IMPORTANT TO MARINERS. SUNKEN ROCK OFF CAPE SAUNDERS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVII, Issue 120, 6 October 1868, Page 4

IMPORTANT TO MARINERS. SUNKEN ROCK OFF CAPE SAUNDERS.

News from Dunedin of Wednesday, the 16th ultimo, says : — "The ship Hydra struck a hidden rock yesterday off Cape Snunders. The bearings were taken of her position after she had run two or three cable lengths on a N.W. course, and were found to be from Cape Saunders, S. by W. -J W. three and a-half miles ; from tho funnel of the wrecked steamer Victory, S.W. by W. 1 W. 2£ miles distant; from the Headland named by the Maoris Norman, W.N.W. J- W. The rock is in the direct track of steamers sailing south. As the rock is not on the chart a survey will be made and it is suggested that a bell buoy be placed to mark the spot."

nAUßouii of Refuge on the West Coast.— We are glad to sco from the Report of the Marine Department, that Mr. Balfour takes rather a favourable view of the capability of the bay near Point Elizabeth, a little to the north of the River Grey, being made a harbour of refuge for the West Coast. Ho says in his report, " I forward herewith a small sketch chart of ' Port Curtis,' being the bay formed by Point Elizabeth a few miles to the north of Greymouth ; Mr. Woods was instructed to procure a few soundings in the bay on the first available opportunity, and this sketch is the result. The soundings show that there is an area of probably not le3s than a quarter of a square mile already partially sheltered, and with a depth at low water of two fathoms and upwards. Seeing that there is an ample supply of hard limestone on the spot, very fairly adapted for Hie construction of a breakwater, and that this bay is of perfectly easy access from tho Grey coal-fields, its future importance as a harbour will be sufficiently obvious ; indeed it is the only placo on the West Coast which I am acquainted with where there are both natural facilities and abundant materials for constructing a barlcss commercial harbour of very considerable dimensions, in direct and easy communication with very valuable coal-fields. I hope during the present year to procure a careful survey of Port Curtis on a large scale." For the last three years we have repeatedly called attention to the natural facilities possessed by the bay here spoken oCby Mr. Balfour. From the beach a railway could be carried to the mouth of the Briinner coal mine along a nearly level valley, and this would give the coal of the district all the benefits of shipment it requires. Steamer Taran'aki.— The Diver Drowned.— The Wellington Independent, of September 10, saya : " Tho s.s. Lady Bird, Captain Renner, sailed for Queen Charlotte Sound at three o'clock yesterday morning, for the purpose of ascertaining the position of the s.s. Tamnaki, as she now lies at the entrance of Bowden's Bay. A number of persons proceeded in her, including three divers, with apparatus complete for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of raising the ship. She arrived at Bowdcn's Bay at nine a.m., and anchored close to the Taranaki. Operations were then commenced by getting the boats and forming a stage for tho divers. On sounding, it was found that she was lying in thirteen fathoms forward and seventeen aft. The diver then went down for the purpose of making a rope ladder fast to the Taranaki, and having done so, returned after a short time. His dress being adjusted by adding extra weights, he again descended with the intention of inspecting the vessel's position and bottom. For a quarter of im hour after he had been down signals had been exchanged satisfactorily, after which they ceased, and uothing uioro was ob-

served until his red cap was seen floating on the surface. It was then known that the helmet must have been removed by some cause. Efforts were then made to bring him to the Biirface, but failed, although persevered in for upwards of an hour, the diver having evidently got entangled in some portion of the wreck. After trying with the boats and lines, by pulling in various directions, the man was liberated and brought to the surface, but life was quite extinct. It was then discovered that the helmet had unscrewed itself from tho brcastplute of the dress, which was the cause of the unfortunate accident. The man's name was Burton, and well known as a practical diver. We understand thas he is a singlo man. The body was put on board the Lady Bird, and she returned, arriving here at nine a.m.