LOSS OF THE ERIN.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume I, Issue 9, 21 November 1857, Page 2

LOSS OF THE ERIN.

By the arrival of the Ann, we have the disastrous intelligence that the fine schooner "Erin," intended for a regular trader between Auckland and this port, was totally wrecked on the 4th or sth inst. Capt. Williams obtained the information, which was very scanty, at Hicks' Bay, from a person known by the soubriquet of " Pretty Charley." It appears that the Erin was loading wheat in the Bay of Plenty at Orete Point ; and that at 3in the afternoon of the day in question, she was caught in a sudden shift of wind — probably from the northward ; that the vessel was got under canvass, but, having insufficient room to get good way upon her, she missed stays and went ashore on the reef, touching slightly. She was got off after a little, but again missed stays and struck — this time hard and fast; and, shortly afterwards went to pieces. The Erin had on board some 700 or 800 bushels of wheat, the property of Mr. A. Campbell, but we believe that the whole, or the greater part of it was saved. The scene of the wreck is thus described by Drury : — "Orete, the southern point of Wangaparawa roads, is nearly six miles south- west of Cape Runaway. Immediately west of Orete point there are sunken rocks three quarters of a mile from the shore, and the ground is foul within half a mile of the coast." We have not learned whether or not the Erin was insured, but, in any case, the loss to her owners, Messrs. Bain, Grahame & Co. must, at this juncture, be much felt. The " John M'Vicar," with immigrants, arrived at Wellington on the 12th inst. The "Wonga Wonga" sailed for Aorore oji Monday last, and was advertised for Ahuriri, calling at Castle Point, to leave on Monday next.