THE EASTERLY GALE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13303, 9 October 1906, Page 6

THE EASTERLY GALE.

ROUGH VOYAGE OF THE VICTORIA. Although the weather was fine in Auckland yesterday, with a light breeze from j the south-east blowing, the easterly gale, with a very heavy sea, still continues along the coast, and a number of the coastal fleet are sheltering, some at Marsden Point, and others at Mercury Bay. r The Huddart-Parker steamer Victoria, trom Sydney, did riot make port until eight a.m. yesterday, about 20 hours later than the time she usually occupies on th« passage. This is accounted for by the steamer having met with exceptionally haw weather throughout the whole of the passage; in fact, Captain Waller and the officers of the steamer state that it was one of the .severest experiences which they have undergone for a great many years past.: '.. ■ '• ' , The Victoria left Sydney on Wednesday afternoon last, and as soon as :he Heads were cleared strong north-east winds with heavy head sen* were met with, the wind gradually increasing to a gale, with heavy beam sea, and thick rainy weather. At twenty minutes past nine a.m. on I hursday a tremendous sea broke over the port side, which broke.down the gangway door on the well deck. In consequence the steamer's head had to be put. to sea until the necessary repairs could be effected with safety to those carrying them out. At twenty minutes "past five p.-n. the. same day another heavy sea broke on board forward, smashing in the forecabin skylightsThe gale by this time was of a cyclonic character, and Captain Waller then decided to heave the steamer to. About' two hours later the wind went into the south-west in a terrific squall, and as soon as it had moderated the steamer was put on her course again. On Friday strong variable winds from between south-south-east, east, and east-north-east prevailed, with a very high confused sea, and a good deal of water broke, on board, and at two p.m. the steamer was again slowed down, so that repairs could be made to one of the ports in the forepeak, which had been started by the heavy seas. At four p.m. the wind was blowing from the north very strongly. • On Saturday morning the wind changed to the east-north-east, and increased to a gale, with rough head sea, and continual' rain; which lasted throughout the day and night. J . j On Sunday easterly winds -with rough head sea and frequent rain squalls set in and when Cape Maria Van Diemen was passed in the afternoon it was blowing amoderate gale, with thick, dirty weather. On the run down the coast the weather was very boisterous, with severe rain and thick weather, and heavy easterly sea. Soundings were taken at intervals "during the passage down, and the' harbour was ma.de as above. The sun was seen on Saturday for the first time since leaving Sydney. The passengers speak 'in high terms of the conduct of Captain Waller,-his officers, and crew under the trying circumstances! and express their admiration of the splendid qualities of the Victoria as a seaboat.