STORM ON LAKE TAUPO

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 247, 17 March 1888, Page 3

STORM ON LAKE TAUPO

Taupo, March. Otf Saturday afternoon as the steam launch Hinemoa was crossing the lake from Tokanui to Taupo a heavy gale sprang up and a terrific 89a was experienced off the western bay. In addition to Captain Sproule and W. Sproule the following pas»engere wero on board :— Mrs Weston, Miss Riddell, Dr. Campbell, Haggen, Hale, and Aitken. Off Motutaiko Island the engines ceased working, and it was found that the painter of the steamer's dingy had fouled the screw, which was a dangerous mishap under such, circumstances. However, Captain Sproule promptly managed to fix a sail, and as it was hopeless to go ahead, the steamer again turned for Tokanui, but was overtaken \iy a violent thunderstorm, and in the dark' ness all attempts at finding thelandingwere fruitless, and sounding the whistle failed to bring assistance from shore. EvemtuaUy the steamer was driven on the bank by the force of the wind. Hoggen and W. Sproule put off in a dingy for the purpose of findinga boat on shore to take off the passengers, but were driven off, and the waves nlhng the dingy, they had to return to the steamer, which they reached with difficulty in safety. A wretched night was speak on board till morning broke, when tbo steamer got off and the landing was reached: about Sbven o'clock.