The S.S. Waikato Sighted.

Manawatu Herald, 12 August 1899, Page 2

The S.S. Waikato Sighted.

The barquentine Tacora has arrived at Mauritius with definite news of the New Zealand Shipping Company's Waikato, now long overdue on her voyage from London to Port Chalmers. The officers of the Tacora report that they sighted the Waikato on the 31st July. The vessel was then disabled through the breaking of her shaft. Her position was— latitude, 39deg. south; longitude, 3gdeg. east. The position given it will be noticed is a little out of the usual track of

vessels trading to these colonies, and makes the position a little to the north of Prince Edward island and the Crozets.

The Waikato left London for Port Chalmers on the 4th May, and is therefore 98 days out, and 52 days overdue at Port Chalmers.

There has been some speculation as to whether the date stated in the cablegram as that on which she was sighted can be correct, says the Post, seeing that the Tacora would have to sail 1380 miles from the position indicated in order to reach Mauritius; but, on the other hand, it is pointed out that strong westerly winds are the rule in the southern part of the Indian Ocean, and that, aided by these, it would not be unlikely for her to cover the distance in nine or ten days.