THE RICHMOND.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 476, 31 May 1890, Page 5

THE RICHMOND.

THE STEAMER SAFE. PASSED RUSSELL THIS MORNING. HER CRANK SHAFT BROKEN. Auckland, May 27. Tins morning tho anxiety which had existed in town regarding Messrs Donald and Edenborough’s steamer Richmond, over a fortnight overdue from tho Islands, was dispelled by the gratifying intelligence from Russell that the vessel was safe, and had passed the Bay of Islands last night on her way to Auckland. A telegram received from the Bay to-day stated that the s.s. Arawata, which arrived at Russell at 6.30 n.m. to-day, from- Auckland, tn route to Fiji, passed the Richmond about five miles south of Cape Brett very early this morning. She wan under very slow steam, making progress at the rate of only three knots an hour or so. The Arawata communicated with the Richmond, and found that the cause of her long delay in making, the Now Zealand coast was the breaking of her crank shaft. The shaft had probably broken before the steamer left the Islands, where no repairs of any magnitude could be executed. She is rigged as a topsail schooner, and could, therefore, make some spread of canvas to assist her crippled engine-power. Those on board the Richmond informed Captain Smith, of the Arawata, that they expected to reach Auckland to-morrow (Wednesday) night, at tho rate they were then travelling. Tho steamer’s progress appeared to be very tedious, and all on board were anxious to reach Auckland, knowing that for the past week fears had been entertained for her safety. All were well on board. Mr C. A. Edenborough, one of tho owners, is a passenger. The Richmond’s ports of call after she was heard of last by the e.e. L : thle Agnes were Tahiti, Rarotonga and Tonga.

Mr Duncan, chief engineer of the Richmond for a long time past, remained behind here this trip in ill health, his place being taken by another. He has been appointed Government Inspector of Machinery. The steamer’s round trip amongst the Islands on this occasion has occupied somewhat over two month;. TUG DESPATCHED.

At 1 o’clock this afternoon the tugboat Awbitia, Capt. Campbell, chartered by Mr O. B. Donald, left the havbour for the coast intending to cruise up towards the Hen and Chickens until she fell in with the Richmond and took her in tow. Sho is expected to return with the disabled steamer early to-morrow morning. Besides Mr Donald, a number of other friends were on board the tug.

THE RICHMOND’S CARGO.

MrC. A. Edenborough, who is on board the Richmond, telegraphed to his partner, Mr Donald, this morning, by means of the s.s. Arawata, that the steamer’s cargo of Island fruit was in good condition.