THE WRECK OF THE LYTTELTON.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3737, 23 September 1886, Page 3

THE WRECK OF THE LYTTELTON.

TWO ENGINES RECOVERED. As the weather up to the last fortnight almost had been so unpropitious, and tho sea rough, the purchasers of the hull of the ship Lyttelton were not able to do much m tho way of finding out how the disappeared wreck lies, or to ascertain what kind of fate the engines, pumping machinery, etc., had met with. However, as the weather became more settled, and the sea calmer, active operations were once more commenced, soundings made, diving gear overhauled, and one of the wooden eurf boats fitted out j m short everything was doDe to ensure a proper and complete survey of the scene of the wreck, which has been regretted so much, and over which so much money has been Bpent one -war and another. Diving operations were at first rather unsuccessful and disappointing. Tho water was found to contain so much matter m agitation, that it was impossible, though the work was being prosecuted m water only a very few fathoms deep, for tho diver to clearly make out any obstruction on the bottom. He had to grope his way about, and time' after time had to return to the surface and report that the result of his labours was almost nii. At last, however, the sea becoming calmer and clearer, he found his task much easier, and was then able to make a thorough inspection of tho ill-fated ship, or to be correct, of the few fragments that are now found to be left of her. The diver reports finding the wreckage strewn over a largo area, the main portions lying about the spot where the hull disappeared. The ship appears to have broken forward of the poop, and this portion must then have been flattened out foro and aft, and gradually smashed up. A large piece of the stern is said to bo sticking up above the bottom of the sea, and as it may prove dangerous to shipping will no doubt, by means of dynamite, be removed as soon as possible. But the diver really did find " something," which on investigation was found to be two out of the three engines which it was intended should bo used m attempting to raise the ahip. Tackle was soon made fast to the enginej, and they were brought ashore and placed on the approach to the main wharf. The working parts of them were then well oiled and cleaned with kerosene, but it is very doubtful if the engines are fit for anything m their present state. They, m fact, only too plainly and eloquently show to what a fearful strain they have been subjected. The fly-wheels have been smashed off, leaving but the bare hub on the main shaft; the cylinder covers and heads are more or less broken, the furnace bars gone, and the doora damaged ; the levers are twisted out of all shape m tho most peculiar manner, and the crank shafts and direct driving gear are rendered moro or less useless. Late last evening the diver made fast to another large piece of ironwork — it is reported to bo tho boiler^belonging to the refrigerating machinery — and this will be raised and brought ashore this morning. It is hoped that if the fine weather and oalm sea continue some of tho refrigerating machinery will bo found and saved.