ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE TAUPO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 113, 13 May 1879, Page 2

ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE TAUPO.

[Per Press Agency.] Auckland, May io. Contractors for raising the Taupo bad managed to raise tbe vessel cff the bottom, when the supports gave way. The attempt was made by means of the barques Bonito and • Aberdeen. The vessels were placed on either side- the Aberdeen lying to the port and the Bonito to the starboard side. They ' were fastened to the Taupo by means of chains passed under her keel. The chains were bound tightly rouud seven heavy spars measuring from 2£ feet to 3} feet in thickness, which lay across the decks of both the ships, and were supported by blocks in such a manner a3 to render them to all appearance perfectly secure. The ketch Lagoon and cutter Sissy were also lying alongside near the bow cf the Taupo, and were connected in a similar manner, by 3pars lashed to their decks and fastened to chains passing , nnder the ""steamers bow. Most sanguine anticipations were entertained as to the result of the effect, and about 3 o'clock the tide began to rise, and a strong strain could be felt on the spars, and which bent visibly as both vessels listed over. But little impression seemed to be made on the Taupo, though the Aberdeen and Bonito heeled over until their rigging was almost locked. As the tide gradually rose higher some of tbe supports gave way, and the spars fixed tojbe Taupo's bow broke loose, with a loua crash. At half-past 3 o'clock the outer of the main spars over the quarter-deck cracked in the centre, and half an hour later the tide being then nearly half flood, three heavy reports almost like that of heavy field guns startled those present, as three of the other spars also gave way. At this time the Taupo moved slightly, and it was noticeable that, though the spars broke, the chains did not slacken, nor did the water make on her with great rapidity. It was therefore quite evident that she had been raised a little though not sufficiently so to float her. Messrs Gouk and Hawkeswood returned from Tauranga this morning for the purpose of making arrangements for another attempt. Iron girdles will be manufactured for the spars with which the vessel is to be lifted and the second attempt is to be made in about three days hence.