BLUFF HARBOR.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 30, 15 January 1864, Page 2

BLUFF HARBOR.

[from otra ows coebespoxdeitt.] 10th January, 1864. I have to report another boat accident, which occurred on the morning of tha 2nd inst, at Stewart's Island. The Kelly, a seven ton boat, belonging to Messrs Fordhani and Co., was chartered by Mr Q'Toole, the Custom House Office here to proceed to Port William, Stewart's Island, on special bn.si.ness. She was manned by one of the partners, Mr Matthew Hay man, (a thorough sailor, and one who wad high y respected by every individual at the Bluff), and William Parker, who as a boatman was thoroughly efficient, and a long lesident here, Mr Simmons, the Assistant Custom House Officer went in the ; boat. On Friday, the l«t January, Messrs Hayman, Parker and Simmonds left the Bluif at 7 a.m., arrived at Half Moon. Bay about 5 p.m. same day; left Half Moon Bay at 6 a m. on the 2nd instant, with intention of going to Poi-t William, had to beat up against a S.WJ wind, and about 8 a.m. arrived off Port William Heads, the wind blowing fresh, and when nearing the land Hayman was in the act of going forward to let go the jig, when a sudden squall struck her before the sails could be let go, by which, the boat was capsized, and immediately sunk, throwing out the three persons in ner. Ail three came to the! surf aca .-^quickly,' and ■Mr Siruraoiids succeeded in getting hold of

his i bedding, which consisted of a cork mattrass, blankets, &c. This kept him afloat, -he_ being no swimmer." Hayman suciieede'j. '■ in". get/Ping' holdof an oar,- but Parker wcattiown agnin almost immediately after coming to: the surface. Atthis time the accident was seen from the shore; by; Mr Davidson, when he j immediately got his boat manned by John Hunter, James Clai'ke, son of twelve years of age, .and Davidson and his wife, who in eleven minutes after the accident picked up Mr Simmd/ids. Hay man went down, although a good supposed to be drawn under by a shark! He shrieked frightfully. Poor Parker was. only seen once ; thus two of ouc best watermen are lost. Mr Simmonds returned from Stewart's Island by the E\v«ld schooner, Captain Daviison, from Melbourne, having put in' through stress of .weather, bound to the New River. Mr Simmonds begs t<> acknowledge the services of Messrs Davidson, and those who manned the boat in rescuing him; also to Captain Johnston, of the Ewald, and the Pilot crews at. the New lliver. Having landed at the Mokomoko, Mr Simmonds waited for the down coach from Invercargill, when he arrived at the Bluff on Saturday evening, having. been away seven days. . During his time on Stewart's Island, they only had one fine day to visit the scene of the wreck and drag for the bodies, bufcwere unsuccessful in finding either or any part of the boat, rigging, or the wwck. On the information being received here, Messrs Eordam and Co, together with Messrs Gilroy and Co, got two boats in readiness, Fordhaui's manned by Messrs Reid, Smith, and Spencer, and Gilroy'd, by Messrs Gilroy, Cuff, and Gregory, Mr Pope taking Mr Simmonds' place to carry out the Customs business; they,left the Bluff together about 4 30 on Monday, the 1 lth inst, for Stewart's Island. Havinan was a single man ; Parker was a married man, but had no family.