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New Zealand Mail, Issue 423, 20 March 1880, Page 24

The evidence taken at the last inquiry into the accident to the Sophia R. Luhrs, scarcely substantiates the report that was at first circulated about the discovery of a new danger to vessels trading togthis port. ■ An outlying rock, less than a quarter of a mile from the outer point above water, of a well defined ugly reef, can scarcely be regarded as a danger in the fair way, but simply as a portion of a reef, to be scrupulously avoided by careful shipmasters. It is in fact part of the coast line, only a little deeper in the water than other parts, and ought not to be approached within at least three-quarters of a mile. So says the "New Zealand Pilot," perhaps the best abused nautical work extant, but which in the case before us is certainly blameless, for it distinctly warns mariners to keep a mile off shore between Cape Terawiti and Sinclair Head. It is between those two points that Lyells Reef is situated. That the rock is sufficiently dangerous, and ought to be distinctly marked on all charts of the coast, we readily admit, but that it is to be trumpeted forth as another danger to the navigation of the port entrance we utterly deny. The master of the Sophia R. Luhrs is a seaman of reputation and experience, and we are, therefore, the more surprised that he should have groped about so close inshore. Evidently amistake was made ; which, however, brought to light the rock in question. Beyond stating that Lyell Reef extends a little further seaward than was supposed, we can offer no particular advice to mariners visiting this port. The rock is evidently part of the reef, although there are deep holes between them, but the outlying rocks are by no means uncommon adjuncts to such reefs as that of Lyell s, and are best avoided by keeping at a proper distance from the main danger.