THE STRANDED TAVIUNI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 108, 25 April 1908, Page 2

THE STRANDED TAVIUNI.

HAiil) AND FAST AUKOUiNJ). ' A THYINIi KXPEKIENCE. () Per Tross Association. 1 - Westporl, Friday. -j Tin' 'Jnviiiiii took tlic ground for- ' ward, sticking hard and fast. An auchor was dropped, but gradually the vessel drilled in,-horc. .Seas were oontinually breaking over i tic vcsel. She heaved vastly. The portholes ivere immediately 'smashed; and part of tint bulwarks tarried away. M The cabins and the saloon were lloodI od ' 'the sleauier listed to seaward, making it very difficult to get about the decks. The crew and four passengers had a I very bad time. Attempts were made to 1 launch the two boat*, but both were smashed. The Ahum, which was standing by, tried to fire lines aboard, but failed. The Komala and Alupourika could do nothing. Ship's boa is were sent down to the scene by rail. ] At li a.in, the passengers and some of the crew lauded on the beach. The sea was then smooth. At low water the Taviuni is practically high and dry. The'rudder is gone. The propeller is buried in the sand. The ves-el is half full of water. i\othing more can be done until the arrival of the f'nion Company's tug Terawhiti from Wellington. The vessel has 100 tons of cargo for Westport and 1011 toiiri for (ircymouth. Captain Brophy was knocked down on. the Uridge by a ski. The two lady passenger's, Jlisses SuisI ted and Mason, displayed great courage. RELIEF SHIP DESPATCHED. Per Prp« Association. Wellington, Last Night: The Union Company despatched tne I Penguin at I! o'clock this evening for the scene of the mishap to the Taviuni. Mr. Daniells, foreman of the Company's repairing department, in a passenger. The Penguin takes pumping machinery and gear necessary for the carrying out of I salvage operations. The tug Terawhiti will not be sent. The Company has been advised that the engine-room of tins Taviuni is Hooded.

POSITION WORSE. Westport, Last Night. Tl»' Taviuni js stranded on the besicii near Wivsljioi't breakwater. She has shifted lior position, being now about seven hundred yards distnnt from the. bre'akW-ater, and with her stern point ing north-eastward. Attempts made to get out cables and auditors to hold her have failed. A preMminary inquiry was held by the Collector of Custom's to-day, but tilt evidence: is not available for the press. It is understood the captain attributes the mishap to failure to pick' up the leading red light at the break-* [ water, the weaithcr being somewhat, squally at the time.

MERCHANTS' LOSSES. (ircynrauth, liist Night. Local merchants lose heavily by the standing of the Taviuni at Westport, as over 400 tons of general cargo was aboard for this port uninsured.