TERAWHITI RETURNS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8783, 13 July 1914, Page 7

TERAWHITI RETURNS

KAURI TO LEAVE TO-DAY FOE PORT CHALMERS.

The Union Company’s salvage tug Terawhiti, which returned to Wellington at 1 p.m. yesterday from Westport, where she wont to refloat the stranded collier Kauri, brought news that the latter vessel is ready to leave Westport. The Kauri has been temporarily repaired, and with a part cargo of coal is to sail for Port Chalmers at midday to-day. The Terawhiti’s feat in towing the disabled steamer Kauri over the bar into Westport with a heavy sea running is considered by experts to bo an exceptionally fine performance, calling for good seamanship upon the part of Captain A. F. Watchlin, of the Terawhiti. The Westport tug Mana stood hy to render assistance, if necessary, and the dredge Rubi Soddon assisted to steer the Kauri into port.

The Terawhiti brought back all the salvaging gear which she took down. Although some gear is usually lost in refloating a stranded vessel, on this occasion everything was recovered, including the Kauri’s anchors and salvage anchors that had been “slipped.” The Terawhiti left Westport at noon on Saturday. The weather was squally and there was such a heavy sea on the bar that she was the only vessel permitted to leave port. Captains C. Macdonald andE. Stott, the Union Company Marine Superintendent and_ local Marino Superintendent respectively, and Mr D. D. Birkett, of the Wellington staff, are still at Westport.