Shipping Intelligence.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 110, 12 September 1865, Page 6

Shipping Intelligence.

ARRIVED. August 11, Bchooner Bonnie Lass, from the Grey. — steamer Wallaby, from Hokitika. — cutter Thames, from Collingwood. — schooner Rapid, from Awaroa. 13, brigantine Anne, from Hobart Town, via Taranaki. 15, schooner Jane, from Motupipi. — brig Ellen, from Newcastle. — cutter Ann, from Waitapu. 16, barque Eudora, from London. 19, steamer Eleanor, from the Grey. — ketch Quiver; from the Grey. — cutter Polly, from Croixelles. — schooner Necromancer, from Havelook. — schooner John Bullock, from Otago, bound to Hokitika, 20, steamer Wellington, from Taranaki and Manukau. — steamer Otago, from Picton and South. — steamer Storm Bird, from Wanganui. 21, steamer William Miskin, from Hokitika. — steamer Phoebe, from Sydney. 23, cutter Thames, from Collingwood. — steamer Wallaby, from Hokitika. 24, steamer Egmont, from Wellington, Napier, and Auckland. — schooner Thane of Fife, from Kaipara. 25, ketch Falcon, from Wairau. — steamer Lyttelton, from Grey river. — schooner Dove, from Taranaki. 26, brigantine Triton, from Newcastle. — cutter Ann, from Waitapu. 27, schooner Jane, from Motupipi. 28, brig Alarm, from Newcastle. — brig Highlander, from Newcastle. — cutter Polly, from Croixelles. 29, steamer Maid of the Tarra, from Dunedin, hound to Hokitika, put in to coal. — schooner Necromancer, from Totaranui. — schooner Diana, from Wairau, via Havelock. 30, steamer Otago, from Taranaki and Manukau. — steamer Phoebe, from Wellington and South. — schooner Tiger, from Hokitika. — steamer Auckland, from Picton and South. 31, Bchooner Waiotahi, from Buller river. September 1, brig Deya, from Newcastle. 2, steamer William Miskin, from Dunedin, bound to Hokitika, with full cargo and 19 passengers, put in to coal. — brigantine Cheetah, from. Sydney, bound to Taranaki, put in for provisions. 3, brigantine Hercules, from Newcastle. — cutter Ann, from Waitapu. — cutter Thames, from Collingwood. 4, steamer Airedale, from Sydney. — cutter Polly, from Croixelles. 6, steamer Prince Alfred, from Onehunga. — steamer Wanganui, from Wanganui. — steamer Lyttelton, from Grey. — schooner H«iby, from Wellington. 6, steamer Gothenburg, from Melbourne, via Hokitika. — schooner Jane, from Eangitoto. 7, brigantine Mary Ann, from Newcastle. 9, schooner Albatross, from Taranaki. 10, steamer Albion, from Melbourne, via Hokitika. — steamer Egmont, from Lyttelton. — steamer Wallaby, from Hokitika. — steamer Lady Darling, from Hokitika. — steamer Auckland, from Taranaki and Manukau. — steamer Ballaarat, from Wellington, 10 passengers for Nelson. SAILED. August 11, steamer Queen, for Picton and Wellington. — cutter Ann, for Waitapu. 12, steamer Albion, for Wellington. — steamer Auckland, for Picton and South. — steamer Wellington, for Taranaki and Manukau. 13, schooner Diana, for Wairau. 14, Bchooner Nautilus, for Wellington, via Motueka. 15, steamer Lyttelton, for the Grey. 16, cutter Thames, for Collingwood. — schooner Jane, for Motupipi. 17, steamer Wallaby, for Hokitika. 18, schooner Wallace, for Hokitika. — schooner Lloyd's Herald, for Hokitika. 19, schooner Bourne Lass, for the Grey. — cutter Polly, for Croixelles. 20, schooner Anne, for Taranaki. — schooner Waiotiha, for the Buller. 21, steamer William Miskin, for Dunedin, via Lyttelton. — steamer Storm Bird, for Wanganui. 22, steamer Wellington, from Picton and South. — cutter Ann, for Waitapu. — barque Mary and Edith, for Sydney. — steamer Otago, for Taranaki and Manukau. — steamer Phoebe, for Wellington and South. 23, brigantine Leonidas, for Hokitika. — cutter Supply, for Grey river. 24, schooner Necromancer, for Totaranui. 25, steamer Eleanor, for Hokitika. — steamer Egmont, for Wellington. 26, steamer Wallaby, for Hokitika. — brig Ellen, for Newcastle. — cutter Thames, for Collingwood. 28, steamer Lyttelton, for the Grey. — brig Phillis, for Newcastle. 29, schooner John Bullock, for Hokitika. — steamer Maid of the Tarra, for Hokitika. 30, cutter Polly, for Croixelles. — schooner Jane, for Bangitoto. — cutter Ann, for Waitapu. — schooner Traveller's Bride, for Hokitika. September 1, steamer Otago, for Sydney. — Ketch Falcon, for Wairau. — ketch Quiver, for Hokitika. 2, steamer Phoebe, for Picton and South. — steamer Auckland, for Taranaki and Manukau. — brigentine Cheetah, for Taranaki. 3, steamer William Miskin, for Hokitika. 5, brig Highlander, for Sydney, via Motueka. — steamer Airedale, for Taranaki, Wellington, and Napier. — cutter Polly, for Croiielles. 7, schooner Necromancer, for Havelock. — brig Alarm, for Newcastle. — steamer Prince Alfred, for Onehunga. 7, cutter Ann, for Waitapu. 8, schooner Tiger, for Hokitika. — schooner Jane, for Motupipi. — steamer Gothenburg, for Wellington. 9, steamer Lyttelton, lor the Grey. — steamer Wanganui, for Wanganui. 11, Bteamer Albion, for Wellington. BKTEBED INWARDS. September 9, steamer Lyttelton, 49, Palmer, from the Grey. Passengers ; Captain Bough, Mr. Askew, Mr, Hunter, and 4 in steerage. 11, steamer Auckland, 533, Ponsonby, from Taranaki and Manukau. Passengers : saloon— Messrs. M'Neil, Brunei], Woolf, Edwards, Stewart, Preland, Holloway, Mrs. Monro, Captain Johnson, and 13 for South ; 2nd cabin— l9B for Nelson, and 11 for South. — steamer Wallaby, 81, Whitwell, from Hokitika. Passengers : cabin — Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, Mr. K. Thatcher, Messrs. Oakey, Murdock, Frost, and Sehluter; steerage— Messrs. Chichlster, Gorst, Her\ey, Fletcher, and 2 others. — steamer Albion, 453, M'Lachlan, from Melbourne, via Hokitika. Passengers : saloon — Mr. Bochford, Mr. Almond, and 16 for South ; 2nd cabin — Messrs. Cameron, Smith, Anson, Moller, Dunkley, Dilleman, Talbot, and 9 for South. — Bteamer Egmont, 308, Hagley, from Lyttelton and Dunedin. Passengers : saloon— Mr. M'Gregor, Misses M'Gregor (2), and 34 for Hokitika ; 2nd cabin— Messrs. Job, Cave, Pawson, Bowdell, Mrs. Prosser, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, and 145 for Hokitika. — steamer Lady Darling, 534, AUardyce, from Hokitika, in ballast. CLEAEED OUTWARDS. September 9, cutter Thames, 17, Games, for Collingwood j 2 passengers. — steamer Lyttelton, 49, Palmer, for the Grey. Passengers : cabin — Messrs. Dreger, Wiesenhavern, Harling, Hae, Bichmond, Wilson, Freeman, Wickes, Walson, Hunter, Sutherland, Clark, Maci'arlane, Dent ; fore cabin — Messrs. Wilkins, Wagschal, Malone, Taylor, Silans, Bussell. — schooner Dove, 25, Cofl'ey, for Hokitika. Passengers : Mr. Manby, Mr. M'Donald. — steamer Wanganui, 164, Lowe, for Wanganui, 14 original passengers. 11, steamer Albion, 453, M'Lachlan, for Wellington and South. Passengers : saloon — 16 original; 2nd cabin — 9 original. EXPECTED ARRIVALS. Steamer Gothenburg, from Wellington ; hourly. Steamer Hero, from Melbourne, via Hokitika. Steamer Barwon, from Melbourne, via Hokitika. Steamer Omeo, irom Melbourne, via Hokitika. Steamer South Australia, from Adelaide, via Hokitika. Steamer William Miskin, from Hokitika. Steamer Samson, from Dunedin. Steamer Eleanor, from Hokitika ; to-morrow. Steamer Wellington, from South; hourly. Steamer Maid of the Yarra, from Hokitika. Steamer Kennedy, from Sydney ; September 18. Barque British Merchant, irom London ; sailed June 11, | Barque Water Nymph, from London . Barque Froderielt, com Melbourne.

PBOJECTED DEPARTURES. Steamer Wellington, for Taranaki and Manukau ; to-day. Steamer Gothenburg, for Melbourne, via Hokitika; shortly. Steamer Lady Darling, for Dunedin. Sceamer Wallaby, for Hokitika ; to-morrow. Steamer Egmont, for Hokitika ; to-day. Steamer Auckland, for Southern ports j to-day. Schooner Thane of Fife, for Hokitika ; to-day. Schooner Dove, for Hokitika j to-day. VESSELS IN HABBOUB. Steamer Egmont, from the South. Steamer Wallaby, from Hokitika. Steamer Lady Darling, from Hokitika, Steamer Auckland, from Taranaki. Steamer Balaarat, from Wellington. Steamer Nelson, from Hokitika. Barque Eudora, from London. Brig Deva, from Newcastle. Brigantine Tiiton, from Newcastle. Brigantine Friends, from Taranaki. Brigantine Herculeß, from Newcastle. Brigantine Mary Ann, from Newcastle. Schooner Jeanie Dove, from Hokitika ; for repairs. Schooner Bonnie Lasß, from the Grey. Schooner Thane of Fife, from Newcastle. Schooner Necromancer, from Totaranui. Schooner Dove, from Taranaki. Schooner Albtaross, from Taranaki. Schooner Diana, from Wairau, via Havelock. Schooner Waiotahi, from Buller river. Schooner Ruby, from Wellington. Cutter Thames, from Collingwood. IMPORTS. Albion, from Melbourne — 10 chests tea, 20 boxes soap, Order; 1 bale, 1 case merchandise, Order; 11 cases sundries, 2 cases galvanized iron, 2 casks, 4 kegs nails, 1 bale lines, 2 bdls buckets, 3 bdls shovels, 2 nests tubs, 1 bdle brooms, 3 cases bacon, 8 cases merchandise, 40 cases bottled beer, 8 half-chests tea, 1 qr-cask brandy, 40 boxes candles, 2 cases hams, Pickford and Co. ; 42 boxes candles, 40 half-boxes soap, 1 case salt, 2 cases chiccory, 4 cases hair oil, Hodder and Talbot ; 4 screw jacks, Williams Brothers ; 1 pkge, Curtis Brothers ; I bale, M. Sellon; 1 case, Colonel Wroughton ; 2 cases, Hunter; lease, Lucas ; 3 bales sailcloth, 4 bales tents, 1 case saddlery, 3 coils rope, 4 bdls timber, Alman ; 1 case, E. Lucas ; 2 cases glassware, 1 case hardware, 2 bags handles, Tregea and Bon : 200 boxes candles, Morrison, Sclanders, and Co. Egmont, from Picton and South — 1 case, Tennant; 4 cases wine, Watkins. Wam.aby, from Hokitika — 3,500 ozs. gold. Union Bank of Australia; 4,640 ozs. gold, Bank of New South Wales; 3,700 ozs. gold, Bank of New Zealand. Auckland, from Taranaki and Manukau— 2 cases, Lucas ; 1 bale, Holland; 2 pkgs hardware, Tregea & Son ; 1 cask, Order; 6 cases axes, Fisher; 3 bales, Falla; I box, Byrnes. EXPORTS. Dovb, for Hokitika— 2o cases kerosine, 80 bags flour, 15 boxes soap, 1 qr-chest tea, 20 boxes candles, 15 bags flour, 135 sacks flour, 2 pkgs, Solomon and Co. ; 10 cases kerosine, Wiesenhavern; 5 casks ale, Lockhart and Co. ; 127 pieces timber, Warren and Hudson j 139 pieces timber, Gibbons ; 24 pieces timber, Warren and Hudson. Wanganui, for Wanganui — 1 tierce china, 1 crate earthenware, 3 casks glassware, 1 crate earthenware, 3 pkgs sundries, N. Edwards and Co. ; 13 cases, Wilkins ; 3 pkgs, 5 boxes fruit, Cummings ; 19 pkgs, Jenkins ; 2 boxes fruit, Rawson ; 4 pkgs frnit, Williams ; 26 hhds beer, Hooper and Co. ; 25 bags lime, Lukins. Thames, for Collingwood— s tins kerosine, Davis ; 1 cask treacle, 1 cask vinegar, 1 cask soda, 1 case salad oil, 15 hhds malt, 1 box tea, 1 box raisins, N. Edwards and Co. ; 2 tons flour, 4 sacks sharps, Saunders ; I ton potatoes, Order ; 10 sacks oats, Walker. Lyttelton, for the Grey— 6 cases bacon, 2 cases picks, 1 case coffee, 1 case soap, 1 case pickles, 6 casks dried apples, 8 tins white lead, 1 cask soda, 1 coil rope, lease jams, 4 boxes tobacco, 2 gunnies and 25 bags sugar, 7 cases brandy, 1 case drapery, 3 cases axes, 4 boxes soap, 1 box glass, 7 pieces bacon, 4 boxes pipes, 4 bdls shovels, 3 cases axes, 12 cases porter, 2 cases bacon, 19 pkgs sundries, 40 bags flour, 1 box eggs, 1 bag onions, 1 sack carrots, 13 bags potatoes, Askew, 3 cases chairs, 1 stove, 1 case picks, 1 coil rope, 8 gunnies sugar, 4 cases geneva, 10 bags flour, 4 gunnies sugar, 2 boxes tacks, 10 bags flour; 96 sheets iron, N. Edwards and Co. ; 2 cases bacon, 6 cases picks and axes, 2 half-chests tea, 1 pkge handles, 6 bdls shovels, 11 pkgs sundries, 1 pkge boots, 3 bags onions, 7 bags potatoes, 80 bags flour, 1 sack turnips, 3 sacks carrots, Hunter ; 4 casks sugar, 1 case chairs and drapery, 3 kegs nails, 3 boxes candles, 1 case ironmongery, Dryer; 8 case boots, Lightband and Jackson ; 1 case and 2 bales drapery, 1 roll oilcloth, Merrington ; 6 pkgs bacon, Taylor; 1 case fancy goods, 2 cases cigars, 1 case glassware, 1 case pipes, 1 case tools, 1 half-tierce and 1 box tobacco, 2 boxes pipes, 2 cases kerosine, 2 boxes eggs, Wiesenhavern; 5 pkgs and 1 box ironwork, 1 box stationery, 2 bags bacon, 2 bags sugar, 2 boxes sperms, 2 pkgß sundries, Provincial Government j 10 pkgs, a billiard table, 1 pkge, Perotti ; 1 pkge, Greenwood; 9 oars, 2 pkgs, Scott; 1 box, Levick; 1 bid tar, 1 bdle oakum, 1 cask pitch, Scott ; 5 cases bacon, 9 bags salt, 1 case coffee, 12 gunnies sugar, 4 mats sugar, 1 case handles, 1 case acid, 1 pkge acid, 10 pkgs holloware, 40 bags flour, 2 cases coffee, 1 case sundries, Fisher ; 1 pkge, Hutchinson; 12 bdls oars, 1 sack boots, Hunter ; 1 pkge, Bank of New South Wales ; 12 cases geneva, 4 kegs blasting powder, N. Edwards and Co. ; 2 hhds and 6 holf-hhds ale, 4 half-hhds ale, Harley and Sons ; 20 bags llour, Provincial Government ; 15 sacks potatoes, 5 sacks oats, Hooper and Co. ; 1 carcass beef, Freeth. Albion, for Melbourne — 3,500 oxs. gold, Union Bank of Australia.

Thb Amjion.— The O.S.S. Company's screw steamer Albion, John M'Lachlan, commander, left the Melbourne andHobson's Bay Railway Company's Pier, Sandridge, at 3 - 30, p.m., on the 2nd instant ; had iresh S.E. and S.S.E. wind's all the passage ; arrived off Hokitika at 10, p.m., on the 7th, laid to all night, and the next morning transhipped to steamer Bruce, 264 passengers and some cargo ; left at 5 - 30, p.m. From Cape Farewell to half way down Blind Bay, the Albion encountered a complete hurricane from N.E.E. by N. and S.S. with a very high aea, steamed slowly down the bay and anchored off the Lighthouse at 1, a.m., on Sunday morning. The Egmont.— The Panama, New Zealand, and Australia Koyal Mail Company's steamer Egmont, James Hagley, commander, left Dunedin on September sth, and arrived at Lyttelton on the 6th, had fine weather ; left Lyttelton on the 7th, experienced moderate weather until off Cape Farewell, when a strong N.W. gale came on with very high seas, ship making very little headway, set fore and aft canvas and stooa over for Cape Pallisser, at 4, p.m., on the 6th, gale moderated and steered for Wellington, but unfortunately at 6, p.m., the weighshaft bent and stopped the engines, set all sail, and at 1, a.m., made the light, stood off and on waiting for daylight, but before morning a strong breeze sprang up from the S.E. with thick weather ; not seeing the land, and the gale increasing, being then on a dead lee shore and machinery disabled, deemed it prudent to stand off the shore and endeavour to run through the Strait ; she being an excellent sea boat she weathered Cape Farwell and bore up for Nelson, passed the Brothers at 2, p.m., it blowing then a fearful gale ; rounded Stephen's Island at 6, p.m., and the following morning was off Separation Point ; at 7, a.m., got machinery in order and steemed for Nelson, arriving at 1, p.m., on Sunday. The Egmont brings over 200 hundred passengers for Hokitika, and will proceed to the West Coast to-day. The Lady Dabling. — This steamer arrived in port yesterday morning. It was the intention of the captain to proceed direct to Dunedin, but a strong south-east gale prevailing in the Strait compelled him to abandon the attempt and proceed to the nearest port. She is to be put on the bank for the purpose of cleaning her hull, which wall probably occupy a couple of tides. Should sufficient inducement offer she may proceed ion to Hokitika direct from Nelson. On the passage from j Dunedin through Foveaux Strait, the Lady Darling en- ' countered one of the most terrific gales ever experienced on [ the New Zealand coast. For twelve hours the wind blew with the fury of a hurricane with a most tremendous sea. The cabin doors were stove in with the force of the heavy seas breaking over her decks, and the water was up to the lower bunks. Nearly all the live stock on board perisned, including two bullocks, ninety sheep, several pigs, and a quantity of poultry, besides a great number of dogs belonging to the passengers. The scene on board after the gale had moderated baffles description. Strewed along the decks were to be seen dead carcases of all sorts, from the fat bullock down to the smallest cur, all having shared the same fate, some were piled up in heaps, and here and there was a solitary sheep by itself. The heavy seas broke over the engine-room and all out put out the fires, the firemen worked bravely however, and notwithstanding the over-power-ing heat from the steam which was generated by the fires, succeeded in keeping the engines going, which in all probability saved the vessel. Very rarely has the strength or a vessel's hull been so severely tested as in this instance, and the reEuted extra strength of the Lady Darling may now be placed eyond all doubt. The Steamer Auckland.— The Panama, New Zealand, and Australian Royal Mail Company's steamer Auckland, Gordon Ponsonby, master, arrived here on Sunday night, the 9th instant, at nine o'clock. She left Manukau on Friday, the Bth instant, at 3 - 30, p.m., and arrived at Taranaki on the 9th, at 8, a.m. Left the same day at noon, and arrived here i=. above. From Manukau to Taranaki experienced westerly \ Is, with thick weather ; at the latter place, was unable to lai cargo or passengers, owing to the heavy sea breaking upon v » beach. By means of the life-boat, however, the mails from c ship were landed, and those from the shore received on bo 'd. On the passage from Taranaki to this port, encounterei one of the most violent S.E. gales that has been experienceo on the New Zealand coast. At 430, p.m., on Saturday, just after passing Cape Egmont, a monster sea broke on board, deluging the ship fore-and-aft. Beveral men who were on the poop were knocked doun and bruised, the two steersmen were washed away from the wheel, and one of the seamen, named Greer, who was assisting to set the main-trysail, was carried bodily over the side into the sea, and sunk to rise no more. The tremendous sea that was running precluded the possibility of rendering any effectual assistance. The ship was at once stopped, her engines speedily reversed, and men sent alolt to look for the poor fellow, but he was Been only for an instant. The ship was now hove-to under fore and main trysails, with engines going dead slow, and in this state continued to buffet with the storm till six o'clock next morning. During the night, the foresail having got adrift, the watch was sent aloit to make it fast ; while on the yard, a violent gust filled the loose part of the sail, and two men were precipitated to the deck. They were picked up much injured. The severity of the gale prolonged the passage from Taranaki to this port to thirty-two hours. The Auckland brings upwards of 200 passengers, chiefly diggers en route for Hokitika and the Grey.

The Wallabi-. — The "VVallaby left Nelson on Saturday, August 27, and anchored under Separation Point the same night. Sailed at six next morning, but brought up again at the end of the Sandspit, where she lay till Sunday morning. Got under weigh, and reached Cape Farewell by noon, but was compelled again to anchor. Sailed at ten o'clock same night, and was on? Hokitika by eight, a.m., on "Wednesday. Stood on and off all day, but flDding the bar unsafe, ran back to the Grey during the night, and entered that river with the afternoon tide. Left the Grey on Monday morning, September 4, and was off Hokitika by noon, but did not take the bar until the following morning. Lelt Hokitika on Thursday, the 7th instant, about eleven, a.m., and viaa off Koranga Point next morning by daylight, when the wind came on to blow heavily from S.E., and had to anchor under the land about eleven, a.m. Got under weigh at four in the afternoon, and was off Wanganui the same evening at nine, and again had to anchor. Got under weigh on Sunday morning at five, and arrived in Nelson at Beven o'clock the same evening. Basque Eudoba, fbou London.— The Eudora, from London, arrived here on the 16th of August, after a passage of 116 days. She experienced fine weather for the greater part of the voyage, but in the meridian of the Cape encountered some heavy squalls. The Eudor« has brought sixteen passengers, and • large cargo. '

Loss of the Paddle Steameb Nbw Zealand. — We have again the unpleasant duty to fulfil of recording the loss of another >esael, the paddle steamer New Zealand, which, it may be remembered, -visited this port some three months ago. The New Zealand arrived from Dunedin and intermediate ports on Monday week, but was driven to sea by the gale which then raced on this coast, and the captain found it necessary to run to^felSon, where he coaled, and started again for Hokitika, arriving here on Sunday evening. On Monday he attempted an entrance, crossed the bur without difficulty, but not turning with sufficient speed when he got into the channel, ran the vessel on to the north spit. There was a pretty considerable swell on, and it can scarcely be eaid the vessel was aground for some considerable time after she struck, and why an effort was not promptly made to get her off is a question that can only be answered oy those in charge of her. Her paddles, though well in the water, hung uselessly at her sides till about two hours after the accident, when steam was got up, and a feeble imitation of an attempt to get her off was made. She then had drifted nearly her whole length to the northward, and her stern, from northwards of the paddleboies, was entirely afloat, and Bwung round to seaward, so that our readers may imagine how fast she was aground. Apparently, the only thing that prevented her from drifting off was a bow line, made fast on shore : a line was also made fast to the Titania wreck, and a feeble haul made, but not till the tide had greatly receded. When she had got well aground again, the paddles made a few slow and uncertain revolutions, and then stopped, and all steam was blown off. A notice was posted on the paddleboz, calling for "tendera" for discharging her, when one would have thought a hundred men or so would have been immediately set to work, at any cost, to lighten her, if a desire prevailed to save the ship and cargo. At all events, that tide was lost, and the New Zealand was high and dry. In the evening of the same day, some portion of the cargo having been got out, steam was got up, and then blown off again ; and when, after the lapse of a short time, the tide of itself took her off the spit, and she drifted down the current, there was no steam, or Bhe might easily have proceeded to the wharf, or out to sea. As it was, she was flung ashore again, about a mile from her former position, and a loud crash Boon told the bystanders that the fate of the New Zealand was decided, and that she had broken in pieces. The beach yesterday morning was strewed with luggage and cargo, damaged and. broken, and many of our fellowtownspeople are heavy losers by the accident. The wreck was sold by Messrs. Eeeves and Co., yesterday afternoon, for the sum of £60. Without pretending to much knowledge in nautical matters, we cannot help expressing our opinion, that had proper exertions been made, the New Zealand might have been got off without difficulty, and with little, if any, damage ; and thi3 is also the conviction of the majority of the residents of Hokitika. Why she was allowed quietly to meet destruction, without any effort being made to save her, is a question that should be answered by those in charge ; and if ever a case occurred here which deserved the strictest scrutiny, and the most searching inquiry, that of the New Zealand is the one. We trust that an investigation will at once be held, and the blame, if any, be laid on the right shoulders. We are informed that the vessel was insured, but we could not ascertain exactly to what amount. — West Coatt Times, August 9. Hokitika Habboue.— The West Coatt Times publishes the following opinions of a professional gentleman, regarding the course which should be taken to improve the entrance to the river :—": — " Erom surveys which have been made of this coast it appears that Hokitika is the best harbour in the immediate vicinity of the mines, and several projects have been spoken of for the purpose of furthering its progress as a supply depot for the West Coast gold-fields. The bar in its present state is the greatest drawback under which the place labours— it is dangerous to coasting steamers, and much more so to sailing vessels, even with the assistance of a tug, and although the immediate employment of a good and powerful steam tug is now au absolute necessity, it would only partially remedy the evil. It seems to have been overlooked that the entrance to the river is capable of being permanently improved and rendered safe in comparison with its present state at an expense certainly not greater than the importance of the object deserves. The waters of the Hokitika river, if properly directed into the ocean, are amply sufficient to keep the bar open at all times for vessels even of a large draught. The present state of the bar and the formation of the south spit may be traced to the course the river is now taking, and especially to the deflection of the current from a point of the south spit nearly opposite the south signal station, by which a direction is given to it at its junction with the ocean nearly parallel with the line of the coast, and in the same direction as the current of the ocean outside. If the river is allowed to take its course naturally it is probable the bar and entrance will be worse than they now are, until the river cuts its way through the north spit, from the present wharf to the ocean, in the vicinity of the wreck of the Oak, which it is now gradually doing. Why not cut a channel at once and give the waters of the river a direction best calculated to keep clear a deep water entrance from the river to the ocean. The whole length of cutting would not exceed 160 yards, and the expense would be small in comparison with the value of property lost in attempting to enter the river during the last month. If such a channel was opened, the present entrance would sand up in one or two tides. The river would have a direct and unbroken sweep into the ocean." Dog Island Lighthouse.— The Southland Time* says: — "The light on Dog Island is plainly visible on clear nights from the west end of the jetty. Commencing from a mere point, it rapidly enlarges until the appearance of a perfect globe of light is assumed, when it is as suddenly eclipsed. By the chart, it is situated at a distance of twenty-eight miles. Competent judges express the opinion that at sea the light will be visible at a distance of forty miles. It has already been found of great service by captains of vessels passing through Ifoveaux Straits: enabling them to substitute a direct passage for the old and circuitous route." The lighthouse was illuminated on the 3rd of August, for the first time. The Weathee in Auckland.— The Southeni Orois, of August 16, speaking of the weather experienced in that port, says— "The westerly gale which set in on Monday evening caused damage to Beveral vessels in harbour, as we briefly notified in these columns yesterday. Later in the evening, however, the gale increased, attended with frequent heavy squalls, causing several large vessels to drag their anchors, and endangering the safety ot all craft in the vicinity of the wharf. The schooner Fancy, anchored alongside, and the cutter Eclair, both stove in their sterns, and were kept afloat with the greatest difficulty. The cutter Doudy also dragged her anchor, and bumped heavily against the wharf. The schooner Sylph, also anchored alongside, broke loose, and carried away some of her head-gear, but suffered no other injury, beyond a few scratches of her bulwarks. The Balaklava, Ulcoats, Rob Roy, and Winterthur dragged their anchors, but did not sustain any injury, or fall foul of each other. The barque Sir George Grey, which was making the harbour at midnight, after a passage of seventy-six days from Valparaiso, was driven on to a sandbank off Orakei, in one of the severe squalls and hurricanes which swept at intervals across the harbour. She was perfectly uninjured, however, but compelled to take up her quarters for the night at this unusual anchorage. The ship Gloriosa, bound for Sydney, was necessarily brought-to off the North Head at the commencement of the gale, and remained there during the night, taking her departure, with a moderate wind, yesterday morning. During the afternoon yesterday the wind was less boisterous, and the small craft were enabled to proceed on their journeya."