STRANDING AND DISABLING OF THE P.S. PERSEVERE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1123, 1 February 1870, Page 3

STRANDING AND DISABLING OF THE P.S. PERSEVERE.

We (Greymouth Evening Star, Jan, 21) are extremely sorry to have to report the stranding and disabling of the p.s. Persevere, so long and so well known as the tender of the various inter-colonial and inter-provincial boafs calling at Hokilika and at this port. We learn that on Wednesday evening, after waiting ou the s.s. Oluu.l Hamilton, tlin tender was on her way across the Plokitika bar, but there was not sufh'eient water in Iho channel when she attempted to get in, so she took the ground immediately. As the tide made, the captain endeavored to get her afloat again, keeping the paddles going continually, and at last lie was successful in backing her off', but was unable to get her head round to seaward. The Persevere gradually " sagged" to the northward, and then again took the ground on the extensive iiat shoal which extends along the north beach. There she stuck hard and fast uutil the tide made, and in spite of the paddle wheels going round under a full pressure of steam, she commenced to thump over the bank, aucl at last became a pile upon the beach. An attempt was made to haul her off into deep water, but proved fruitless, and the little boat was hove high up on the beach as the tide made. Yesterday ifc was found she was very seriously injured. It was, however, thought that she was not beyond repair, and for that purpose (lie necessary material for raising her on ways was sent down, to the buach. The flood tide of yesterday, however, caused more damage to the tender, and when the tide had ebbed suiliciently to allow of an examination, it was fouud that she was badly billed on both sides, and that the boiler had shifted from its bed. A survey was hold, which resulted in the vessel being recommended for sale, as she was so much injured as to be beyond repair. The loss of the little bout which has so long, under tho able command of Captain liobertson, rendered so much service to both ports, will be greatly felt, and for the future the ocean steamers will have to command the services of tho port tug boats, which, however, will not be able to make such good use of low, late, or early tides, especially when the ocean boats, or rather their commanders arc in a hurry, as some of them have been at times lately on their own account. The wreck was sold to-day for £G2.