THE DISABLED TAVINUI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12446, 1 September 1902, Page 5

THE DISABLED TAVINUI.

PASSENGERS LANDED AT J GI& BORNE. THE STEAMER. LEAVES FOR !WEL« ' LINGTON. (Per XTkiteb Press Association.) GISBORNE, August 30. ' ■ The Tavinui was at anchor off Pakarae, 15 .miles north of Gisborne, this morning, having parted company with the' Mimiro. Tlje weather io still very rough.. At 8.25 the Mimiro steamed out to the Taviraid, but failed to connect. The disabled steamer is about four miles off shore, and-is -believed to be on good holding ground. The sea continues rough, with fierce' squalls. The steamer was- riding safely atanchor, though pitching a.-good deal. The Omapere had been instructed to proceed souih from ' East Cape, and she reached'the Taviuni'a position before dark. The Taluno, turned hack to Auckland from Bast Capo, but the, Elinpmite, leaving here at 11 o'clock, will speak the Taviuni, and inquire whether assistance is required. , , The Mimiro, on returning to port, reported that at 2.10 on Friday she sighted " rockets. Signals were made at 2.30- with blue lights fom the Taviuni, whicli'assured' them that the disabled steamer hail been The steamer was brought- to, and 1 at' daylight was a little distance off the j Taviuni, the position being slightly north of Anaura, 15 miles off the coast. At 8 o clock a connection was made by boat, two tow lines being affixed, and the journey to Gisborne commenoed. A heavy sea. was runing, and both lines parted at noon when oft Waibau. A fresh line wa3 run out, and towing was again started at 1.30. A single wire hawser held well until 5 p.m., -'espite much Surging, but being a' bit short parted in a big squall off Whangara. Tim Taviuni dropped anchor, and the Mimiro promised to stand by and pick her up again in the ■ morning. The Mimiro then stood to a-N.E. course all the evening*, and 1 .turned at il • 1 a.m., and arrived back to the Taviuni at 9 a.m., the disabled steamer having maintained tho eame position, despite a tremendous sea. The weather .was--too heavy to make a connection, and the Mimiro-returned to port. . mi t! • ■ * P-m.,. . The Limgamitchas just steamed f6ur times round the Taviuni, unsuccessfully endeavouring to take iher in tow. A terrific sea is running. The steamer has drifted a little, and her position causes more anxiety. PASSENGERS LANDED AT GISBORNE. GISBORNE, August 31. The Omapere picked up the .Taviuni-to-day - and towed her into "Gisborne roadstead a's 12.30.. The disabled vessel loft the roadstead in tow of the Moura at 6.30, tho Omaper-s accompanying them. The, Tavuini's. passengers are all well. They Were transferred to'tho MoUra. They ha-.l a very anxious time, and appreciate the '„ officers' work. -The - prompt action of the 1 ' local manager , of the Union Company in. sending fhe Mimiro was highly commended. Among- the passengers is Dr Fox, en route' to_ England to interview Mr Chamberlain' with regard to Fiji matters and the complaints against the present Administration. Mr Reimenschneider,. chairman of the' Fiji r - League, is .another passenger. He hopes to interview Mr Seddon in Sydney on the same question. . " The party arrived this morning ia beautiful 'weather, and had a trip in the country in,, the afternoon.- They go inland" to-mdr-row, and will be banqueted at night, leaving at midnight for Napier. The Union S.S. Company received a tele- \ gram yesterday stating, that the,,.weather • had moderated, and the 'Omapere had taken the Taviuni in tow, and was expected to roach Gisborno about noon. The Moura will tow the disabled steamer to Wellington, the Omapere standing by the steamers to render assistance if, required. The: company did not receive intimation last evening of the TaviuniV actual arrival at Gisborne, but Mr Holdaworth 'informs us that lie is certain she did arrive safely, as tlie. local manager would have telegraphed if any delay had occurred. .• .