OAMARU. 20th June.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 542, 21 June 1879, Page 2

OAMARU. 20th June.

At the inquest to-day on the body of John M'Gregor, who was iound floating in the harbour yesterday, a verdict of •' Found drowned" was returned. The deceased was a native of Bewley, in Scotland, where his relations now reside. From the evidence of Alexander M'Lean, manager of Wsikatai station, it transpired that M'Gregor shook hands with M'Lean in Oatnaru, and said he was going to Dunedin, and from thence to Scotland. He then proceeded towards the breakwater to take the steamer for Dunedin, and was sot seen alive since that time. A terrific sea has been rolling in the bay all day, with a heavy south-west wind. The barque Gloria, which was lying in the bay, put to sea shortly before dark. All the other vessels in the harbor were apparently riding safely ; but about 8 pm. the ketch Franklyn Belle was observed to be dragging her anchor, and Captain Matheson went off to her, followed by Captain Bradshaw (her owner) and two men from tbe Good Templar. A second anchor was let go, but still the vessel dragged. Every effort wan then made to get the sail, in order to drive her under shelter of the breakwater; but one of the anchor chains fouled, and bsfore it could be got clear the vessel had drifted out into the bay. The heavy sea washed the hatches off, and the vessel became full of water, and beginning to settle down it was found necessary to beach her. This was successfully accomplished, and all hands got ashore safely. This Dat. A fire broke out at 1.30 this morbiug in Wansbeck-street, in the premises occupied by M'Sweeny, bootmaker. The shop was burned down, also one adj lining occupied by a Chinaman. The building was insured for £250 in the New Zealand office, and M'Sweeny 's stock for £120 in the same office. The Chinaman's stock was not insured. The Franklyn Belle, which came ashore last night, is insured in the National for £400.