The Taupo Afloat.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 923, 5 March 1881, Page 4

The Taupo Afloat.

Our telegrams from Tauranga announce that the steamer Taupo has at last been floated. Several weeks ago the barques Clara Hargreave and Marther were taken thither to assist in the operation. The mode of operation was simple. The steamer was to be made fast to the barques at low water, and it was hoped that as the tide rose all three vessels would rise with it; in other words that the barques would lift the Taupo from the rocks. About a fortnight ago, such an attempt was made. The Taupo was sandwiched between the barques, and lifted some three feet, when, unfortunately, seven out of the dozen wire ropes which passed under the Taupo’p bottom connecting her with the other vessels, yielded to the intense pressure of the steamer’s sharp keel, and broke. It was then considered advisable to desist, and send for iron cable, as being much less likely to be sawn through. Diligent search was made throughout Auckland, and some difficulty was encountered in obtaining the quantity of chain necessary. But perseverance cleared away all obtacles, and all the material required reached Tauranga at the latter part of last week. Yesterday evening Mr David Gouk left for Tauranga to superintend the final effort to float the Taupo, but on arriving there this ’morning he will find himself as badly forestalled as was Sir Garnet Wolsley at the battle of Ulundine. However the disappointment will doubtless prove a pleasurable one. Grelt energy and enterprise have been exhibited by the gentlemen who undertook the task of raising the Taupo and the very considerable risk connected therewith. Everyone will therefore be glad that the undertaking is likely to prove a profitable one, for already an offer of £7OOO has been made for the vessel upon her arrival in Auckland.— A. Z Herald. [Since the above was in type it will be seen that the Taupo has been successfully floated.!