THE WRECK OF THE BRUCE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 531, 17 July 1869, Page 2

THE WRECK OF THE BRUCE.

An enquiry into the wreck of the p.s. Bruca commenced on Monday afternoon at the Custom-house, before H. F. Andrews, Esq., Collector of Customs. The following evidence was taken : Francis Hepburn : Our intended voyage was from Greymouth to Westport. We left Grey mouth on the Ist July at 6 a.m., state of the tide half-ebb, very light S.E. winds. In going out we found a very heavy sea on the bar, and a heavy sea struck the ship, casting the vessel's bows to starboard, when making an attempt to return to the river, breaking the companion, and half filling the saloon with water. The steamer became unmanageable, and drove on shore on the North Beach threequarters of a mile north of the Flagstaff. On the bar there was a man stationed to heave the lead, but the sea was too heavy to let him do it. The Bruce wai well manned and found in anchors, rigging, &c, and boats enough to save the crew and passengers. Every exertion was made to save the ship and passengers. No were lost—the passengers and crew walked ashore. By Captain Allardyce, harbor-master: I had every confidence when I left the wharf that I would get over the bar. I went out with the lights in one. I expected the lights to be up, and got them by blowing the whistle. That has frequently been done for the same vessel. We crossed the bar safely, and were a quarter of a mile outside the bar before any sea struck her to do damage. George Harper: I am part owner of the p.s. Bruce, and live at Nelson. Edward Price Houghton, of Dunedin, merchant, is the other owner. The vessel is now a total loss. I value her at A'sooo. She is not insured. I have abandoned the hull, saving the machinery and everything else I can. At this stage the Court was adjourned until next morning. {BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) AEEIYALS. Poet Chalmers.—July 14 —Wellington, from Lyttelton. Charleston.—July 14 Excelsior, from Dunedin. DEPAETTJBES. Wellington.—July 14—Rangitoto, for Lyttelton. Charleston. July 14 Excelsior, for Dunedin. Bluff. —July 14—Mindora, ship, for Newcastle.