THE "SOUTHLAND'S" SEARCH ON THE AUCKLAND ISLES.

Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 788, 14 November 1865, Page 2

THE "SOUTHLAND'S" SEARCH ON THE AUCKLAND ISLES.

We learn from -f;he Southland- Times of the 10th instant that the steamer Southland despatched hy the General Government to search the Auckland Islands for supposed survivors of shipwrecks, has returned. Although the result of this further examination confirms the opinion formed by Captain Norman of the Victoria, the information obtained appears to have been more extensive, and some very interesting particulars have been supplied. The Southland arrived at its destination on the 21st October, and anchored at Laurie Cove, Port Ross. On landing, the previous visit of the Victoria was ascertained by means of the indications left by Captain Norman. The search was, however, prosecuted, and many relics painfully suggestive were met with. A boat placed keel up, above high water mark, as if for a shelter ; a little further on, a rudely-constructed boat of sticks and seal-skin told its tale ; in another place was found a thatched hut and its neighboring pile of limpet shells, and a beaten track—oft wearily trodden—leading up to a hill over-looking the sea. What straining glances have thence swept the lonely expanse of ocean ! Further on, a pole with a tuft of white grass attached—how often raised and waved in fearful hope, who can' tell. Traces of a defunct settlement were found—clearings and remains of huts and gardens, but not a living soul. Leaving Port Ross, other parts of the coast were examined, and evidences of the Victoria's visit weee found, and the spot where Captain Mnsgrave of the Grafton lived dusing his long imprisonment, But nothing was further seen to warrant any protracted search, the probability being that no living man is now on the island. The narrative gives a very interesting description of the Islands, which, for the most part, appear to be rugged and unsuited for settlement. Pigs and seals were numerous, and several were killed by the party. The islands abound with good harbors for sheltering stormdriven vessels. The geological structure of the group betokens strong volcanic action, —purnicestone and defunct streams of lava being everywhere observable. Steel sand was found in small quantities, but no traces of gold. The vegetation is similar to that of this island, and * ferns abound. Large numbers of sea-fowl frequent the coast, and in some places guano was plentifully found on the high rocks and on the beach. Although the mission of the Southland has added little to our previous knowledge with regard to its direct object, some valuable and interesting information has been earned of one of the least known of the outposts of New Zealand.