AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 620, 12 July 1851, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

[From the New Zealander, June 18.] Calamitous Shipwreck.—We deeply regret to state that the French Corvette, Alcmene, thirty-six guns, Mons le Compte d’Harcourt commander, was wrecked on the West Coast, between the Kaipara Heads and Hokianga Heads, on the 3rd instant. She was on her passage from Hobart Town (where she had recently been re-fitted at an outlay of three or four thousand pounds), to Hokianga, when the disastrous event took place. The particulars of the occurrence are variously stated, and we await a more full and accurate account of the circumstances. The distressing fact unhappily is only too certain, that not only the fine vessel, but twelve lives were lost. The survivors, numbering about two hundred, having got on shore frqip the wreck,

which remained fixed in the sand, proceeded along the beach until they met with the Ngatiapa natives, by whom, especially their chief, Matiu, they were most hospitably received, the Maories rendering them every assistance and kindness that their scanty resources could supply. A few of the officers and men made their way to Auckland on Monday, and as soon as the case came to the knowledge of the Lieutenant-Governor, his Excellency caused the most prompt and active measures to be adopted for affording aid io the sufferers. Through the influence and exertions of the Resident Magistrate, about thirty natives were induced to engage in the service, and were with the least possible delay sent forward in boats laden with provisions of all kinds, blankets, and rugs from the Commissariat Stores, together with shoes, &c., from the stores of the 58th regiment. Lieut. Balneavis, with several non-commissioned officers, proceeded in charge of these supplies, which it was intended to lodge in a depot at the head of the Waitemata, and to send forward in portions by Natives io the locality in which the objects of this commiseration still remain, but from which they are to be conducted as speedily as practicable to Auckland. We should mention that Captain Oliver, of H.M.S. Fly took part also in this work of ben3volence, sending a boat with preserved meatsand other supplies; and that Dr. Thompson volunteered to accompany the military party, with the humane view of affording any professional assistance that may be required. We understand that the gallant 58th Regiment has not only made the efforts adveited to, but has followed them up by arrangements for the hospitable reception of these distressed Frenchmen, which are not less honourable to the character of the British army than its prowess in the field. The houses of the officers, —we need scarcely add, not excepting that of its kind-hearted and hospitable Lieutenant-Col-onel, —are to be make their homes on their arrival in town, which may be anticipated on Sunday or Monday next; and the soldiers’ mess will in a corresponding spirit be opened to the shipwrecked crew. This spirit will also, we cannot doubt, be practically manifested by our townsmen at large. AVe learn with pleasure that the Lieut.Governor has directed that a sum of Ten Pounds be given to the Native Chief Matiu, as a token of his Excellency’s approbation oi his conduct on this occasion. The donation is most judicious, and harmonizes well witl his Excellency’s whole procedure in the case, which furnishes another proof (if any prooj were necessary) that “good nature” can, and in him does, co-exist with “ good sense” in decision, and energy in action.