H. M. S. HAVANNAH. [From the "Herald," July 22.]

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 554, 6 August 1851, Page 2

H. M. S. HAVANNAH. [From the "Herald," July 22.]

The Calliope, Captain Sir E. Home, having arrived to relieve the Ilavannah on this station (which vessel will sail for England about August 10th,) it may not be out of place lo bear testimony to the deserved popularity of Captain Ei skine and his officers, during the time they have been cruising in these seas. The departure of the Jlavannah will be much regretted by iill classes of the community, for not only have the commander and oilicers won the respect and esteem of all with whom they Lave become acquainted in society, by their kind and o-entlemanly conduct on all occasions. But their readiness at all times to afford assistance to the shipping interests in the colony, and the valuable service they have frequently rendered, has placed the mercantile community under the greatest obligation. As an instance of Captain Erskine's obliging disposition, we are requested to mention, that on his learning on the 10th instant that the brig Algmne (lately wrecked in North Harbour) cou*d not be floated from the reef until about 100 bags oi cargo lying on the kelson had been got out, and which it was impossible to reach, he at once most handsomely offered to send the gunner of the Ilavannah, with the diving apparatus, to get out the cargo and a quantity of non ballast, and to float and bring the vessel to a place of safety, and tins without making any charge for salvage. The agents, with the advice of Lloyds' agent, at once accepted this liberal offer, as being the most advautagpous for all concerned ; and the nex,t morning the First Lieutenant (Mr. Uannant) and several other officers, with 40 men, weie at work on the wreck, and persevered, amidst many difficulties, until tLe Algerine was safely placed in D.uling Harbour,

waiting instruction fiora the undenvutois as to what is to be done with her. Wo hav o much pleasure in publishing the following coirespondence, as at once creditable to all parties concorned :—: —

Sydney, July 15, 1851. Sir, — We have the honour to enclose our cheque for Fifty Guineas, being the sum recommended (o be presented to the crew of the Ilavnnnab, for the valuable services rendered to the wreck of tho brig Algenne, in floating and towing that vessel to a placo of safety. The award of Lloyds' Assent, fixing the amount we beg leave to enclose, ard shall feel obliged if you will sign and return this document, to be used by us as a voucher for all parties concerned. In thus acknowledging the services of the men, we embracp the opportunity of tendering to youiself our thanks, for your spontaneous offer to rescue the vessel from a perilous situation in a moment of danger ; and at the same time we beg that you will convey to your first lieutenant, Mr. Ilannant, and the officers acting under his command the expression of our best thanks for their services on the occasion, and for the great care and energy bestowed by them, during the five days they were engaged in this difficult undertaking, the successful termination of which may be mainly attributed to the skill and peiseverance displayed by Mr. Hannant during the progress of the work. N -^ We hare tbe honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, Smith, Gamfblll, and Co. Captain Erskine, R. N., H. M. S. Havannah.

H.M, Ship Hayannali, 19th July, 1851. Gentlemen, — I nave the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 18th instant, enclosing a cheque for £52 KH, to be presented to the crew of Her Maj u sty's ship under my command, for the services rendered to the wreck of the brig Algerine, in floating and towing that vessel to a place of safety. In thanking you for the same on behalf of the crew, as well as for your expressions towards myself and the officers, 1 beg to express my satisfaction that the professional skill of Lieutenant Ilannant has been exerted in any way calculated to benefit the shipping interests of this colony. 1 have the honour to be, Gentlemen, a Your most obedient servant, 1 John E. Eiiskine, Captain and Senior Officer on Australasian Station. To Messrs. Smith, Campbel', and Co., Sydney.