THE HYDERABAD AND THE FOREST QUEEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5566, 30 January 1879, Page 2

THE HYDERABAD AND THE FOREST QUEEN.

(per press agency.) Fcxton, Wednesday.

Captains Gibbons and Holmwood drove down to the Hyderabad to-day, and found her apparently afloat, as she was rising and falling with the swell. Communication could not be had with those on board until they floated off a tin can, in which was the following note : “No chance for the vessel unless we got a powerful steamer at once. Vessel all afloat, and ISft. water over stern. The 45-fathom shackle of chain on board Glenelg no good at all.” She has just run up signal “ sinking." Just previously the Glenelg was seen coming from the direction of Kapiti. She made a brief stay at the stern of the Hyderabad, and then steamed for the Manawatu bar, and went to where her coal was. It appears that a heavy swell being on the previous night, she went to Kapiti and took in water. As she was flying light, and very short of coals, it was deemed inadvisable to make any attempt then to get the ship off. In reply to signal from ship “Take us in tow,” she answered “Not practicable,” which was misread as “ Sinking.” The Glenelg will take in her 15 tons coal this afternoon, and about 20 tons sand, to give her more hold in the water, ready for an early start to-morrow. Captain Gibbons himself will go on board and superintend the proceedings. This afternoon he telegraphed for the use of the Hinemoa if obtainable. As the Hyderabad was moved seaward yesterday another hundred and thirty feet, and is now clear of the breakers, it is considered that little difficulty ought to be experienced in getting her off. She tugged much easier yesterday than before that. There is no apprehension of bad weather at present, as the barometer is rising.

Captain Bendall is hedging off the Forest Queen, and has her now in the middle of the breakers, and almost entirely afloat. A gang of Maoris are heaving at the windlass on board, and according to all appearances the ketch ought to be able to get clear to-night or to-morrow.