COOK STRAIT CABLE

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 June 1937, Page 5

COOK STRAIT CABLE

ATTEMPT TO LAND SIIORE END. [per press association.] CHRISTCHURCH, June 20. An unsuccessful attempt, was made yesterday morning to land the shore end of the new inter-island cable. The cable ship Recorder arrived at Blind River at dusk on Saturday night in perfect weather, with a light northwest wind, and with a ! few clouds showing.

The stage was set. for operation early this morning. At daylight, the weather was fine with a light southeasterly wind. A launch and boat from the cable ship, manned by Malay seamen, soon attached a rope to the shore-line. A whistle from the cable ship, and the caterpillar tractors ashore took the strain and started pulling. At the end of the pull a mo-tor-lorry took up the running. This was not as successful as the tractors because of the sandy ground. With a iide-rip along, the beach, the strain on the hawser was great and it broke. One of the cable gang ashore received a severe blow from the broken line. Fortunately the district nurse was a spectator and rendered first aid. The man was then admitted to the Wairau Hospital. On examination his injuries were found to be not serious.

In the meantime a strong southeasterly wind arose. The cable, which was halfway ashore, was hastily hauled back to the ship and she then made to sea.