THE SCOW WAIKONINI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3217, 13 May 1911, Page 5

THE SCOW WAIKONINI.

REFLOATED OFF BEACH AT TOKOMARU. TIMELY ARRIVAL OF THE TUATEA EXTENT OF DAMAGE UNKNOWN. Yesterday morning a message was received by a Gisborne gentleman in-\ terested in the timber scow Waikonini j which runs between Tauranga and Gis i borne, to the effect that the little ves- i set was stranded at Tokomaru Bay and required the assistance of a tug boat. On Monday last the Waikonini was beached at Tcikomaru Bay in order to expedite the discharge of her cargo of timber. The discharge was effected without incident, and on Tuesday’s tide Captain White managed to float the vessel off. The wind, which was fairly light at the time, dropped soon afterwards, and the Waikonini was forced to remain at anchor. A strong easterly swell then came up, and the Waikon ini’s anchors began to drag. Finally she was driven broadside on to the beach, and (there she remained despite tne efforts made to refloat her. The Union Co. were at once communicated with and the result was that the launch Tuatea was despatched for Tokomaru Bay about 11 a,m. She returned to the wharf at a very early hour this morning, having succeeded in hauling the Waikonini off the beach. Captain Hawkes, approached by a “Times” reporter, stated that, after leaving here in the morning, the Tuatea experienced a moderate easterly swell, and made very fair progress. She passed Tologa Bay at 3 pm., and the Squall was seen at anchor there, and arrived at Tokomaru Bay about 5 p.m. On arrival there she was met by the Tokomaru Lay Freezing Co.’s launch, and the Waikwonini could he made out on the beach under the cliff. The launch was already connected witn the Waikonini by means of a light line, and this was passed on to the Tuatea. The heavy towline, which had been specially provided, was bent to this, and taken on to the stranded vessel, and made fast to the bow. It was then becoming dark, and Captain Hawkes could not see exactly how the Waikonini was situated. He states, however, that he saw that a substantial bank of rubble and sand had formed between her and the sea, and the seas, which were fairly large at the time, were breaking clean over the scow and dashing half-way up her rigging.

The Tuatea commenced to tow about 5.30 p.m., and, after having been working for about five minutes, Captain Hawkes was rewarded by seeing the stranded vessel swing round and come out into the deep water. When she was well afloat, some of the canvas was hauled up and the towline cast off. The scow then, stood away in a nortberly direction, evidently making for Tauranga. or Auckland. There was a large crowd on the beach, and some hearty cheering was indulged in when the scow refloated.

As soon as the Waikonini was repeated. the Freezing Co.'s launch made off towards some other vessel in the bay, probable the steamer Kotunui. and Coptain Hawkes was unable to ascertain, from those on board the damage suffered bv the scow.

' The Tuatea then left the bay, and, after a. good passage, made fast at the Gisborne wharf about 12.30 this morning.