WRECK OF THE WAIPARA.

Evening Post, Issue 94, 29 May 1865, Page 2

WRECK OF THE WAIPARA.

It is with great regret we have to report the wreck of the Lyttelton steamer Waipara during the storm, together with two or three more casualties to shipping off this port. The Waipara, Captain Swanson, left Nelson about half-past ten o'clock a.m. on Thursday last, but, meeting with heavy weather, put back to Totoranui on Friday at mid-day, and lay at anchor there till Saturdny. An attempt was mads to prosecute the voyage, but it was again found necessary to anchor under Fare, well Spit for some time, when she once more started for Hokitika, and made every effort, boih by sail and steam, to reach this port in time for the tide, but was unfortunately about an hour too late, the New Zealand having entered about that time before she arrived. Came to an anchor about three o'clock, a heavy swell rolling in from the west, and all making up their minds for a bad night. The wind increased, till by 10 o'clock it blew very hravily, and though steam was kept up the whole night to ease the cables, it was found necessary about two o'clock a.m. to slip and run out to sea. This was done, heavy seat breaking clean over her, even to the height of the funnel, and the sails were soon reduced toainnss of ribbons. At length, the vessel being very deep, and sea after sea continuing I to break over her in rapid succession, it was plain that the only alternative left to save the lives on board was to make for tho shore and beach her. The vessel went ashore about four o'clock, six miles to the southward of Hokitika. When the tide ebbed the passengers and their luggage were got safely ash >re. Al 11 a.m. on Monday a clean breach had been made through her cabin, which is situated upon the deck ; the water was still breaking over her, and she was full of water All the live stock— consisting of 25 pigs and 30 sheep— were, of course, drowned ; but the remainder of her carao will doubtless be saved. The schooners Gnnnei and Glasgow, were also reported as bein^ high and dry about two miles on this side of the Wuipan, and great fears are now entertained for the safety of two or three other boats which are known to be on our coast. — West Coast Times May 17. \ r A