LOSS OF H. M. BRIG "OSPREY."

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 43, 28 March 1846, Page 2

LOSS OF H. M. BRIG "OSPREY."

It is with the deepest regret we have to announce the loss of this "beautiful brig of war, mounting twelve guns, on the western coast, about eighteen miles to the northward of Hokianga, on Wednesday, the 11th inst., about three o'clock in the afternoon. On Tuesday, the 10th instant, the Osprey made the western coast, and was enabled to take an observation, which proved that she was in the latitude of Hokianga ; but the weather coming on thick and hazy, she kept off the land, until the evening, when it cleared away. She then stood in, fired two guns to announce to the pilot, at Hokianga, that she was off the harbour, and again stood to sea for the night. .On the following morning on nearing the coast, a high southern headland, similar to Hokianga, was seen, with what was presumed to be, the pilot's house ; but which, subsequently, proved to be a white spot on the cliff. Soon afterwards, perceiving a red flag run up, it was confidently anticipated that it was the entrance of the Hokianga, and the brig stood on, over the surf, bringing the northern and southern heads in one After crossing the breakers, which were judged to be the three of Hokianga, the vessel touched ground ; but it was thought that she was just merely on the bar, over which she would soon forge ; but almost immediately, she struck again, with increased violence,— -and succession of shocks, brought the alarming conviction, that she was ashore ; and that it was not the entrance to Hokianga, but that of Haere-kino, or False Hokianga. The guns were instantly hove overboard, and the masts cut away, which falling, with the sails set, towards the shore, dragged the vessel still higher on the beach. On the tide receding, the vessel being about half way between high and low water mark, the officers and crew were enabled to land, about two o'clock on Thursday morning, with their small arms and some dry ammunition, which had been fortunately saved on deck, the greater part having been thrown overboard. The vessel stands upright on her keel, in the sand, and is but slightly injured, the heel of the keel only, being knocked away. The stores are being landed, and the crew are assisted by one hundred and fifty natives, who are well disposed, and jj behave very friendly and peaceably. Two of them had been caught pilfering, and had been taken into custody. After the stores are all taken out of the Osprey, there is no hope of her floating, without a number of empty casks to raise her,— or of hauling her off. The shore, on that part of the western coast, is extremely shallow for a long distance outwards, with a heavy surf and breakers, continually rolling in, even when the wind is off the land ; so that no vessel of proper size and power could approach, with safety, sufficiently near to render the Osprey efficient assistance in hauling off. This untoward circumstance, has arisen it appears, from mistaking the headlands; and likewise, from being misled, by the hoisting of the red flag, similar to the practice at the true Hokianga, to apprize vessels that there is sufficient water for them on the bar. From information we have received, we learn that this little harbour of Haere-kino, is precisely a miniature of Hokianga, and the principal native chief has adopted the plan of the pilot at the latter place, to announce high water to the smaller vessels, that may approach his settlement. We consider, that some measures

should be taken to prevent in future, recurrence of similar disasters to large vessels. The harbour of Hokianga, itself, although a bar harbour, can be approached and entered, with proper precautions ; therefore, the accident should not, in any degree, tend to the detraction of it. If some wooden beacon, or some other land mark, was erected at Haerekino, and public notice given, the access to Hokianga would be more easily ascertained, and the strand of Haere-kino more certainly avoided. The Aurora schooner, of Hokianga, is employed to convey the stores of the Osprey to that port, and the Adelaide, brig, has sailed from here, to take them on board for their ultimate destination. H.M.S. Racehorse, likewise, sailed on Thursday morning, for the Bay of Islands, to be in communication with the officers and crew of the Osprey,

Re-opening oe the Wesleyan Chapel.— On Sunday last, the Wesleyan Chapel, which has been lately very considerably enlarged, in order to afford accommodation to the increasing numbers who worship therein, was re-opened for Divine Service. In the morning, the Rev. Thomas Buddie preached a very impressive and suitable sermon, to a numerous congregation, from Psalm xxvi, 8 v. ; and in the evening, the Rev. Walter- Lawry delivered an excellent, energetic, and eloquent discourse, from Matthew, chap, v, 13 &14 v. It was announced that the sum of £135, 6s. had been liberally contributed by the members of the congregation and the public, and that the expenses of enlarging the Chapel amounted to £138, 10s.