THE MISHAP TO THE S.S. TAKAPUNA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 4608, 24 March 1884, Page 2

THE MISHAP TO THE S.S. TAKAPUNA.

MYSTERIOUS OCCURRENCE. A .somewhat peculiar telegram we published on Saturday last, with reference to some unexplained damage to the s.s. Takapuna. The Wellington Post says :— When the Takapuna arrived at Port Chalmers on the discontinuance of the coastal express service it was decided to dock her so soon as the graving dock wns available. This has recently been done, with the unexpected result that when the steamer's bottom was exposed to view it at once became apparent that she had been on shore somewhere and had sustained some rather serious injuries. Her keel was twisted and cracked, and several plates near the screw aperture were much cracked, dented, and otherwise damaged. The extent of the damage would probably not be known on board, as any leakage through the cracks would only have found its way into the ballast tanks and would not have effected an entrance into the ship herself. As the Takapuna was never reported, either by her officers or her passengers, as having even touched anywhere, and as the contact which did so much mischief must have been pretty sharp, it is a complete mystery when or where she could have struck. One theory points to the Manukau, another to some point toward Cape Egmont, and another to a rock near Terawhiti, but all this is pure conjecture. All that is definitely known as yet is that the steamer must have struck semewhere and rather severely too. On the facts becoming known, instructions were isued for an investigation to be held, with a view ot eliciting all particulars relating to this singular affair.

Captain Edwin telegraphed at ;>.15 p.m. to day — Indications of glass fulling again after 10 hours : and, after 1G hours from now, wind backing to north-east. We learn that tho Constabulary have received instructions from Wellington to disperse the natives at Parihaka who hud gathered there for the last meeting. An. older has accordingly been issued commanding the natives to return to their home 8. The natives naturally look upon this as harsh tieatinent, especially after the orderly* manner in which the late meeting was canied on : and there can be no doubt that where there wns good feeling on the part of the natives towards tho Euiopcans, and even the Government, there is vow an irritated feeling which iv not easy to allay. Representations have of course been made privately to the natives that the action is solely on the responsibility of the - Government, and that the majority of the JJuiopeuns do not ugreo with the harsb treatment.