HURRICANE AT CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 12, 14 January 1870, Page 2

HURRICANE AT CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

v The brig Emma which arrived at Auckland from tbe Mauritius on Friday last brings intelligence of a terrible hurricane at Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope, which caused great loss of life and property. We take the following account from the Aucklaud Herald : — A gale which has never been approached in intensity was experienced at Port Elizabeth on Saturday aud Sunday, the 15th and. 16th October. On Saturday, shortly before noon, fall in barometer, wiud veering round to southeast. At 2.15 p.m., signal was made to veer cable. At 4 p.m., signal "Veer whole cable, and prepare forbad weather." Breeze rapidly increased towards sundown with a smart shower of rain. About 11, the Sarah Black came on shore near the Gas Company's Works. Numbers of people were assembled on the beach, and huge fires were lighted Volunteer Artillery with Manby's rocket appamtus arrived, quickly. Sarah Black's crew was safely landed by life-boat at 1 a.m. on Sunday. The Sarah Black, at the time of stranding, had only a few tons of goods on board for the East London, and a crew of twelve men. About three o'clock on Sunday morning barque Forres parted, and stranded at the northern extremity of seawall. One of Watt's whaleboats landed safely the crew. The Manby apparatus* was here used. So great was the violence of the wind that the rope was blown clean over the tops of her masts. After the Forres, came ashore the barque England, which grounded nearly opposite the lifeboat house. This time the Manby apparatus was used with effect. The Volunteer Artillery remained ou the beach all night. The men were all safely landed. The Eugland has on board about 800 bales of wool for America. During the night of Sunday, various dwelling houses, stores, &c, sustained material damage. Slates flew about in all directions. Piping and guttering were torn down, and verandahs and fences destroyed. In one or two cases roofs were literally blown away. Parks suffered considerably. About seven o'clock, North-German barque Major Vont Saff came ashore. Crew safely landed. Captain's wife displayed great presence of mind. The condemned barque Meg Merriiies also came ashore. On Sunday morning the beach presented a scene of indescribable wreck. The anchor-boat Mariner's Pride smashed. The pilot-boat Annie Elisa wrecked at the Breakwater, stove in by the watertank. The anchor-boat Sailor's Friend, also came ashore, but it is likely she may be repaired. While bystanders were contemplating the melancholy spectacle, wind increased — thunder rolled, lightning flashed, heavy, pitiless showers of rain driving down with intense force. In the midst of this, Sea Snake came ashore, five hundred yards north of Seawall . Several ineffectual attempts were made to get lifeboats off to her assistance. Four times were boats launched by willing hands and manned by gallant crews — each time to be swept back by terrific force of waves. On one occasion, line obtained from Sea Snake ; life-boat launched ; but, unfortunately, line broke. Rocket apparatus brought down. Impossible to throw a line in teeth of a strong wind, and at last heavy sea swept away mortar and line. | About eleven o'clock, a young athletic fellow, provided with life buoy, threw himself in the water, and safely reached the shore. Shortly afterwards crew, to lighten vessel, cut away fore and mainmasts. Sea running very high, making complete breach over the stern and waist of back. Heart-rending scene. Poor fellows on the bow.