ARRIVAL OF THE VICTORIA FROM THE AUCKLAND ISLES.

Evening Post, Issue 242, 16 November 1865, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE VICTORIA FROM THE AUCKLAND ISLES.

Her Majesty's Colonial steam sloop Victoria, Capt. Normal},' lately despatched by the Government of Victoria to search the Auckland Isles for shipwrecked' persons, arrived at Port Chalmers this morning from her errand of mercy. The Victoria left Melbourne on the 4th of October, and arrived off the principal island of the Auckland group on the 10th. By means of boats and land parties every bay and the whole coast line of this Island for halt a mile from the shore were carefuMy searched, but no sign ol the presence of a living soul was discovered, nor any relics. While on the coast the Victoria encountered four distinct heavy gale*. Loft for Campbell's Island on the 23rd, and examine.! its north-eastern and southwestern shores by three distinct parties, who also ascended the high mountains which command a view of the whole coast and inland portion of the island. But here, also, no evidence of human life was observable. Proceeding from Campbell's Island to Antipodes Island, a heavy gale compelled the Victoria to steam for shelter under its lee until the fury of the storm was over. After one unsuccessful attempt to round the island, the gale moderated, and Captain Norman was enabled to examine the weather shore, which was done by beatinsf about under double reefed storm-sails to within a mile of the cliffs. Every side of the island was examined, but no landing place was to be seen. The Victoria then proceeded to Bounty Island, which is more properly a collection of huge rocks than an island, upon which not a vestige of animal or vegetable life exists. Captain Norman, falling short of coal, bore up for this port, where, according to instructions issued by the Provincial Government, the Victoria will be coaled free of cost. The Victoria was accompanied by Captain Musgrave of the Grafton, lately „ lost on the Auckland group; and his description of the islands as published in public papers some time ago, was found very aocurate. Nothing was found or seen beyond what had* been already observed by Captain Musgrave ; and it is hoped and believed his supposition that other shipwrecked persons are on some of the islands is a mistaken one. In order, however, to complete his merciful errand, Captain Norman landed on the principal island a quantity of live stock, consisting of goats, pigs, fowls, and rabbits. Information was alsd posted in conspicuous' places, that animals and provisions had been left arid where they were to be foun^.

Should it happen that the searching parties have overlooked any portion of the island where shipwrecked persons might be, there is the possibility that any such may discover evidences of the Victoria's visit* •nd hope for future rescue. No news of the steamer Southland is brought by the Victoria.—Evening Star, November 8.