WRECK OF THE AOTEA.

Mataura Ensign, 18 July 1906, Page 2

WRECK OF THE AOTEA.

J'er United Press Association. GISBORNE, July 17.

I ih l Aotea, was found bottom np it) t lii' aikawa (Ti'i'k, Uaipirn Hay, and ilx-iv i# n<» doubt that all mi board (supposed to 111' eleven) have perished. When Inst seen, towards nightfall, tinschooner was still in tin* same position as she had been tor tin- previous H hours, anil near liy, it is stated, was a small strainer with a yellow tunnel. 'I In- change of wind during the night would spoil tin- shelter, and in the morning both boats had disappeared. The steamer is supposed to have gone oil' for shelter elsewhere. On search briny made, the beach was seen to be strewn with wreckage from the schooner. for .some hours no bodies could be found, and then that o! the captain was disrovered, and about three hours later that of hi-, wife, almost in the same spot. h is believed Mrs Nicholas had two of her children with, her. It is believed that a ladv whose husband is returning from I'.ngland joined the vessel at Tupara to come to tiisborne, but there is no certainty yet. ("apt. Nicholas was one of the best-known traders on the coast, and was part-owner of (he Aotea. the command of which he took over about a fortnight a« T o. AIJC'KI.ANI). duly 17. i hi l Aotea, which was an auxiliary oil schooner of tons, was built ut Whangaroa 10 years ago. Her cargo consisted of ;12,(HMIft. of timber and a large quantity of merchandise. She is owned bv several Auckland residents, ('apt. Skinner being managing owner. She is valued a( about £2(loo.'and the only insurance is CtiOd in the Alliance Dllice. (If tie l nine members of the ship s company, seven, including the captain and mate, were making; their lirst trip in her. The engineer was making his second trip, and Cole, ordinary seaman, had been on the ship for some time.