THE ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE STEAMER TAUPO.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5662, 23 May 1879, Page 7

THE ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE STEAMER TAUPO.

Auckland, May 10.

The contractors for raising the Taupo had managed to raise the vessel off 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 round seven heavy spars measuring from 2Jft. to 3Jft.' in- thickness, which lay across the decks of both ships, and were supported by blocks in such a manner as to render them to all appearance perfectly secure. The ketch Lagoon and cutter Sissy were also lying alongside, near the bow of the Taupo, and were connected in a similar manner by spars lashed to their decks, and fastened to chains passing under the steamer’s bow. Most sanguine anticipations were entertained as to the result of the effort. About 3 o’clock the tide began to rise, and a strong strain could be felt on the spars, which bent visibly, as both vessels listed over, but little impression seemed to be made on the Taupo, though the Aberdeen and Benito held over until their rigging almost locked. As the tide gradually rose higher, some of the supports gave way, and the spars fixed to the Taupo’s bow broke loose with a loud crash. At halfpast 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 successive 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 any 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 about three days hence.