FIJI NEWS.—DISASTROUS HURRICANE AT SAMOA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3700, 25 May 1883, Page 3

FIJI NEWS.—DISASTROUS HURRICANE AT SAMOA.

Auckland, This day. " J3y the schooner Hanibai, Captain Scliroedcr, which arrived yesterdaj' from Apia, Samoa," says a Fiji paper, "having loft that port on the Bth of May, intelligence lias come to hand of a most disastrous hurricane, accompanied by an earthquake and tidal wave, which occurred in that group on the 21th of April. Comparatively little damage was done ashore in Apia, though a few buildings were unroofed and verandahs carried away. The cocoanut trees escaped almost scatheless, but the bread fruit trees suffered severely. It was in the harbor, however, that the greatest devastation was paused. There several fine vessels were riding at nnchor, and nil of them were almost, if not totally destroyed by the blow. The Sclidcr, a German barque recently arrived, and having on board 500 tons of merchandise from Germany and Sydney, was driven on a reef, and became a total wreck. The Braizillcra, another German barque, the Venezuela, a German three-masted schooner, and the Van Vax schooner shared the same fate, while the Apia cutter sunk at her anchors, and the American brigantine Sheet Anchor, with 20,000 feet of timber, was completely smashed up, with unfortunately loss of life, her master and steward being drowned. Another small schooner was driven ashore, but got afloat again without sustaining much injury. The force of the wind did not appear to be so very great to those on' shore, and the loss of the vessels is attributed more to the influence'of a tidal wave caused by an earthquake which occurred synchronously with a typhoon, and which is supposed to have lifted their anchors off the ground, thus leaving them subject to the force of the wind. Fortunately most of the inhabitants of Apia have had some seafaring experience, and boats were speedily manned by volunteers, and the crews of the wrecked vessels were gallantly rescued after much danger and much exertion. Seven islands have been thrown up, and the features of the harbor of Apia so thoroughly altered that a new survey will be necessary. Neither the hull nor cargo of the Sheet Anchor was insured. The wreck of the Van Vax was sold by auction, and was bought by Messrs Kusstelt and Co. for 1-31)0 dollars." Advices from Samoa state that the commission appointed to take evidence at Apia in the case of Hunt v. Gordon has held its first sitting. The character of the evidence given is said to be anything but favorable to the plaintiff, who it is asserted has not strengthened his case by his visit to Apia.

works:—With Mr Dugloby for the erection of a strong room; Avith Mr T. R. Cooper for additions to the stables and vehicle sheds of Mr C. Palmer ; and Avitli the Taniumu Road Board, up to noon, for forming about 80 chains of road, in two contracts. The Pukctapu and Tamuinu Road Boards hold meetings at noon to-morroAV for the pm-pose of striking rates. Major Routlcdge orders tho Artillery Volunteers to parade in front of the Athenseum on Tuesday morning to proceed to the Spit to receive tho Governor, ami also to form a guard of honor at the levee, and be in attendance at the railway station on His Excellency's departure. Mr J. S. Giblin has taken out a shooting license for the game season. A brief catalogue of the articles to be disposed of at Mr Ryan's sale of furniture and household effects at his mart on Wednesday next is published. Mr A. Frith, Hastings, offers a rcAvardof £1 for the recovery of a bay horse, with saddle and bridle, lost from Mr Hopkinson's yards on the 14th instant. Volunteers who were absent from parade yesterday without leave are informed by Major Routledgc that they arc fined under the ueAA" regulations. Messrs Garrett Bros, arc selling their own make of boots and .shoes at lower prices than any other house. Mr T. J. Ryan wants to rent a small farm, Avith or Avitliout dwelling - house, near Napier. Mr R. 11. Robinson has a number of " observations " in our " Wanted Known " column, in which lie quotes prices for the barg-ains now being , offered at the Cheap Drapery Shop. Mr J. Diiwson, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Shakespeare road, quotes prices for first-class double and single spring miittruss.es. A master and assistant mistress are wanted for the Kaikora school. Mr R. Brooking has a first-class farm at Mohaka for sale exceptionally cheap. A number of new advertisements Avill be found in our " Wanted " column.

(For continuation of news sec fourth page.)