WRECK OF THE RANGITOTO.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1097, 12 August 1873, Page 3

WRECK OF THE RANGITOTO.

The steamer Rangitoto left Nelson for Wellington oil the 30th June, came through the. French Pass, and Was off ■Jacksoii'a Point about half-an-hour behind the s;8. Wellington. Captain Mackie having been ill since the arrival of the steamer at Hokitika, had turned in, the steamer being in charge of the Chief officer. Jackson's Point Was hugged too closely, aud the isteamer struck; bumping heavily, the sea quite calm. The bottom of the vessel was stoved in and fires extinguished, the vessel making water at the rate of a foot a minute. Orders were given to drive her ashore, and there was barely sufficient steam to effect this. The place where she was beached was surmounted by inaccessible rocks 600 feet high ; the bows resting on a ledge of rocks, aud stern floating in deep water. Boats were lowered, and the greatest consternation prevailed, Mr Nancarrow and the second mate, with boat's crew, started to meet the Wellington, expected on her return down the Sound from Picton, and succeeded in being picked up by that steamer; which proceeded to the scene nf the wreck. Two boats were filled, chiefly with ladies and children, fiftyeix in number. After lying by the ' ip four hours, they proceeded up the Sound, landing at Turner's station. On the arrival of the Wellington at the wreck, attention was drawn by firing a gun and burning blue-lights on board the Rangitoto. Shortly after the boats came off from the wreck, containing ladies, children and others who had not found room in the boats, seeking refuge up the Sound, the "Wellington approaching as closely as Safety admitted to the wreck. Boats of both steamers were busy all night Saving mails; passengers' baggage, and a portion of the cargo. Mr Blackwood, brother of one of the owners, was on board the steamer. Efforts to save everything possible were continued till eight this morning, at which hour, leaving infen still aboard removing goods to boats; the Wellington steamed up the Sound td Little Cove. Shortly after this the castaways were taken aboard; and the Wellington steamed to the wreck and lay half-an-hour until the Rangitoto went down by the stern, the crew on board saving themselves by the boat. The crew were taken on board the Wellington; crowded, and he steamed to Wellington. About eleven o'clock, the Rangitoto's stern* and three-fourths of hull were submerged; while the surface of the sea around was covered with floating cargo by breaking up of decks. The position of Jackson's Point is exceedingly exposed to shifting winds* and likely soon to cause the disappearance of all remaining of the Rangitoto. The following are the names of sotrie of the passengers:—Mr and Mrs Pauling; four children, and servant; Mrs Hector, four children, and servant; Mrs Sharp and child ; Mr and Mrs Gould ; Misses I. Carandini, Davidson, Parly, Baily, Frith, Amy Frith ; Rev Mr and Mrs K'ninimontj Rev Mr Andrews ; Messrs Nancarrow, Black-

wood, C. Parker, S. Smith, Cunningham, Hill, G. McAbe, Jones, Davis. Bradshaw and Monro. The passengers speak with gratitude and great watmth of feeling respecting the kindness of Captain Carey and the officers and men of the Wellington. An address was presented to Captain Carey by the passengers of the Rangitdto; and another, by the passengers of the Wellington.