STORM ON THE WEST COAST.

Evening Post, Issue 98, 2 June 1865, Page 2

STORM ON THE WEST COAST.

There have been several accidents to the shipping during the past few days. On Saturday quite a strong gale was blowing, during which we learn, that the Lady Darling and Omeo steamships lost an anchor and cable each, and the former a lileboat in addition. The Favourite broke away from the Omeo, leaving on board the captains of the Yurrn, Baby, and Favourite, and with grjat difficulty reached the river, shipping several sens, as she did so. The Ruby rode out the gale manfully, but lost an anchor and cable, and got inside the bar on Monday, her funnel, which inadvertently dropped overboard, being carried out to her by the steamship New Zealand. The VVakool, engaged in lightering the steamship Omeo, yesterday hail a signal of distress flying all day, but before high water she was steaming on to the beach, where she now lies high and dry— another offering to the sea gods who particularly patronise the West Coast. It appears that she was f.und to be making so much water that this was the only course left open to the captain to prevent her from sinking. The Wakool en-

deavourpd to get it on Monday night, but, it seems without avail. She now lies on the beach about a mile to the north of the township. Crowds rushed off to render assistance, and one en tot prising drayman ran his lior&es info tha surf, quite close to the ship, to bring ashore the passengers, who, however, declined tiiis mode of conveyance ; and a heavy sea coining in, upset, the dray and nearly drowned the horses. A subscription was immediately started by Mr. R. Reeves, auctioneer, of Hokitika, and Captain Ei wards, to reward the plucky fellow — each of those gentlemen at once sub scribing a note— and which we believe was duly followed. The Wakool had on board, na passengers, the absent skippers above named, and Thatcher, who certainly can have but a poor opinion of Hokitika as yet, having made his debut under rather iii»agreeable circumstances. The " Unfortunate Man " has been fortunate enough to escape this mishap, at all events, having been ashore some days. The passengers were all safely landed last night, though not without some difficulty and much danger, for the surf was very heavy. -West Coast Times, May 524.