TOTAL WRECK OF THE CHALLENGE AT THE MANUKAU HEADS.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 109, 16 May 1870, Page 2

TOTAL WRECK OF THE CHALLENGE AT THE MANUKAU HEADS.

FURTHER PARTICTTIARS

Immediately on the receipt of the intelligence of the stranding of the Challenge, the Government despatched the Sturt in charge of Captain Fairchild, to see if any assistance could be rendered. The steamer left Onehunga at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and at daybreak yesterday morning one of the owners of the schooner, Captain Hobbs, and Captain Fairchild landed and proceeded to the wreck When the party arrived they found that the vessel's bottom was out, and the mainmast was falling over her side. The only particulars we have been able to gather of the unfortunate accident are as follow :— " The schooner left Eose's mill with a full cargo of timber. She went out with a fair wind, and while crossing the bar the wind suddenly died away, and the vessel was left to the mercy of the waves She gradually drifted towards the shore, and struck on the rocks near the cliffs at the South Head. The crow clung to the rigging till the tide recede d, when they were enabled to walk ashore. Captain Wing was at the pilot station when the accident happened, and immediately put off to see. if he could render any assistance. One of the sails was brought ashor from the vessel and a tent pitched .in which the crew might pass the night. On Saturday morning Captain Hobbs came to Onehunga, seeing no possibility of saving the vessel or cargo ; but as he returned again to the scene of the wreck we have not beeu able to get the full particulars of the occurrence. An inquiry will, no doubt, be held by the Collector of Customs to-morrow. We see by advertisement that the wreck is to be sold by auction, at 11 o'clock to-da.y, at Onehunga, by Mr. Binney.