STRANDING OF THE S.S. STAR OF THE SOUTH.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 799, 27 June 1870, Page 2

STRANDING OF THE S.S. STAR OF THE SOUTH.

Wb regret to have to chronicle the stranding, on the beach about halfa-mile beyond the Shamrock Hotel, on the morning of Friday last, of the s.s. Star of the South, for so long a period a regular trader between this port and Auckland. The Star was on her passage from Auckland to Napier when the accident occurred, and had called in at Mahia on the wa> down, The latter place she left on Thursday night, and stranded as abovementioned at 1.20 a.m. on Friday, it being then nearly high water. The night was an extremely dark one, with thick fog; and nothing could be seen until the steamer was within a few yards of the breakers, when the engines were immediately reversed, all to no use, however, for she was thrown up on to the beach broadside on. We are glad to state that all hands were saved. We understand that the Star was insured, but to what amount we have not heard. The Star of the South had on board a quantity pf general cargo from Auckland, and whale oil and sheepskins, all of which, together with everything belonging to the ship, has been saved, —the weather dui ing the last few days having been particularly favorable. On Saturday, Mr John Stuart held an auctiou sale of the wreck, the sum realised being £471. An inquiry into the cause of the wreck will, we believe, be held this day.

The brigantine Esther, Captain Campbell, left Wellington on the night of the 18th inst., and arrived off Mat Point at 8 o'clock the next morning. Discharged part of her cargo, and left at noon the same day, arriving at Castle Point at 6 p.m. Ihe sea then was beautifully calm, but next morning it was found impossible to land anything, and the vessel stood off and on until 3 p.m. on the 21st. Discharged cargo and left for Napier at 8 p.m. on the 22nd, arriving here early next morning. She brings a general cargo— The Esther leaves for Wellington this (Monday) evening. The s.s. Storm Bird, Capt. Doile, left Wellington at noon on the 23rd inst.; rounded Cape Palliser at 4 p.m. the same day, Cape Turnagain at 4 a.m. on the 24-th, and Cape Kidnapper at noon, arriving here at 2 p.m. Experienced N. and N.E. winds throughout. —The Storm Bird steamed for Wellington and Wanganui early this morning, with 1 horse, 21 casks and 45 casks tallow, 42 bales and 100 qr-bales wool, 50 hides, 1 dump of skins, 1 flax machine, and several passengers. The schooner Murewai, Capt. Harris, left Poverty Bay at 8 p.m. on the 23rd, rounded Portland Island at 10 a.m. on the 24th, and arrived here at 5 p.m. the same day. Experienced light N.E. wind on the passage. The s.s. St. Kilda, hence, arrived at Wellington at 2 a.m. on the 23rd inst. The s.s. Gothenburg, from Melbourne, arrived at Hokitika at 7.45 p.m. on Saturday. The following is the report of the passage of the s.s. Keera, Capt; Bain, which arrived in the Manukau on the 14th inst. from Wanganui:—The Keera left Wangauui at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10. On getting outside the bar the wind began to blow from the north, and increased in freshness all night. On Saturday it chopped to N.W., and blew still harder. On Sunday morning about 9 o'clock a storm broke over the ocean with a fury that has not been witnessed for many years back. The clouds all arpund and overhead were black, and the sea, which was mountains high, had the same appearance. Throughout the whole of that day the little boat was heaving against winds from every point. At one time it would blow from the N.W., and in ten minutes afterwards scud right round to the S.W., and then to the E., and so on, at intervals of half-an-hour or so. The sea is described as terrific during this tempest; every hour it rose and overwhelmed the vessel. The elements were all in terrible commotion, while thunder and lightning came on in quick and thrilling- repetitions. It was impossible for the steamer to put in anywhere ; all she could do to save her cattle was to heave to, which she did during Sunday and Sunday night. Next morning the wind moderated, blowing from the westward, and the Keera was put on her course, and arrived in the Manukau at II a.m. on the 14th ilist.