WRECK OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 85, 11 April 1867, Page 3

WRECK OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN.

r F rom the West Coast Times, April S.] The following telegraphic intelligence is to hand, via Christchurch, respecting the loss of this magnificent vessel: — Dunkdin, April 3, 6*55 p.m. Tbe steamer South Australian, from this port to Melbourne, was wrecked on a reef four miles north of Coal Point, and 20 north ol the Kuggets. The passengers, including several ladies, and the crew were saved. One beat, made the Taieri river, and arriving "there no doubt went south to the Molyneux. The cause of the wreck is supposed to be a variation of the compass. The wreck is believed to be total. Gold to tha amount of Jt.20,0U0 was ou board, mid it is not. yet known whether it has bee*" saved. Tbe steamer had just been purchased by Macmeclcan and BUckwood, of Melbourne. &he struck the reef about half-past teu last night. The water was up to the engiue-room combings within half an hour. Some of the passengers have already reached town. The Geeloug starts to-night with the agent and assistants. Tbe Eveniug Star gives the following particulars, obtained from Mr. Charles . Hoyt, one of the passengers: — "Tbe stea- ' mer left Port Chulmers at. 4 p.m., at full speed ; continued for three hours, during which time, in consequence of no wind j the sails were furled. As night approached, the engines were reduced -to half-speed, and for a considerable time the vessel progressed very slowly. The atmosphere over the land was very hazy, but seaward the sky was dark but clear. At half past ten the vesstd touched the ground twice slightly, Captain Mackie, who up to this time was on deck, was in the engine-room and immediately ordered the engines full steam a-head. Two minutes afterwards the vessel again struck with a crash, and it was discovered that the vessel was on a reef and iv a very hopless condition. A quaiter of an hour afterwards the engine-room had filled with water to the top of the cylinders, and the after-hold was quite lull. The passengers and crew got into the ship's boats with great difficulty, owing to the heavy swell, Captain Mackie and officers remaining on board. The ship rolled very heavily, and at one time it was feared the masts would go by the board. The boat in which Mr. Hoyt was, started for the Molyneux River, "where it was expected the steamer Tairoa lay, but she was not there. The Tai- -ri river was made at half-past teu o'clock today. The other boats tried to reach the Molyneux. The supposed cause of the ■wreck is a deviation from proper course caused by incorrectness of the compass.