THE GALE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 153, 28 June 1907, Page 5

THE GALE.

CYCLONIC STORM OVER, FINER "WEATHER CONBITIONS. The cyclonic storm which swept down on New Zealand two or three days ago, disappeared towards nightfall yesterday, leaving behind it the usual unsettled and squally weather, which is now rapidly improving, and the conditions point to fine weather after to-day. The Clansman, which arrived from the North this morning, reports that the sea .was smooth on the coast last night, although there were occasional squalls. The trig steamer Kaipara experienced very heavy weather on the West Coast, on Tuesday and Wednesday last, but after rounding the North Cape yesterday, the conditions improved, and she arrived at Auckland early this morning, after a very, fair run from Waitara. All the "Mosquito" fleet running with coals from NgTinguru have reached port safely, including the Alma, Herald, Havoc, Moonah, and others. The fishing boat Kia Ora, dragged her anchors yesterday, dashed against the Wynyard Pier, and sank. She was badly damaged, and is considered a. hopeless wreck. The yacht (Grace Darling also dragged her anchors, and after striking the railway wharf, broke up and sank. The s.s. Tarawera, -which was due at Auckland yesterday, afternoon, from Gisborne, did not put in an, appearance here until 4 o'clock this morning, having met with, boisterous weather on the passage. The Tarawera left Gisborne at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday last, and experienced strong head winds and seas to the East Cape, which was passed at 10.40 p.m. the same day. The wind had n6w increased to a strong gale from the westward, raising a high sea? The gale increased during the night, and large quantities of water were shipped, the alleyways being constantly flooded. The steamer was making very little head-way, and -when daylight broke, the land was not in sight. A wall of spray was breaking all round the vessel from which it was impossible to see for any distance. Between nine and ten p.m. the weather cleared, and then Cuvier light was made out, port being made as above without further incident, the passage having occupied thirty-seven and a half hours. The Talune wa,a three hours late in arriving at Dunedin yesterday, having met with S.W. winds and high seas after leaving Lyttelton. A telegram from Gisborne states that the heavy rain of Wednesday caused the rivers to rise very rapidly, as much as a foot an hour in one instance. The Sow Sands about Masterton are under water in many parts, heavy rain having fallen for two days without cessation. Information has been received by Inspector Cullen from Waiheke to the effect that the fishing boats Scobelo and Okari are ashore on. the islands. The Seobelo has lost her mast, and the men on both boats have had to throw over all ballast, fittings, bags of oysters, etc., in order to save themselves. VESSELS STRANDED. The scow Tramp, bound from Kaipara. to Onehunga, went ashore 30 miles off Kaipara Heads yesterday. The m&a'ter (Captain Daniels) reports that the crew are all saved, and that the vessel is high up on a sandy beach, and undamaged. She is «about a mile north of the spot where the KJnclune was wrecked a few years ago. Mr. J. Harrison leaves for the Kaipara to-day to make arrangements for refloating the vessel. The scow Pukapuka is reported to be ashore at Squadron Bay, and the cutter Eleanor and another cutter at one of the other bays at Waiheke. It is stated that none of the vessels are damaged, and that they will be refloated when the weather moderates. The Customs Department are advised by the Inspector of Fisheries at Waiheke that the fishing boats Scoplo and Okari are ashore on the island. The former boat has lost her mast, and the Okari has lost her gear and ballast. The message stated that the boats were manned, and as no further reference was made to the crew it is presumed they are all safe. TWO MEN MISSING. A telegram from Pahi to' Inspector Cullen states that Frank Seopinich, an old fisherman, living at Batley, has been reported missing since Wednesday. It is thought that he was caught in a storm in an open boat while setting his nets. Peter LoyeV, who was last seen in a small sailing boat, is also reported missing.

THE WEST COAST STEAMERS.

The Union Co.'s steamer Rotoiti, which has been detained at Onehunga for several days, took her departure for New Plymouth and Wellington at 9.30 o'clock, and crossed the Manukau bar at 11.30 a.m. to-day. The Rarawa's trip to New Plymouth to-day has been abandoned, and her next sailing from Onehnnga will be on Sunday afternoon next.

CAPTAIN EDWIN'S FORECAST,

The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day:—"Moderate to strong westerly winds. Glass rise. Probably very cold nights."