THE MISHAP TO THE LINDA WEBER.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 116, 13 November 1900, Page 6

THE MISHAP TO THE LINDA WEBER.

Particulars of the accident ta the brig1 antine Linda Weber, which was run ashore »at Hicks Bay Avhile on the voyage from Newcastle ta Gisborne Avith coals, are contained in the Auckland papers. The Linda "Weber encountered heavy w«ather from Newcastle to the NeAV Zealand coast. A gale from the north-Avesfc was met doAvn the coast, and the vessel sheltered for a day in Whangaruru. Coming round East Cape Island a heavy squall struck the vessel. The mainsail jobed, and the brigantine, Avhich Avas clo^e to tho north- Avest of the island, came up to the wind considerably. Bei'ore the mainsail could be lowered, so that the vessel might pay off, she was .swept inside the island, striking one of the small rocks in its neighbourhood, the shock , being very slight. The pumps were at once gpt to Avork, but it was some minutes before they sucked. A sov/nding showed that there were 18in of water in the hold, and the second primp Avas immediately piit into use. The vessel was then off "KawakaAva, and it •was found that despite the continuous pumping the water was gaining at the irate of 18in an lions. It Avas accordfmgly decided, for tho safety of the vessel's creAV, to beach her, and Captain Shaw decided to run for Hick's Bay, the beach therej^eing soft papa rock. The vessel avos then headed for the bay, and was beached in its north-Avest corner. Captain Shaw despatched a native to .Port AAvanui, 32 miles aAvay, with a telegram to Auckland, and then Avaited the arrival of the underwriters' surveyor before doing anything further to the vessel. The canvas wus taken off the yesI sel; and the stores were landed, the creAV living in tents. Captain Plunkett, surveyor to the underwriters, arrived on the 2nd. instant, and an attempt Avas made' to land the cargo of coal in boats. This Avas found impracticable, OAving to the •heavy sea, and it avos decided to jettison the cargo. After 100 tons had been throArn overboard, the scoav Ngaru Avas got alongside, the Linda Weber Avas righted, and floated oft at high Avater on the 3rd. It Avas found that the damage consisted of a small hole aft, and after I temporary repairs had been effected, the vessel, Avhich was making little Avater, sailed for Auckland, Avhere she arrived on Friday evening.

Tho Premier Aras unable to go across to Picton this afternoon, as had been arranged, to attend the banquet to be given thero this evening to the Hon. C. H. Mills, but hopes to be present, at the Blenheim gathering in the n6Av Minister's honour to-morroAV night. The Hon. J. G. Ward and the Hon. J. Carroll left for Picton with Mr. Mills in the Tutanekai this aiUrnoon.