WRECK OF A UNION STEAMBOAT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7331, 4 October 1898, Page 1

WRECK OF A UNION STEAMBOAT.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Wellington, October 3. The Post understands that Captain M'Lean, when he took command, had explicit instructions from headquarters to take no risks with the Mapourika, as she was a valuable boat, and there were no insurances on her; if necessary it was better for him to err on the side of overcaution. So far it is not intended to send the Wellington tug to assist the stranded vessel as plenty of towage power is available at Greymouth. Greymouth, October 3.

Mr Daniel, the Union Company's foreman, who is at the scene of the accident, has sent the following report to the Company. There are about 6 feet of water at dead low water ab the bow, and about; 3 feet at the stern. The stem is twisted from the 9ft mark downwards, very like the Wainul. The plates on the port side are very badly holed from the stern to the centre of the bottom. The ship's fore hatch, under the chain locker, is knocked in altogether. There is one large hole iusfc aft of the side chain locker, breaking away the edge of the ballast tank. There is another large hole just at the end of the fore cabin, close to the edge of the ballast tank into the hold. Another large hole is just clear of the ballast tank into the hold just opposite the centre fore hatch. All these are on the port side. All the frames for about 20 feet under the fore cabin are bent and broken. Have taken out all the lining near the damage, the holes being 3ft or 4ft under water at low water. A heavy sea and shingle are running through into the hold. Have great fear of being unable to stop the holes, even to fl >ab her into the river. At hieh water there are 15fb of water in the forehold, and the weight of water against the bulkhead broke the fhnges of the water-tight doors, admitting the waterintotheengine-room. Am strengthening the door this tide, and hope to have finished by next tide for steam is in the engine-room. If it is possible to save the vessel in her present condition she can be repaired as good as ever. She lies well sheltered from the south-west, and all preparations are being made to protect her from northwards. If not possible by to-night's tide to stop the holes in the bottom, with the prospect of taking her out to sea, will use every possible effort to put her broadside on the beach, with the prospect of launching her." The Magisterial inquiry has been fixed for next Monday, at Greymouth. Cap-tain-Marciel (of Christcburch) and Captain Bignall (harbormaster at Hobitika) have been appointed nautical assessors.