WRECK OF THE RANGATIRA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 43, 8 September 1880, Page 2

WRECK OF THE RANGATIRA.

[Specially Telegraphed to Star.]

(pee united press association.) New Plymouth, Tuesday night.

At three o'clock this morning, the s.s. Eangatira, whilst on her passage from the Manukau to this port, ran ashore near the Bell Block, and became a total wreck. The steamer, at the time of the disaster, was in charge of the chief officer. The captain and* passengers were awakened by a slight shock like the dropping of the anchor. Immediately orders to reverse the engines were given, and then the second shock was felt, and the steamer was found to be fairly aground on the rocks. Captain Harvey was on deck in a few seconds after the first shock, and at once saw the danger, which, however, it was impossible to avert. The engines were unmanageable, and the steamer was fixed in the rocks just as firmly as in a vice. The tide was half-ebb at the time, and the water was making its appearance in the fore compartments. The boats were lowered, and the passengers and mails brought on shore. The luggage was also safely landed, and the passengers and crew received every attention from the settlers at Bell Block. At 10 o'clock the sea was breaking over the steamer, and Captain Harvey was com,pelled to abandon her. Some of her cargo was washed ashore. Fe irs are entertained that she will break up by noon. The Government steamer Hmemoa left the roadstead shortly after daylight, and steamed down to the scene o£ ibe wreck, but eouZcZ render no assistance, as the Eangatira was in a hopeless atate. The cargo is valued at £1000. The Rangatira -was owned by the Hon. John Martin, D. An- _ derson, and J. Burne, and was valued at i>6ooo. She was not insured. It was a beautiful night, and the supposed cause of the accident is some' dereliction of duty on the part of the men on the watch.