STEAMER FOR THE WAIKATO

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1803, 13 December 1862, Page 3

STEAMER FOR THE WAIKATO

ARRIVAL OP THE * HABBIER ' IN THE MANUKAU. On Wednesday night, H. M. s.s. Harrier, in charge of Commander Sullivan, steamed into the Manukau, after a run of four days from Christchurch. She brought in tow the little steamer Avon. During the stay of the Harrier at Lyttelton—where she had proceeded on government business— Commander Sullivan purchased the Avon for tho colonial government, and shortly afterwards proceeded to sea, having the Avon in charge. Lyttelton was left on the evening of the 26th instant, and on nearing Taranaki. tho Avon w^s left outside, whilst the Harrier steamed into the harbour, and Commander Sullivan communicated with the authorities of that place. The anchor was not dropped, Nothing was seen of the wreck of the Lord Worsley. Steam being got up again, rocket signals wero disrharged, and the Avon being met with, was taken in tow about 12 o'clock the same night, and brought to the Manakau The weather was fine throughout, but contrary winds were experienced. The bar o f the Vlanukau was crossed at low tide, and the Harrier anchored at low water, about half- past nine o'clock Before crossing tho bar, the Avon was again cast off, and steamed up the harbour herself, she cam© to an anchor about an hour after the Harrier's anchors were dropped. Tho Avon was purchased from a firm at Christchurch for £i,QQU, including a few repairs. She is of small tonnage— 26- and her engines are of 14 horse power. She has no crew, but was manned during her run up to the Manukau by a few man-of-war's men selected from the crew of the Harrier. She had been previously employed trading on the small rivers and creeks iv the vicinity of Lyttelton, and for which her build eminently fitted her ; being constructed to draw a

few feet of water — we believe hetween two and three feet. On Thursday morning sho was employed to tow the hulk of the brig .Vloa, now lying in the Manukau, alongside the Harrier, for the purpose of coaling ; and which she effected to the satisfaction of those in command. It is currently reported her destination is the Waikato ; were she will be employed as a trader. During the short stay of the ' Harrier' at Lyttelton , owing to the great amount of necessary work to be done on board, visitors could not be allowed to inspect the vessel duiing the week days, but through the kindness of Commander Sullivan, Sunday, the I6th November, was set apart as a special visiting day for the good folks of Lyttelton. Tho little Bteamer ' Avon ' proved most useful in conveying some 200 persons to the * Harrier' and back, and no doubt the visitors were well -pleased with their visit on board the floating home of the gallant blue jackets. — Daily Southern Cross, Nov. 28.