THE STORM.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 991, 23 June 1879, Page 2

THE STORM.

Wellington, June 21. A strong south-east gale has been blowing all day, but little damage was done to the shipping. The barque Australian Sovereign, bound for Lyttelton, and which ran into harbor through stress of weather, dragged considerably. Fortunately she got good holding when near the beach, and rode safely. It was impossible to see her during the day, owing to the spray and heavy mist. Several other vessels dragged slightly. No vessels have been able to leave port owing to the severity of the gale. Wanganui, June 21. The Annie is now under water, and has become a total wreck.

The steamer on the Spit is the Patea. Captain Gibbons told the Captain of the Manawatu that the vessel was all right, and would get off with the night's tide. A heavy gale is now blowing. June 23.

The steamer Patea got off the spit on Sunday night, and came up to the wharf this morning. All are safe, and nothing is damaged. Timaru, June 21.

One of the most terrific seas ever experienced iu Timaru was running from yesterdry afternoon till noon to-day, since when it has been rapidly going down. Most of the vessels rode out till daylight this morning, when, with the exception of the English barque Clan Campbell and barquentine Geoi'ge Noble, they went to sea. The Chili lost two anchors. There is no danger to the remaining two, which have ridden easily throughout. The sea is rapidly encroaching on the railway line in Le Cren's Gully, to the north of the town, and threatens to endanger the viaducts. It was blowing hard from the south-west all last night. The weather to-night is clear and quiet. Cheistchurch, June 21.

To-night the Star has the followingaccount of the effect of to-day's gale : " At Lyttelton one of the heaviest southwest gales that has been known in the port came on last night, and blew throughout the night with great violence, some of the squalls being terrific. The gale was accompanied by a perfect deluge of rain. Great excitement was caused in the port the first thing this morning by the nonappearance from the wharves of the vessels at anchor in the stream, and it was soon found that every one of them had dragged their anchors, and were lying in very close proximity to the shore, on the north side of the harbor. A tremendous sea was running at the time, and the steatn tug Lyttelton was at once ordered to go and render assistance. On goinground the Sumner road, from which the best view of the vessels could be obtained, the first vessel that came into sight was the barquentine Hebe, lying about a cable's length from the rocks in Buckley's Bay. Her ensign was hoisted in distress, and a number of guns were fired from her to obtain assistance. Her position looked very critical indeed, but from subsequent enquiries it was ascertained that she had plenty of water under her, and was safe provided her anchors held.