THE COLLISION OFF THE KAWAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7341, 30 May 1885, Page 5

THE COLLISION OFF THE KAWAU.

THE MACGREGOR TAKEN INTO BON ACCORD HARBOUR.

lv yesterday's issue we announced that the Macgregor had been successfully floated off the rooks at the Kawau. After our despatch left the vessel the men were kept busily engaged on board, and it was not until the Macgregor bad been temporarily placed on shore in the eandy bay, a few yards distant from where she had been lyiug, that the men wer? knocked off for tea. After a hasty meal work was again commenced, all the gear was closely looked to, and every possible precaution taken to see that everything was in order. Notwithstanding the great weight of the Macgregor, whose decks were but barely out of water, it was seen that the floating power alongside the steamer was sufficient, and with daylight yesterday morning, everything being in readiness, the s.s. Glenelg went alongside and took the four vessels—the Macgregor, barque Gazelle, : schooner Fanny Thornton, and the scow—in tow, it being Captain McGregor's intention to proceed to Bon Accord harbour, and there beach the Macgregor. Soon after getting under weigh the wind, which had lulled somewhat during the night, began to freshen up again from the 8.W., and in consequence the work of towing against the breeze was made all the more difficult. During all this time the pumps were kept going on the Macgregor. After the Glenelg had been towing for about an hour, it being seen that she was making no headway with her vessels, Captain McGregor gave instructions to make Bon Accord by the northern channel. Soon after this order had been given the etearn tug A vvhina hove in sight, bound from Auckland to Waipn, and Capain McLeod ran in alongside, and Captain McGregor availed himself of her presence to get Captain McLeod to delay his journey, and give a hand at-towing. This was agreed to, and it was not long before this new and powerful vessel was made fast and in position, and as she moved ahead the difference in the speed of the vessels was instantly perceptible. About ten o'clock Bon Accord was safely reached, and as the tide was now about half-ebb the w orlc of putting the vessel on the beach was postponed until last night's tide. It it Captain McGregor's intention to have the vessel put into such a state of repair that she will be able to come on to Auckland without any other assistance than that of a tug boat. This should not take more than two or three days, so that, early in the ensuing week, the Macgregor should be once again in Auckland harbour, safe, if not sound. Very great credit is due to Captain McGregor for the energy he his displayed during the past week or ten days in getting everything ready for the floating of the Macgregor, and his efforts have been ably seconded by Captains McKenzie, Ross, Scott, the diver, and all the other men employed in the work.