The Evening Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1871.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 355, 28 February 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1871.

From another column it will be seen that we have narrowly escaped having had a fearful catastrophe to record in the loss of the Clio on our coast. We have been kindly favored by Lady Bo wen with a telegram just received from His Excellency, from which it will be seen that this fine war-ship struck on an unknown rock in the neighbourhood of Martin's Bay, the new West Coast settlement of Olago. From the stormy character of that portion of our seas, and the ironbound coast that presents itself to vessels in the offing, there must have been imminent clanger; and when we consider the names and position of the various persons accompanying the Commodore in his voyage, we have reason to rejoice that New Zealand has not had to mourn a national disaster. It is satisfactory to observe that the good ship has reached secure anchorage, and we have no doubt that in the singular calm that reigns within the mountain clefts that form the remarkable fiords of our southwestern shores, she will be able to ride in safety till the Virago and the Luna come to her assistance. As will be observed, Dr. Hector had reached the Otago pfoldfields overland, and from Q.ueonstown, the nearest telegraphic station, had forwarded on the intelligence. The misadventure may possibly in some form affect our approaching tir national, as the Luna was immediatelr expected, conveying to the Auckland trysting ground the sharpshooters of the youth. In the circumstances, the inter-pro-vincial shooting match, fixed for this

day week, might be postponed, but as the I'hcebe is expected on Monday next, it is probable that in the absence of the Luna, the selected volunteers may be forwarded on by that steamer. However any small inconvenience in this respect will be willingly borne with in the general feeling of satisfaction that no worse fate has befallen the Clio and her voyagers.