WRECK OF THE UNION COMPANY'S S.S. TAUPO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 42, 18 February 1879, Page 2

WRECK OF THE UNION COMPANY'S S.S. TAUPO.

Tauraxga, Tuesday. The Taupo is supposed to be ashore at Stoney Point, Mount Mangatapu, at the entrance to the harbor. A steamer was dispatched at seven this morning, but has not yet returned. . Later. The Taupo is ashore as reported, but they hope to get her off next tide and run here. She is ashore on sand bottom. The mails and passengers are safe. They are now discharging cargo. Later. At about 5-40 this morning the Taupo ran on a sunken reef at the Mount. The middle compartment is full of water. All the cargo is saved. There is a large hole in her bottom. The fires were put out by the water. All the luggage is landed on the Mount. The rock is the same one which the Hawea bumped ou some time ago. One of the passengers by the Taupo furnishes the following account:—" I was standing on the forecastle with another gentlemen 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 appeared very strong. Suddenly the steamer struck violently against a sunken rock, and appeared to lift under our feet. There was then a general lurch, and as I looked towards the helm I saw that the helmsman had let go the wheel. Both captain and mate were on deck at the time, and one of them shouted "Go astern," but upon its becoming obvious that this course wouid endanger our lives cried •• Stop her." The engine room now began to fill with water, and the mate, who was throughout conspicuous for readiness and precision, 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-control 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 deshabille. Atter 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 throw from the beach at Mount Mongonui. Her cargo will be all landed there to-day. Later. Katikati has gone down to the wreck with several passengers, the agent, and reporters. No excuse can be made for the accident as men-of-war and vessels of the largest tonnage have come the same way without running on the rocka. The mate behaved splendidly. Most of the ladies were in bed at the time of the accident. It is not yet known what arrangements the Union Company will make .