THE RANGITOTO'S DETENTION AT PICTON.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 790, 18 March 1871, Page 2

THE RANGITOTO'S DETENTION AT PICTON.

Messrs M'Meckan, Dlnckwood, and Co.'s steamship Bangitoto, Captain Mackie, on taking her departure from Pieton on Sunday last, at 2 p.m., met with an accident, which delayrd her about twenty-six hours. She arrived hire at 11 a.m. on Sund iy, with the English mail, and took up her position along the western side of the wharf. Haying discharged and taken in her her cargo, the ltangitoto was about to take her departuro, when, on leaving the wharf and trying to kcej clear of the p.s. Luna, which was lying 01: the opposite side of the wharf, she had not sufficient mom to tarn, and ran on a mud bank about GO or 7<> yards from and in :; d rect line with the end of the wharf. Capt Fairchild immediately went off with tin Luna to the assistance of the Bangitoto j but after several unsuccessful attempts to pul her off, during which time the tide had ebbec some inches, the Luna gave up the attempt and soon afterwards left for Nelson. At higl water next morning another attempt was made to move her, but without success The cargo was then shifted aft, tho boiler: emptied, about 20 tons of coals landed, anc everv preparation mado for another trial or the afternoon's tide. At high water, rope; were made fast to the wharf, and, with thi assistance of the donkey-engine and a favor able breeze, after a severe tugging, in whicl many ropes were broken, she gave way anc was ultimately floated. She was then take] alongside the wharf, where it was ascertains that the vessel had sustained no damage The cargo and coals were re-shipped, am about 5 p.m. she left the wharf and anchorec out in the Bay until daylight yesterda; morning, when she left for Wellington.- " Marlbourough Press."