WRECK OF THE SCHOONER AWAROA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1060, 23 June 1892, Page 34

WRECK OF THE SCHOONER AWAROA.

NARROW ESCAPE OS' THE CREW. (PRESS ASSOCIATION Gisi'.or - e June 17. The schooner Awaroa struck this afternoon on a reef off I.uamotu Is.auu, one of the points of Poverty Bay. The schooner left Gisborne this morning for Auckland, and lay becalmed in the bay for ssveral boars A slight breeze springing up the anchor was weighed and sail set, but steering way oould not be got on, and in n ■- tempting to go about tha vessel git in dangerous proximity to tho r-e. 1 ha anchor was dropped, and ei.gpiU for assistance being made, two steam lan-.nh s set out to the vessel iu distress, but arrived 10 minutes too late. A heavy swell was running in, and the cable pn"im>, the Avvaroa was smu amongst the b-eaUe-s which swept over the vessel. Halos wets smashed in her bottom, and as Rnn knocking about very much, it is thought the ship will not hold L gether long. A difficulty was experienced in getting the ere v of fine men ashore. A line was floated through the Ivoakors to some Maoris on the beach and rhe sailors, holding on to this, came throuuh the surf, being much knocked about. Practically none of their effects were saved. . . , . 'She eohooner was in charge or Captain Urqchart, who had with him men named Bolts, Sourorit Id and Eriok-on. It D not known what insurances are on

the vessel, whioh is owned by Messrs Harding, Hall and Skeet, of Gisborne. Gisborne, June 18. The schooner Awaroa is a total wrook, having been considerably smashed up during the night. The vessel was of 60 tons register, aud was not insured.