WRECK OF THE STEAMER WAIKARE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7019, 6 January 1910, Page 7

WRECK OF THE STEAMER WAIKARE.

WARSHIP TO THE RESCUE,

VESSEL’S POSITION PERILOUS.

fiPECIAIi TO THE ’* TIMES."

PBESS ASSOCIATION. BLUFF, January 5. The cruiser Pioneer, after taking in fifty tons of coal and an ample store of •provisions, loft here at 5 o’clock tins morning; steaming about eighteen knots. Sir Joseph Ward and h r js private secretary and Dr Torrance, Port Health Officer, are on board. The Pioneer was sighted off Puyaegur Point lighthouse at midday, and should reach the scene of the wreck between 1 and 2- p.m., returning late to-night. In the meantime the Moura is on her way here from Dunedin. The Union Company is making every arrangement for the comfort and welfare of the passengers. Further particulars state that the steamer went ashore at 12.20 p.m. yesterday, and that the passengers and personal luggage were landed safely. Provisions and canvas awnings were also got ashore for protection for tho night.

Mr G. Allport, secretary of the Marine Department, received a telegram from Puysegur Point lighthouse, last night, stating that the cruiser Pioneer passed there at 8 p.m. on her way back to Bluff, where she signalled she would arrive at 1 o'clock this morning.

MESSAGE EEOM THE CAPTAIN EBESS ASSOCIATION, DUNEDIN, January 5. Captain Newton has wired to headquarters:—"Tho Waika.ro struck at noon yesterday, and was beached on Stop Island. Landed the passengers and crew. All well. The steamer's stem is on the island and her stem in eleven fathoms of water." VESSEL’S PERILOUS POSITION BEACHED IN QUICK TIME. PRESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN, January 5. Tho Waikaxo is in a perilous position. It is feared her back will break. ftom tho meagre information supplied it is quite blear that the damaged steamer was beached in remarkably quick time. This was necessary owing to the depth of water in the immediate vicinity. The Waikare was making her four--teenth trip to the Sounds, and this was tho first occasion on which she had met ■with any mishap. The Moura left Fort Chalmers at 8.20 this morning, and arrives at the Bluff to-night. She expects to meet the Pioneer returning from Dusky Bay. If .necessary, the Moura will .proceed to the Waikaro’s assistance.

The tug Terawhiti, with salvage equipment, under, control of Mr Daniel, the

EXCURSIONISTS AND CREW ALL WELL

i Union Company's salvage expert. will I be ready to leave Wellin-gtcai to-night, if (advised that it is necessary. ] The Ilosamond arrived at the Bluff ' this morning, having passed Puyeegur , Point in the night -without being intcr- ! cepted.* As the Pioneer has proceeded to the scene the Bosamond trill not go. The NVaikane is bad'.'y damaged. TELEGEAM TO ME KENNEDY Mr W. A. Kennedy, manager of tho Union. Company's Wellington branch, was advised by telegram that the Waikare struck the rock at noon on Tuesday. The message says: “The engine-room and th? stokehold arc full of water, and No. 1 and No. 2 holds arc making water. The vessel was ‘holed' under the starboard bailor, and was beached on Stop Island. The stem of the vessel is on the island and tho stern is projecting iutq eleven fathoms of water. The position is very exposed, and the vessel is in a perilous x>ositioii." TEEAWHITE EEADY The Union Company's powerful salvage •tug Te.rawbiti was provisioned yesterday for an extended’ absence from W ellington in order to be ready to sail at 8 o'clock tills morning fop Dusky Sound should her services be required. In addition to her own powerful pumping equipment the Terawhiti had two big pumps placed aboard last evening, and a large quantity of salvage gear was also shipped. If the Terawhiti ■leaves to-day, Mr .T. Daniel, the company's superintendent of repairs, will proceed with the vessel to the scene of the wreck. WEATHEE CONDITIONS' Tho Government Meteorologist (Rev. D. C. Bates) advises:—“The meteorological conditions which have prevailed during the past thirty-six hours have indicated strong south-west winds, cold weather, rain, and mist in Husky Sound." CAPTAIN NEWTON IN COMMAND Captain W. J. Newton,, it transpires, was in command of the on the occasion of the accident. Captain -Coll. McDonald transferred charge of the vessel to Captain Newton on the Wadkare’s .return to Dtmediu from the first excursion to tho Sounds. Captain Newton is one of tho older masters of the Union Company’s service. Among the vessels (he has commanded were the Mahinapua, Atua, Navua, Maori, Manuka, Moana, Moura, and Miowera (now Maitai). A Magisterial Inquiry is to be held at Dunedin to investigate the circumstances connected with the mishap. In the event of an uncharted rook being reported the Marine Department will subsequently send tho Hmemoa to the vicinity to locate the menace to navigation.