CAPTAINS' CERTIFICATES.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 356, 3 April 1889, Page 5

CAPTAINS' CERTIFICATES.

The following are the statutory declarations made by the captains of the' Lilj and the Taiua before the British Consul at Samoa < lespecting the loss of their vessels :—: — P. Dougla&, master of the schooner Lily, registered in Auckland, New Zealand, being sworn stated that the vessel being in Apia Haibour on the 16th March, 1889, and safely anchored with four anchors, bhe largest being Scwfc. and 145 fathoms of chain divided between their anchors with springs in the chain, a heavy gale sprang up from JE.N.E. to N. in consequence of which a very heavy sea came into harbour. About 4.30 on the morning of the 16' th the US.S. Nipsic while steaming up to her anchor ran into the Lily and. carried away the two masts and. bowsprit, and striking 1 again, smashed in the starboard bow, in conse- ' quence of which the vessel sank in about three minutes. I, being on board, with the assistance of Mr Ormsby made every effort to savt- the vessel. 1, Capbain Wilking, master of the schooner Tafua, 21 tons, being sworn, state that the vessel was anchored in Apia Harbour on the 16th of March, 1889, with two anchors down with 30 and 45 fathoms of chain repectively, also a line leading ashore. About 7 o'clock a.m. a heavy gale blowing from E.N.E. to N., and heavy sea setting into harbour the Tafua was driven on shore and is now a total wreck. I further state that previous to the gale referred to the Tafua was ~ dismasted at sea and at the time of her being ca&t on the shore she had no masts standing. 1 further state that I was on board bhe Tatua when wrecked, and that I did my utmost to save the vessel.