea. It is now raining, with a light wind off the sea. The cargo on board comprises 550 tons of meat from Rockhampton, 11,000 carcases of mutton, and 800 bales of wool from Oamaru. The insurances on the vessel are not known. There are none in the colony. — Press Association.