Algonquin (Propeller), aground, 14 Oct 1891

Kingston Ont. Oct. 15, - For about seven years men have been at work removing shoals in the harbor, but more boats get aground now than ever before. This is partly because the boats coming here are longer and partly because shoals still exist. Yesterday the WAVERLY and BRUCE, from Duluth, with 85,000 bushels of grain, went on the Carruthers shoal, and lucky for them a gale did not come up else they would have pounded badly, as it was they were badly injured in being hauled off. It is safe to say that $2,000 will not bear the expense of repairs. Their bottoms must be considerably torn. Here were two cargoes, valued at $100,000, lying at the mercy of the wind and waves, and no sooner were the two boats named released than along came the ALGONQUIN and went on the shoal in front of Point Frederick. She went a little out of the course with the result named, but if the shoal was not there she would not have had to lie all day Sunday grinding on rocks. Now what is surprising to mariners is this: To remove the shoals the government is adopting means that are fully 100 years behind the age. Just fancy one and sometimes two divers, below water prying at rocks with crowbars. No wonder the desired headway has not been made in seven years labor. If the modern methods were adopted, and steam drills used, the same as was done at Oswego and other places every shoal could be moved in six months. The one-man-and-a-crowbar system is all very well for affording several situations, but for benefit it is simply absurd. The sooner the government looks into this matter the better. Large boats will not come here if they have to pay out half their freight every trip for damages.
      The Marine Review
      October 15, 1891