H.M.S. CLIO ON SHORE AT BLIGH'S SOUND.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 783, 2 March 1871, Page 2

H.M.S. CLIO ON SHORE AT BLIGH'S SOUND.

Late last night a telegram was received from Commodore Stirling, of H.TVLS. Clio, dated Queenstown, Lake "Wakatipu, intimating that his vessel was on shore in Bligh's Sound, Bounty Haven, and ordering that the Virago be despatched to his assistance with all speed. The coal hulk was immediately taken alongside and steam got up at once. In about an hour everything was in readiness for sea and the Virago picked up anchors and steamed out of harbour about one o'clock this morning. We are indebted to the Hon. the Premier for the following telegram received by him at 11 o'clock on Friday night:— From Sir George Bowen to Hon. W. Gisborne — "Bligh Sound—The Clio has this afternoon struck upon a rock not laid down in the charts, and leak is so serious that though water can be kept down by pumps, she will probably have to be careened, and we shall be detained at this anchorage (Bounty Haven) for several weeks. Dr Hector goes overland by Martin's Bay with this telegram. There is thank God, no damage. The stores, &c, will be landed, and repairs proceeded with at once. We reached Milford Sound on the 11th, having been delayed by bad weather, which prevented us from visiting Hokitika. We stayed at Milford Sound till this morning 17th, made surveys, ifcc. Pray inform your colleagues and the public." Dr. Hector forwards the above from Queenstown and would go on to Dunedin by coach, we presume, this day (Saturday). He was some days (number not intelligible) en route, two lost by weather. It is probable that after preliminary repairs, the Clio will go round to Port Chalmers to be docked if the dock is capable of taking her in. W. Fox. Saturday morning, 12.30.