THE KAIPARA MISHAP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2915, 26 January 1910, Page 9

THE KAIPARA MISHAP.

SALVAGING THE CARGO. AUCKLAND.. January 18.

Extensive damage to the hull of tha Kaipara has been discovered l>y the divers. A hole 2ft square was found, evidently where the vessel struck. For 40ft the seams are affected considerably., Four divers are plugging the seams. A' collision mat is being made to cover the* large hole. A pumping test yesterday showed that the rent must be more effectively stopped before the pumps can cop« with" the water. Pumping by the Terawhiti will probably start to-morrow It was rumoured to-day that a rocW had been discovered 100 yards astern of where the Kaipara now lies, but inquiries made to-night failed to substantiate the statement. "To-morrow morning two steam launches will drag the channel near the Kaipara. The cargo of frozen meat has been taken out to sea and jettisoned.} Pumping the water out of the hold will commence to-morrow. In addition to two divers engaged by the New Zealand' Shipping Company, three belonging t« H.M.S. Pegasus have been employed to<' day wedging the hole in the Kaipara, and thev will commence inserting tha canvas pad to-morrow. A January 19. « Captain Cornwall, of the Kaipara, and party, disoovered an uncharted rock in the Rangitoto Channel this morning. The rock lies about 200 ft astern of the Kaipara on the starboard quarter, and between Bean Rock and the west luminous buoy.' Interviewed by a Herald representativa to-night, Captain Cornwall stated that he was confident that the rock which had been discovered was the one the Kaipara struck. The Kaipara was beached in Hobsoa Bay this evening at low tide. She is aground both fore and alt. Afte'r being refloated she came to Hobscn Bay under easy steam, with her pumps going to keep the'water down. Further investigation! was made to-day regarding the rock or shoal in the fairway. It is described 1 as a hard patch about 40ft square, surmounted by a pinnacle. It will probably be a week yet before all the cargo b removed and the Kaipara docked. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January iS. Rangitoto Channel, where the steamej* now lies,' is a scene of activity, the process of salvaging- the carjgo requiring th« presence of numerous small • vessels and a, gang of workmen. One of the most curious sights was to see a big shark valiantly, battling with a box of butter. The fishi' evidently fancied a little luxury as an addition to his ordinary larder, and tha aroma of first-grade creamery tickled hi* nose. The box had dropped overboard, and was promptly snapped by the shark. He couldn't make head or tail of his capture, and regretfully abandoned it. Tha carcases of frozen meat were soon de« frosted when the holds filled, and at present the men prefer to keep to the windward side of the mutton.' Not so the sharks, however. They have scented tha perfume from afar, and are now scouring round enjoying it and waiting events. Tha vessel must have struck with considers bio force, as one of the divers discovered a number of rivets on the bottom, where they had dropped out of the damaged' plates. An examination of the bed of the .sea in the vicinity of the wreck has been made by a diver, but so far nothing; has transpired of any discovery that would throw light on the disputed point as to where the vessel actuallv was when she struck. Considerable reticence is observed, by those who ought to have some idea of what actually happened, and as an air of mystery has been allowed to prevail special interest will attach to the proceeding? at the Nautical Court when it sits. The railway wharf presents a busy scene, as the various lighters and steamers engaged are continually comma; alongside and discharging full leads of the damaged' ca.rgn. The cheese landed from tlw steamer is being sold by auction. THE INQUIRY. •- WELLINGTON. January 19. Captain W. J. Reed, of Auckland, and Captain C. F. Post, of the Government steamer Tutanekai, have been appointed* assessors at the inquiry into the strandina of the steamer.