AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 384, 13 July 1889, Page 6

AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE.

Tho following account of the voyage across will bo read with interest :— The Davfc originally started from Auckland on June 2nd, but was compelled Lo return next day owing to the rigging working loose. The gear was overhauled and a second start was made on the 6bb, at 7 a.m., the vessel proceeding under easy steam with a fresh ea&t-north-east breeze, and every prospect of a quick passage. Off Cape Brett tho weather became threatening and a briet calm was followed by a shift of wind to the westward. All, however, went well till rounding North Cape on tho 7lh,' when the wind backed to the northward with cloudy, thtcutening weather and a falling; barometer. At 9.30 p.m. on that date there was a violent squall (of force 8) which split the inner jib. The equall was succeeded by a lull with a confused sea, while the rain fell in torrents. Alter this the wind was '* all round the compass " for about half an hour, when it settled down at north west by north, freshening to a gale with sharp squalls and a heavy confused sea and a falling barometer. On the Bth at 11.30 a.m. the barometer was at 28*98, and it then began to rise sreadity, the wind at the same time veering to the westward and blowing furiously, rendei'ing it necessary to put the vessel under stcaia and sail to clear the

shore. By 7 a.m. on the Bbh the Dart had gob clear of Cape Maria Van Diemon, and bhero THE WHALER WAS WASHED AWAY from bhe davits by a soa, the gaffbopsail <ab the sumo lime going bo ribbons in a squall. The galo continuing, the close reefed mainsail was set, but that also splib, and t the' ship was subsequently placed under 'the reefed staysail and foretrysail. Tho wind after this fell away to the force of 5*17, but still hung westerly, and the Dart being still on a Ice shot o had to be kept on the starboard tack under sail and steam to work off the' land. By noon on the 9bh fche wind had baoked to south-west by south, and the barometer steadily rising, tho order " Wear ship" was given, and the double-reeled mainsail and staysail sot. The canvas, ■ howover, did nob last long, for in the afbornoon both sails split. The weather then began to clear,' bub the heavy confused sea running prevented the ship making much headway. Ab 10 and 11 sho 'was boating to windward against westerly winds under ?team and sail, the swell gradually moderating. On the 12th tho wind veered to the southward, bub proved very light, and by 9 p.m. ibvas quibo calm. On tho 1 3th, though the barometer was vevy high (30-33), the wind spiang up from the northward, steadily freshening. Sail was made and the engines stopped. Tho barometer then began to fall rapidly, and the sea got up. Friday, the 14th, found the weather still bad, t/hc high sea running causing the ship to