CAPTAIN SIR E. HOME, R.N., AND CAPTAIN BELL, R.N.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume V, Issue 363, 25 September 1844, Page 2

CAPTAIN SIR E. HOME, R.N., AND CAPTAIN BELL, R.N.

The Government brig Victoria arrived last Thursday night, having been but three days in coming here from the Bay of Islands. By her we learn that ihe North Star had nor, been either at Auckland or the Bay Islands ; and we are happy therefore in being able to state, for ought that is known to the contrary her worthy commander Captain Sir E. Honv, is alive and in health. The statement vus not without foundation^ we are sorry to say. It appears that Captain Bell, of H.M.Sf. Hazard, had in consequence of being unv/o^J been living on shore at Auckland. Being restless in the absence of the Hazard, he '»•*• quested a passage by the Government br/sj Victoria, and one night while she was at uschor in the Bay of Isknds, jumped or fell overboard. Unfortunately the ship's gig wi;s away and the long boat inboard. It was however got out as quickly as possible and Capt. Bell was taken on board alive, but he socn afterwards died. We h:ive obtained the following particulars from the Southern Croxs of the 17th August : — Melancholy Death. — With much regret we announce the death of Captain Bell, of H.M.S. Hazard. Most of our readers are aware tLnt this gentleman on account of indisposition, was ' advisedto remain in Auckland, while the Hazard proceeded with his Excellency to Port Nicholson. With the view of improving his healtfi, Captain Bell availed himself of the opportunity of going to the Bay of Islands by the Government brig. On the Thursday evening oft c £\jie arrival of the brig at the Bay, Captain Bell went on deck, accompanied by the steward, when t'ae latter in conseojience of the blowing out of the light, was obliged to return for another. During the interval that elapsed, Captain Bell fell overboard; the watch gave the alarm, but uo effective efforts appear to have been made to save the life of the unfortunate offi.:er, although he repeatedly called for assistance, and endeavoured to save himself by swimming. After the lapse of about ten minutes, a boat was lowered, and he was taken on board alive, but insensible and much exhausted ; and no proper attempts appear to have been made to restore animation, until it was too late. Captain Richards, the commander of the brig, was unhappily ashore when the accident occurred. Captain Bell was a brother of Colonel Bell, the late member for Northumberland, He was a well informed, kind-hearted, and generous officer, much .beloved by all who knew him, and will, we doubt not, be much lamented by the officers under his immediate command. In the absence' of a Coroner, we believe the resident Magistrate. finquired into the cause of death. His remains were interred with due solemnity in the Churchyard of Russell. Captain Bell has, we understand, left a widow, but no children.