WRECK OF THE SCHOONER MIDGE AT KAIPARA.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 605, 18 December 1871, Page 2

WRECK OF THE SCHOONER MIDGE AT KAIPARA.

News was received in town yesterday of the total loss of the line schooner Midge which took place on Saturday last inside Kaipara Heads under the following circumetances : —The Midge, under the command of her owner, Captain D A Stewart, left Auckland, for the Kaipara on Saturday week last, under charter to load with timber at Bonar's mill, Kaipara, for Dunedin. She reached Ahipara

on Wednesday, when after landing a fewstores, she proceeded on to Kaipara, where she was boarded by the pilot (Mr Chapman), and while under his charge she went ashore aud became a total wreck. The following aro the copies of two letters received by the agents, Messrs L D Nathan and Co, from Captain Stewart, detailing his loss : — " December 14, 2 pm, Kaipara River. —Dear sir, —I arrived here this morning, and called at Ahipara yesterday, aud landed 80 bags flour, 11 bags sugar, and 1 cask ale. No boats to attend, and night coming on had to go to sea. I have forgot the ship's register, which you will please forward. In my cashbox in your office.- -D A Stewabt." The second letter is dated Friday, December 15 : —" The Midge is wrecked inside Kaipara Heads. No hopes of getting her off; wind and sea right on shore. Her back is broken. Siv feet of water in hold. Men are employed in saving spars, stores, &c. I will remain by tho Midgo so long as a plank holds together ; meantime that is not safe, as she might break up in a few hours. Excuse haste. —D A. Stewabt." Tho leter was afterwards reopened and the following added : —" Friday noon.— The mate reports he has just had a look at the wreck. The sea is running right over her, and she is full of water. Written on the baach." We need scarcely say that Captaiu Stewart's misfortune will bo sincerely regretted by all who know him. The Midge was insured for £1,400 in the New Zealand Insurance Company, but this will not nearly cover the value of the vessel. The car 40 was iusuredin the Pacific .Insurance Company for £130.