THE TAVINUI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14699, 6 December 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE TAVINUI.

li KFLOATLVG OPERATION'S.

COMPLETION 1 OF A HUGH TASK. WKSTI'OKT, November 25. One ilark, mistv night 18 months ago— at 9.10 p.m. on April 23. 1908—the Unions Company's steamer Tavinui, hound to Westliml, overran (he port, and ran inshore on, the sea beach at the west side of the harbour entrance. Mr Daniels, the Union Company s veteran salvage foreman, ban been engaged ever since, off and on, in making preparations io replace the steamer irt navigable waler*. and at 3.10 o'clock this morning lie tuccemlod. Originally an attempt was made to launch the vessel seawards, but this of course was soon ascertained to be impracticable, and it was then decided to shift her along the heaeb a considerable distancei and launch her through a cut in the breakwater into the river. Enormous mid. costly work was entailed in carrying out this scheme. For one thing a breakwater of fascines and timber had lo be built on the seaward side of the ship, and then shifting sand provided a continuing difficulty to an extent never anticipated. All sorts of drawbacks were encountered, mid it is to the credit of Mr Daniels and bis staff that they wore one by one overcome, and •■ that the underUiking has at length been brought lo a successful issue. . Mr Daniels was favoured with ideal condition.! for the completion of his great, task. The weather was beautiful, and sea, and river were as smooth as glass. From nn early hour people had been gathering from all quarters, and when tho ship glided into the stream several thousand spectators witnessed the operation. Tho breakwater on the town side of the river was the most popular point of view, but many crossed the stream by train audi motor launch to get a closer view. The scene was picturesque and busy. In the foreground, rep'osing in dignity ore her cradle, was the Tavinui, which bad become such a well known local landmark. Above and below her in the stream were lying Uic tugs liana and Terawhiti. Motor launches darted here and there, and row boats wore plentiful, basking in the early morning sunshine. The early arrivals had some time to wait, but Mr Daniels did not start the final act until he was ready. His staff had been at work from dawn completing the preparations. Ho awaited the turn of the tide at 8.10 a.m., and then a couple of warning whistles were heard, and two men were stationed ia responsible positions. Mr Daniels gave the word, and' they; sharply knocked away the last two wedges. The big steamer immediately moved, and then glided gracefully into the river. An anchor was dropped, and in a moment the ship swung gracefully in midstream. The actual operation of tho launch was quiet, rapid, simple, and successful from every point of view. The public was deeply interested, and when it was seen that the vessel Avas afloat vigorous cheers rang out from the onlookers on both sides of the river, while Captain Leech supplemented the vocal demonstrations with a, blast on tho Mana's whistle. The tags ranged alongside, and the liana took the Tavunui in'tow. and berthed her at the cvano wharf. She will load 600 tons of coal, and, under the command of Captain Collins, will be towed by the Union Company's tug Terawhiti to Port Chalmers for repairs.