THE SCHOONER HERON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 102, 30 March 1863, Page 3

THE SCHOONER HERON.

The schooner Heron, j'Captain Laing, arrived in the Manukau from Wanganui on Monday last. It was originally the intention of Captain Laing, to proceed to Otago, but meeting with heavy contrary weather he was obliged to bear up for Taranaki, where the cattle were landed, and the Heron sailed again for Wanganui. There she took in another cargo of cattle.and sailed for the Manukau. We are indebted to Captain Laing, for the following report of the perilous position in which his schooner was placed whilst entering the Manukau on Saturday; — She arrived off the Manukau bar from Wanganui at eleven o’clock on Saturday morning last, and the tide being ebb, laid off and on waiting for the flood—the wind being from the south west. About 5 - 30 p.m., the signal was made at the pilot station—“Takethe south]channel,” Bore up about seven o’clock getting close down the middle bank, the wind hauling to S., and falling light with a strong set towards the sands, when signal was made to stand to the southward. Immediately tacked ; before the ship gathered way, three blind rollers rolled up. Finding the ship was going astern, immediately let go both anchors. Before the ship brought up within the breakers she commenced striking heavily. The crew then rushed to the boats, but were restrained by the captain, who convinced them of the impossibility of a boat living in a heavy surf then prevailing. Fortunately the ship drove a little and got into a swatch way where there was deeper water, and ceased striking. Being fearful that she would break up at low water, it was determined lo .abauher, so towards high water the break of the sea becoming less the small boat was hoisted out when all hands ten in number got into her. The captain, finding that the boat was loaded, declared that there was more safety in remaining on board the vessel, and immediately jumped on board taking with him his wife. One stockman and two of the crew then volunteered to stick to the captain, and the remainder pushed off for assistance. It was then about a quarter past nine o’clock. During the night torches and blue lights were kept burning in the hopes of attracting the attention of those on shore. At the time of the accident Cap-

tain Hunt of the Avon, and his engineer were walking along the beach and observed the position of the vessel, they immediately proceeded on board, got up steam, and started to render assistance. They proceeded out, but being unable to see the lights were returning, when near tlmSouth Head they fell in with the boat from the vessel, which was taken in tow and they started again to her assistance. Captain Wing with his boat and crew were on board the Avon. In the meantime those left on board awaited the return of tbe boat with the greatest anxiety, no friendly light being shown to make known the postion of the vessel, expecting every moment that the chain would part. The sea was breaking all round the vessel, and a strong current setting right on to the reef. Had the chain parted not a soul on board would have been saved. Fortunately, about half-past ten o’clock, a breeze sprang up, off shore, and all sail was at odee made upon the ship, the shackles knocked out of the chains, and they were in the act of slipping when a light was observed, upon which, supposing that it was their own boat returning, they held on a short time, and were soon able to make out that it was a steamer. The Aron came down, and sent the Heron's boat’s crew on board with a tow line ; the anchors were hove up, and she towed her out clear of the sands and reef, coming to an anchor for the night, and in the morning brought her in above Paratutai.

We understand that it is Capt. Laing’s intention to have an investigation of the cause wdiy assistance was not rendered w'hen she got into her perilous situation, as the man at the signal station must have been aware of their danger. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Captain Laing for his courageous and praiseworthy conduct, being the means of not only saving a fine vessel, but many valuable lives, for had he proceeded in the boat, both themselves and schooner would have inevitably perished. Great praise is also due to Captain' Hunt, of the Avon, for the prompt manner in which he proceeded to the schooner’s rescue.