Discovery of a Sunken Rock

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1066, 27 April 1882, Page 2

Discovery of a Sunken Rock

All doubts as to the whereabouts of the rock upon which the steamers Te Anau and Hawea are reported to have touched some time back when leaving this port would seem to be set at rest by two fishermen named Rawhiri Macky and Peni Whaitiri, who made a cruise last Monday week in search of it, and were successful. Rawhiri Macky informs us that he sounded on the rock in 13 feet at dead low water, finding 7 fathoms on either side at about 6 feet from that sounding. Inshore of the rock, soundings give from 5 to 7 fathoms of water. Papuwhariki bears from the rock S. by W-, distant about 11 miles. These soundings were taken with a fishing line and a four pound lead, and the bearing is from the men’s own knowledge without a compass. Therefore both soundings and bearings may be slightly inaccurate. The men state that they are willing to point out the rock to the Harbourmaster and Collector of Customs for a slight remuneration. From the men’s description of the rock, lying as it does, right in the track of steamers we think we may fairly assume it to be the one on which the Hawea and Te Anau struck. Mr Macky informs us that he will have no difficulty in finding the rock again.