THE BROKEN CABLES.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8187, 1 June 1892, Page 6

THE BROKEN CABLES.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, May 31.

As the Cable Company wanted a very large sum to send a steamer from Singapore to New Zealand, the Government' have considered it advisable to obtain a suitable vessel locally. for the purpose of mending the broken cables. Negotiations were con* eluded yesterday, and the p.s. Tefranora, well known in the local trade, has been purchased by the Government. The steamer will be equipped under the immediate direction and supervision of Dr. Lotnon with proper cable lifting and repairing appliances. It ij contemplated that the cable will be in full working order again at an early date. By the purchase of the Terranora the Government state that £7000 has been saved by the colony as against the cost incurred of bringing a vessel from Singapore. The Terranora is a paddle-wheel steamer of broad beam and is strongly built of ateeL She was formerly engaged in the cattle trade on the West Coast, and is now lying up at vVait&ra. She is 350 tore register, and 'draws Bft loaded. Captain Leys, who used to have charge of her, has been engaged by the Government, and a crew was sent up to-day. Dr. Lemon hopes to be able to make a start with the hard work by the 16th, and if the weather holds good believes he can effect repairs in ten days. The three wire cable, wnich is broken close in shore, could be joined up ia a couple of days, but the other will take longer. , He is sanguine that with fair weather one cable at all events can be repaired before Parliament meets. The date of re-opening communication, however, ia entirely dependent on the weathar. If the Terranora is found suitable as is expected, she will probably be permanently fitted with a picking up apparatus for cable work, if not she will be vised as a coal hulk. The price paid for the steamer has not been made public, but it is understood that she waj acquired cheaply.