RAISING OF THE STEAMER CHARLES EDWARD.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 643, 9 April 1870, Page 2

RAISING OF THE STEAMER CHARLES EDWARD.

By the nrrival of the s.s. Waipara yesterday, we learnt of the steamer Kennedy having arrived at Hokitika with the news of the Charles Edward having been successfully raised in the Kaduku river, and of her having proceeded to Nelson direct. Subsequently tlje Kennedy arrived, and by her we have the details. The Kennedy left the port of Greymoi.th on the 24th ultimo, at 3 p.m., and on the following day made fast alongside the Charles Edward in the Kaduku at 5 p.m. On the 26th, ma'le ari attempt to pump the water clear of the " Edward's" hold with pumps that had been brought from Nelson, but finding them unable to clear the vessel, an additional number were rigged and started on the following day. Being again unsuccessful, on Monday it was determined to attempt raising her by hydraulic means. The Kennedy's stern was placed alongside of the Charles Edward's bow, both vessels being secured together with chains. By this means her bow was lifted far enough from the bottom to allow of a sail being passed under her bottom. The pumping was again proceeded with on Tuesday, and tho fore compartment was cleared; but as the tide rose she listed so much a 6 to take the water in over the combings of the hatches, and she sank again. On the next day boarded all the combings up, and, again pin* ing the Kennedy alongside, succeeded in getting clear of water and afloat at 8 p.m., when the holes were padded and tommed off. The steamer was placed on the hard on Thursday, and the rent in tho plate secured for the passage up. The Kennedy supplied the Charles Edward with coals, and lit once took on board her stores and carcro, but was unable to leave in consequence of bad weather until the sth instant, when she steamed from the river in company with the Charles Edward. Both vessels left Martin's Bay at 1 p.m., tho Kennedy steaming for Hokitika. The Cliarles Edward has not, wo are glad to learn, received so much damage as was anticipated, and, we understand, will again resume her usual trade in about a week.