SUPPOSED SHIPPING DISASTER IN MANAKAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7660, 10 June 1886, Page 5

SUPPOSED SHIPPING DISASTER IN MANAKAU.

ALARM GUNS HEARD IN AUCKLAND THIS MORNING. About half-past two o'clock this morning the firing of alarm guns was heard in Auckland by the watchman on the Queen-street Wharf, the police on duty, and the crews of vessels in harbour. The rirst impression was that it was a vessel in danger or! Takapuua, but aa the firing went on at intervals it was believed to be at the Manukau, especially as telephone messages came in from Eemuera stating that residents had heard the sound of guns being tired in that quarter. The oftioer on the Telephone Exchange rung up Ouehunga, and at last euceeeded iu getting an answer. The otlicer at Onehunga stated that he had seen a flash in the direction of the Manukau, and that it was believed a vessel was oc shore at the Manukau Heads. From the continuousness of tho tiling, the loudness of the reports, and the fact that there were occasional salvoes of guns, it is the impression that they must have proceeded from a mau-of-war, and the supposition is that it might be the Russian cruiser Vesurik, which was believed to be coming up the West Coast. Up to time of going to press (four o'clock) the tiling was proceeding, though seemingly slackening. Onehung* telegraph station endeavoured to communicate with Manukau lioads lighthoiue station, but wiw unable to do so. The flesh of the guns tiring was plainly visible 'roai the cupola of Rue lli.kald office.