WRECK OF THE S.S. SCOTIA OFF THE BLUFF HARBOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1249, 14 June 1864, Page 5

WRECK OF THE S.S. SCOTIA OFF THE BLUFF HARBOUR.

The Otago Daily Times of the Bth and 9th instants publishes the following- accounts from Yimous sources:— The steamer Scotia, from Melbourne, was wrecked at 11.30 on H»o night of tho 2nd June, on the rocks off Stirling's Point, aud at low water will be nearly high and dry. Passengers and luggage saved. 1100 tons cargo, which probably will bo saved if lighters can be obtained. The water reached the saloon soon after she struck, and filled the whole of her compartments. Captain Robertson, of the Father Thames, corroborates

the report of the loss of the Scotia at Stirling Point. On arriving at the Bluff, immediately after firing lie? gun, she bumped upon a rock, but passed over it and struck again, settling down between two rocks. Passengers' luggage, cabin fittings, and some cargo—fruit, porter, &c., saved. All available punts and boats employed in saving cargo, but in consequence of heavy surf, work was attended with much difficulty. One punt got upon the rocks, broke up, and cargo was strewed upon the beach. First SW wind cxpected to render the Scotia a total wreck. Since the Scotia struck and settled down all hands, with

twenty other men who were procured from the shore, have continued at work discharging her cargo into lighters, and also clearing the ship of furniture, fittings, &c. The weather continues quiet, which is a great boon. Should a S.W. wind set in, it would put a stop to any further work connected with the ship; but I trust the weather will continue moderate, so as to enable all that can to be saved.

The greater number of the Dunedin passengers have reached Campbelltown, and taken up their abodes at the different hotels, awaiting the return of a steamer for Dunedin. Messrs. Morrison and Law, the agents, through their agent, Mr. Tanton, have, I believe, made arrangements for forwarding the passengers by the Aldinga or first boat that may arrive from Melbourne. An unfortunate occurrence connected with the wreck took place last night. A punt belonging to a person named Macdonald had loaded with cargo from tho Scotia, and when near Mac's beach, the punt went on to the rocks and sank, the cargo floating out of her. It is expected she is broke or breaking fast. The steamer Ruby and cutter Aguila are in attendance on the wreck, and everything is progressing very satisfactorily in the clearing of it. The following is an account of the wreck furnished by Mr. Whitton, one of the passengers. This gentleman states:—

I We left Melbourne the 28th ultimo, shortly before four p.m., and up to the time of approaching the Solanders had beautiful weather. As we neareil the Solanders thick weather came on, and in the course of Thursday afternoon the captain decided that he would lay off and on until morning, and not attempt to go into Bluff Harbour. About half past six that evening, the vessel was placed under half speed, and this was continued up to nine o'clock, when full speed was again resumed. The passengers found that the weather was clearer, and the land more easily distinguishable. The full rate of speed was continued, and shortly before eleven o'clock a gun was fired, from the ship. In about two minutes after tho report, the ship struck on the rocks with great force. Great consternation immediately ensued amongst all on board, and passengers who had retired for the night, were, seen rushing up from the cabins, clad in the attire in which they had retired to rest. At this time shock after shock followed in quick succession, the officers of the ship being busily engaged in attempting to lower the boats, while the screams of the females were such as to completely prevent the instructions being heard, in fact, the picture presented on board was such that it would be difficult to describe. Before the first boat was lowered, the pilot boat was alongside, and twenty minutes had elapsed, after the vessel struck, before the boats were lowered and in readiness to receive the passengers. At this time it became known that the water had reached the cabin floor. The passengers were at length all safely landed, and were taken to the pilot station, where every attention was shown them by the Harbor Master (Captain Thomson), and the pilots. With few exceptions, the females had nothing to protect them from the piercing cold, but their night dresses, and in some instances a blanket was thrown over them. They were all in the most miserable j plight when landed, but everything was done at the Pilot Station to make them as; comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Within ten minutes after the vessel struck, the water had gained such an ascendancy that it had put out all the fires. We learnt, yesterday, that the cargo of the vessel was being discharged as rapidly as possible, and that on Saturday, about 200 tons were stacked on the pier, there being still about. 600 tons on board. We understand that instructions were sent home two or three months ago to insure the vessel, which was valued at about £34,000.

The Scotia left Melbourne on the 28th May, under the command of Captain W. Gay. It is reported that Captain Newlands had given up the command from ill health.

From the Invereargill Daily News of the Bth of June, we glean additional particulars, supplied by their correspondent at the Bluff, under date Tuesday, the 7th inst. Yesterday a Board of Survey was held on the steamer Scotia. The result of the survey will not be known until after the official.inquiry (which opens to-day) has terminated. During Monday, Kendall (the diver) examined the steamer's bottom, and he states that, so far as he can ascertain, there are three or four holes in her. He stated that he would stop the holes and float her off for £100 should the weather continue favourable. This offer, it is understood, has been accepted, and iii the meantime the discharging of the cargo continues. The wind is westerly and blowing fresh, and, I fear, will have an unfavourable effect upon the Scotia. Tuesday, 8 p.m. The official inquiry into the cause of the wreck commenced this morning at 10 o'clock, at the Court-house, Campbelltown. The members composing the Board were Mr. I. N. Watt, 8.M., Mr. Jleale, Captain Elles, and Captain Nipol. After the examination of witnesses, the inquiry was adjourned until to-morrow. Before the adjournment, Mr. Watt, on behalf of the Board requested that the report of the proceedings might not be published until the investigation was closed. I may mention that the facts elicited during the inquiry do not materially differ from the accounts that have been published. There is no apparent reason for the withholding of the evidence given, but as the request Was imperative, I comply with ft. No change has taken place in the weather since the morning, and hopes of floating the steamer are still entertained.