STRANDING OF THE S.S. EGMONT.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 106, 15 April 1876, Page 2

STRANDING OF THE S.S. EGMONT.

Tun steaumr Egmont arrived here on Wednesday hist, and was appointed to leave by the early tide on Thursday. All preparations for departure weic made. Amongst others, the Maori prisoners, charged with trespassing on Dickie’s land, were, passengers. A fair amount of cargo was also taken on board from Hirst’s wharf, including several bales of wool, 102 sacks of grass seed, shipped by Mr Taplin, and other things. High water was about half-past 12 o’clock, hut the steamer was under way and making lor the bar before that time. The tide was, however, an exceptionally low one. It was neap, under the most fortunate circumstances, hut the southerly wind of the previous day bad made it still lower than it 'would otherwise have been under the ordinary neap conditions. It is stated as a fact by those who know this bar and its variations well, that, whilst a northerly wind will give rxlra water, a southerly wind, at any tidal -period, will proportionately diminish it. Wo do not profess to he experts in the matter, we, tell (he story as it is told to ns, and our readers must judge for themselves. On Wednesday, for example, with a northerly wind blowing, the depth of water is said to Pave; been at toast, two iVot greater than at the same time of tide when the Egmont mot her trouble, and a southerly hree/.e prevailed. He this as it may. however, the boat started about twenty minutes past 12 noon, high water being about a quarter of an hour after. Ihe channel was holh shallow and tortuous, as she threaded her way. On reaching the bar tliere was a very nasty sea on, though so calm inside, and, on shaping for it, a roller struck the steamer, and sent hei bodily flying on to the boulder hank. Captain Irvine made every exertion to •extricate himself from his dangerous position, hut without avail, anil the little craft remained hard and fast on the rocks. Up to the time of writing, she still remains 'there, hut her cargo has been taken out, hut, we regret to say, there is little chance of her getting off. She is high and dry at low water, but the tide washes in and out .of her.

We need hardly say that wo most sincerely sympathise with Captain Irvine and the owners of; the gallant little boat, in the misfortune that has befallen them. We may say that in such sympathy we are joined fiy every person In the community, and that everyone is really and heartily sorry that such an unlucky accident should have occurred. We can add that it was not, in the slightest degree owing to any want of skill on the part of tlie captain, the officers, or crew, but to circumstances over which they had not, nor could not, have any control. Wc believe that the vessel is insured in the National Company s office for £2,000. Part of the cargo is also insured. An enquiry will be held at the Court House to-day, before H. F. Christie, and C. A. Wray Esqrs. J.P.’s., and Captain Odgers, as a nautical assessor, when no doubt, fuller facts will be elicited. We may add that the steamer has been discharged, and, as far as landsmen can judge, appears to be beyond danger of further injury for a day or two.