A SHIPPING DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 249, 17 October 1908, Page 5

A SHIPPING DISASTER.

WRECKAGE ON THE WEST COAST. WASHED ASHORE NEAR CAPE MARIA. IS IT FROM THE LOCH LOMOND ? (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) PUKENUL, this day. Wreckage.has been found on the west coast, 30 miles south of Cape Maria van piemen lighthouse. The wreckage consists of a spar, about 11 inches in diameter and 50 feet long; also part of a bow scroll, all painted with red hematite, and parts of a boat, painted white. There is no name attached to any of the wreckage, which also includes pieces of doors, having a white centre with a. small flag, divided vertically, one-half like a Union Jack, and the other a dark blue. A CARPENTER'S BENCH FOUND. Additional wreckage has been found at the Great Barrier Island. Reporting to Inspector Cullen, Constable Johnson writes as follows: — "I beg to report that on the 10th inst. I was informed by Trevor McLeod on the sth inst., he had picked up a 1 lifebuoy belonging to the Loch Lomond j off Port Fitzroy, and that he had so j informed the Union Steamship Company by letter on the Bth inst. I also heard that the Union Steamship Company had wired to Tryphena on the 10th inst., asking if any more wreckage had been found, and a reply was sent in the negative. "Toxday I was on the east coast of the Island at Ornawharo Bay, when Mr Medland. a settler residing there, showed mc a piece of timber he had found on the sth inst., which had been recently washed up on the beach. It was of American pine, 2£ inches thick, 12 inches wide, and 7 feet long. It had apparently been Used as a carpenter's bench on some vessel, but there was nothing on it to show from what ship it had come. There were barnacles on the timber, but, judging by its appearance, I do not think it had been very long adrift. If I hear of any more wreckage being found I will report at once." On Sunday last the steamer Chelmsi ford made a careful search all round the I Groat Barrier, but found no trace of I wreckage. Later in the week it was re- ' ported that wreckage had boen washed i ashore at the Chatham Islands, to the J eastward of Lyttelton. While the lifeI buoy only has been definitely identified as belonging to the Loch Lomond, it is believed that all the wreckage so far reported is from that vessel. The Loch Lomond is now nearly one hundred days out from Newcastle to Lyttelton, and all hopes for her safety have been practically abandoned.