SUPPOSED LOSS OF H.M.S. DART.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2646, 27 June 1889, Page 2

SUPPOSED LOSS OF H.M.S. DART.

(I)Y TELEOKAI'U —OWN' CORBESI'ON'DEN'T.) Auckland, AVcdnesday. News of a most startling character respecting H.M.S. Dart was received this afternoon. The Dart left Auckland for Sydney, on June 2nd, and on the following day returned to port. It appeared that the weather being so rough outside, the new rigging of the vessel became quite slack, throufh the great strain put upon it, and Captain Frederick thought it advisable to return and get it re-set, rather than run the risk of losing his spars at sea. The Dart left again on Oth ; since then no further news has been received. There is now reason to fear that some mishap has befallen her, as a life boat fully provisioned and branded with the broad arrow has been found in a bay near the North Cape, and seven life bolts, marked H.M.S. Dart, were found on the West Coast ten miles south of Cape Maria. Admiral Fairfax telegraphs that he does not entertain any very serious fear for the safety of the Dart, as the boat has probably been washed off her decks.

It is the rule on men-o'-war to keep their life boats provisioned and equipped, ready for emergencies. Further information shows the Dart's boat was picked up so long ago an the 14th. There were no carpenters' tools in her, and the fact that provisions were aboard is not significant as it is usual to place food in the boats every night. Wore it not that the Dart has not yet arrived at Sydney it would be thought the boat had merely been washed away, but the length of time which has elapsed since she passed North Cape, on June Sth, is considered ominous.