FORTY YEARS AGO.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 8 October 1919, Page 4

FORTY YEARS AGO.

(From “The Mnnawatu Herald,” October 7, 1579.) The Hydrabad.—People were beginning to think that the hull of this lino ship was going to be left to form a landmark on the Horowhenua bea*h, but we are pleased to be able to announce that such is not the ease, or at least will not be if a certain amount of money, pluck and ingenuity can set her afloat. It will be remembered that a few weeks ago the hull was put up for sale at Wellington, and was bought for a small sum by two speculators, who in turn tried to dispose of her again a few days ago, at auction, when not a single bid was obtained. Since then she has been bought privately by a Mr Bell, who is connected with one of the banks at Dunedin, and who, we arc given to understand, is about to make the attempt to launch her. At the end of last week a practical seaman was sent up to take charge of the ship, and to see about getting things straight, prior to the men and appliances arriving. We believe Mr Bell is expected to arrive himself in u few days, when no doubt steps of a more practical nature will be started. Mr Bell has a,difficult task before him, and we heartily hope that his sanguine expectations about the launching of the ship may be fully realised, and that he will receive the reward that his plucky enterprise merits.