Our Illustrations

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 2, 14 July 1909, Page 14

Our Illustrations

What is Germany Doing in the Pacific? Mysterious Scientific Expedition—Making; Plans and Surveys in the Elands (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Germany is doing in the ■ ■ I Pfrcific is a question that has 1 I L been palpitating in the minds of many Island dwellers. Germany has of late shown signs of taking « still wider interest in matters relating

to the Pacific Islands. Owing to ths threatened rising of the natives in German Samoa, Admiral Coeper, of ths China station, was dispatched with ths Lcipzic and two Other warships to ths scene of the trouble. The natives were

convinced that a rising against such a powerful nation as Germany was useless, and consequently accepted the laws imposed upon them. However, it is now reported that the German Government intend keeping these ships in the Pacific. It is only natural to believe that Germany intends to start a branch of her great navy in the Pacific islands. Some few weeks ago the German transport conveyed Vice-Admiral Coeper to Levuka, and his presence in the group was not known to anyone beyond the Consul until he had taken his departure. Early last month a steamer bearing the German flag was seen approaching the Suva harbour. It was afterwards ascertained to be the Natuna, bearing a scientific party round the world. In Suva it was observed that members of the “scientific party” were seen making notes on the principal “fauna” and “flora” of the capital. A discreet use of tape and theodolite was made, and plans of the whole place secured. A coastal survey was also included amongst the various investigations of the party. Suva, it appears, is but one of the many islands in the Pacific that have been, and are being, invaded by the Teutonic scientists. After remaining some few days in Suva the Natuna proceeded on to Levuka, where the party remained a couple of days. It was interesting to note that the scientific party did not find it interesting enough to explore the internal part of the island, but preferred to make notes on the principal features of the town. Of course, it is quite likely that it is purely a scientific party, but it is strange that they should be able to collect sufficient notes on scientific matters in three days, when it took Mr. Andrews, who was sent by the ' a -uey University, over eight months, in any ease, why should they want to map out the towns and ascertain information about the coast of a nature that would presumably be of some value if the more important islands of the Pacific were invaded by a German party of a more numerous and acquisitive character? The “scientific” expedition, it appears, is making a widespread tour of the Pacific islands. Various rumours have reached Suva by trading schooners as to the nature of the researches of the party, but beyond what is definitely known at Suva and Levuka, the reports lack verification.

THE SEBDON MEMORIAE. The Seddon Memorial at the Royal Oak corner, Onehunga, was unveiled on Wednesday, July 7, at 3 o’clock by Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education. Despite the inelement weather, there was a good attendance, and the scene was gay with bunting. The Onehunga and Mt. Roskill cadets, under Captain Kenny, and the veterans from the Veterans’ Home, under Captain Archer, formed a guard of honour. The Onehunga Brass Band was also in attendance. In the absence of Mr John Rowe (Mayor of Onehunga), Mr C. Bagley (chairman of the Mt. Roskill Road Board) presided. The speakers included Messrs Massey, Dang, and Bollard, M.P.’s, and the unveiling ceremony was performed by the Hon. G. Fowlds. The memorial has been erected at a cost of £7OO, and was designed by Mr J. Park, of Onehunga,' Mr Parkinson, of Auckland, being the builder. It stands at the meeting of five roads, and will answer the purpose of a shelter, post office and drinking fountain, and will also light up the locality with five lamps. THE STRANDED TAVIUNI. GETTING HER OFF. Mr. S. Brown, of Wellington, who recently visited the scene of the stranding of the steamer Taviuni, supplies the following interesting facts: — Passing along the coast, long before you arrive at the Westport bar, is seen perched, high and dry, a red-painted steamer. This is the Taviuni, which was stranded on the beach some twelve months ago, and which is now being got ready for launching into the Buller River. Seeing the vessel now, as she sits on her cradle, does not give the faintest idea of the enormous difficulties that had to be overcome, nor of the skill, pluck, and perseverance that was exercised in accomplishing such an undertaking. When she went ashore the Union Company were inundated with all sorts of schemes to get her off. The ideas varied very much. One was something of a wooden grating to be built round her, and straw under it; then the tide waa to float her off. The inventor of this was not such a fool as might be

supposed, for he wanted about £ 1000 before he started on his brilliant idea. After very careful consideration, and after all attempts to haul her off bad failed, it was determined to attempt to get her high and dry, and then launch her into the river, through the trainingwall. Then the difficulties commenced. She had first to be hauled into the shore as far as the powerful tackle would bring her, and then to be raised up.

A better idea of what had to be accomplished may be gained when it is stated that she was buried in the sand to a depth of 12ft (the mark of the sand still remains on her sides), and had to be lifted altogether about 17ft. Time after time everything was carried away; the rising tide softened the sand, and the receding tide sucked it away from under the staging, and everything had to be done over again. To get a purehasfe on the sides of the vessel for the hydraulic jacks, vertical timbers had to be bolted on the sides, and strong horizontal beams bolted underneath them, to equally distribute the lifting and strain. Foundations were laid with matting of ti-tree scrub. Planks were

laid crossways, ami on top of these strong beams, on which the screws worked, and as each little was gained in height the vessel had to be secured, but often the work of weeks would be undone in a few hours. Undismayed, however, plucky Mr. Daniells and his men went at it again, and now they have the proud satisfaction of seeing the vessel set on a cradle as safe as on the patent slip.

All the immense beams and timber on which the vessel sits were cut and hauled out of the bush by Mr. Daniells’ men. It was expected that before very long she would be at the breakwater wall, where the timber will be unbolted from the sides, and the holes made by the bolts stopped up. Possibly she will be entirely repaired there, and then launched and sent to sea with her own steam.

It may not be generally known that, practically, Mr. Daniells had got off the Hawca (at the mouth of the Grey bar) ; in fact, telegrams of congratulation had been sent, but through some unfortunate misunderstanding the men did not turn up the next day. Then the weather changed, and the ship was hopelessly damaged.