THE ORPHEUS WRECK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8268, 29 May 1890, Page 5

THE ORPHEUS WRECK.

Nothing additional of any importance has as yet transpired with reference to the hull of the Orpheus, which is supposed to have washed up on lie beach at Manukau Heads. Yesterday afternoon the Harbourmaster at Manukau (Captain Robertson) received a lengthy telegram from the Marine Department at Wellington relative to the report telegraphed by the press, to which he replied as follows :•—" Am not aware of anything new appearing at Manukau Heads ; believe the part hull seen is that which had been washed ashore over 20 years ago.' In conversation with our representative, Captain Robertson said that as long as he can recollect, there has been a portion of the hull of the ill-fated vessel lying on the beach about two miles to the northward of the North Head, and distant from the shore about half a mile. He has seen it repeatedly at intervals, and on one or two occasions has recommended strangers who have been on a visit to the Heads to get u portion of the hull as a curio. In reply to a question as to the probability of the hull washing ashore, ho said it was the height of absurdity, for the vessel was lost on the outer portion of the main channel shoal, and although there were only two or three fathoms of water there, she would wash over the shoal and settle in about 14 fathoms of water, in a place at a distance fully four miles from the spot where a portion of the hull is now aeon. He further explained that the sands along the coast shift occasionally, and is quite satisfied that several feet of sand has removed, and left the top portion of the hull more visible than it has been on any former occasion. He instanced the Blow Hole, or the pilot station at the South Head. An that place, he said, two years ago, there was a fathom of water at low tide, and now at high-tide there is not an inch of water, owing to the sand silting up. Other gentlemen, who have resided at Onehunga since the time of the accident, assure our representative that a few months after the vessel was lost the whole of her top side came ashore, and have remained there ever since, sometimes being a few feet above the sand and at others being completely buried. This morning the harbourmaster will proceed to the scene of the j alleged discovery, when we may expect to got fuller particulars. The s.s. Hinemoa, Captain Fairchild, we are informed, will arrive in the Manukau during to-day, and it is probable Captain Fairchild will give some, information concerning this matter.