RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2698, 26 October 1889, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Hall's Flax Mill. — The enterprising owner ot the Max mill now being erected on the To Akau station, some seven or eight miles down the const, came down in the s.s. Rowena with tho boiler, machinery and timber for the mill. Oα Wednesday morning last the vessel was seen lying at anchor off the Coast, and during the day an attempt was made to get ashore with the surf boat, but the breakers wero too much for her. The steamer then proceeded to tho harbour to wait for a more favourable opportunity. On Friday morning she crossed the bar, and this time she went much nearer the Coast before coming t) anchor. Although the wind was not from the most favourable quarter and the swell was heavy, a gallant attempt was made to land the bniler upon the beach. The surf-boat was manned by five men with Mr Haultain, firsc officer, and Mr Vercoe, of this place, who in former years was engaged in the surf-boats off New Plymouth. The boiler having been thrown over board was then taken in tow ; all went well until within 150 or 200 yards of the beach, when far a moment the boiler seemed to drag back and a great broken wave came down on the boat, and she turned over throwing all five men into the sea. For a short time they were in a perilous condition, but striking out manfully for the shore, all landed in safety and about the same time both the boiler and surf boat were also washed in, and secured. The steamer returned to harbour, and landed the timber and other material at the Te Akau side of the harbour, just below the wool shed. She then came on to the wharf, and landed the engine bed and fly wheel ; and, having taken on board above one hundred bales of flax, proceeded on her trip to Onohunga the next (morning. Wo hear it is the intention of Mr Hall to procure a cutter to call in here for the purpose of taking the remainder of the material down the coast, as the same can only be landed in favourable weather—viz., after several days of easterly winds. We trust that the enterprise and plui;k shown by Mr Hall may be rewarded, as there is no doubt that he is being put to great expense ; but there is such a grand yield of flax around the mill, and if prices keep up, he should be amply repaid for all his expense.