WRECK OF THE HERON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4529, 4 December 1884, Page 4

WRECK OF THE HERON.

By the arrival of H.M. gunboat Undine at Sydney from the South Seas, information has been received of the wreck of the labour schooner Heron at Aneitiuro, New Hebrides, on October 15. The white crew, with the exception of Captain Robert Smith, arrived in the Undine, and speak highly of the kind treatment they received on board. The vessel, which is owned in Maryborough by Messrs E. B. Corser & Co., anchored on October 14, in 10 fathoms of water, off tho south-west coast of Aneitium. The boats in charge of Mr Lovelaco, chief officer, went ashore to obtain recruits, and during the afternoon a strong south-east wind blew, preventing the men getting back to the vessel without great danger, as she was lying about eight miles off tho shore. A message, however, was sent to the captain, asking him to bring the vessel round to that part of the coast where the boats were. Not receiving the message, Captain Smith, fearing that _Eome accident haa happened to his men, decided to get under weigh, aud work up to tho landing-place. Everything being got ready to make a start, the anchor, which was hove short, began to drag ; and before more chain could be paid out, she was on the rocks. Everything possible was done to get her off, and assistance came from shore; but it took nearly seven hours to reach ber, and then it was found that she was wedged in between two rocks, and leaking badly. Everything movable was hastily got away and stored with the missionary, Mr Annam ; and the wreck was afterwards "sold bj auction, and purchased by Messrs Cronstadt and Freeman. Tho captain and Government agent 1 ft forHavannah Harbour, en route for Queensland. The Heron was a wooden vessel, of 91 tons, built at Sunderland in 1559, and well-known in the coasting trade. __ i ____^_____