THE NEW STEAMER RESULT.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1486, 14 November 1874, Page 3

THE NEW STEAMER RESULT.

ACCIDENT AT THE LAUNCH.

An attempt was made this morning to launch the neat little screw steamer jusc built by Mr William Holmes for Messrs Baxter Light and Co , of Napier. Unfortunately the launch was not a success, owing to a mistake on the part of tho men in charge of the shores. The boat was built sHe on to the water, like the Manaia and Winona, and it was of course necessary to launch her in that position. At half-past nine this morning all was in readiness. The new vessel looked very pretty as she lay propped up by her cradle, being gaily decorated with flags, and her fresh paint shining again in the bright sunlight. Her fine symmetery was also the theme of general admiration, and even elicited encomiums from rival shipbuilders. Presently the blocks were knocked away, and at a signal from Mr. Holmes, which by unhappy mischance, did not reach the man having charge of the foreshores, the aftershores were knocked away. Away went the stern down the ways at once, the bows being still held by the dog-shore. In vain did Mr Holmes and some of the spectators shout to the workmen to knock it away. The attendant was either too taken aback, or not able from some cause or other to execute the order, the consequence being that the steamer swung right round into a slanting position between the ways, and falling slightly over towards the water, her bilge stuck fast in the sand about ten feet from the water's edge, her rudder-post just touching the tide and her bow only just clear of the dog-Bhore, which was bent and wrenched out. Efforts were immediately made to lever her up and place fresh shores under her. lb was, however, evident that nothing could be done towards completing the launch till the next tide. We do not expect she will be got off before Monday. The vessel is lying in an easy position, and has sustained no injury. Mr Baxter, one of the owner?, was present, and with the builder, was of course much chagrined at the mishap. The Result is about the same size as the Sir Donald, and is to be employed as a tugboat, and in the general coast trade at Napier. The engines are being built by Messrs Hawkeswood and Co.