A VISIT TO THE GREAT BARRUER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10597, 18 February 1896, Page 2

A VISIT TO THE GREAT BARRUER.

Auckland, January 30,

The steamer Waiotabi returned early "this morning from a trip to the Great Barrier. Oust after daylight on Wednesday the Waiotahi reached Arid Island,-on the east, side of the Barrier, and a boat went ashore with Mrs 13' Donald, whose eon is buried on this island. The grave was pointed out by Canon Haeelden, snd after Mrs M'Donald had stayed a abort time at the grave, a oross was placed on it and the boat rcturaed to fcbe steamer. Both Mrs lil'Dan&ld and Mrs M'Leod came up from Dnnediu to visit the Barrier. Tha Utter was taken to see the grave of her husband at Whaugapoua, and a head board was erected and aome.vrreaths placed on the grave. After breakfast the Waiotahi steamed round to the soctie of the wreck of the Wairar»p». Tho eteamtr has entirely disappeared from off the ledge where sue struck, and although a boat yesterday passed over the spot not a trace of the unfortunate vessel was to be seen. On the deok of the stesmcr a service for the burial of the dead at sea was conducted b7 Canon Hsselden, who stated that out of 125 people lost the bodies of 83 only had been recovered, and tho remaining 42, it wan thought, were nearly all in deep water about tho wrack; Tha service was. a meet impressive one. Tha next place called at was Maori Bay, where the whole party landed. They were given a hearty welcome by tha Maoris, some of whom' made speeches, which were replied to in Maori by Dr Purchss. Here Canon Haseldcu held a burial servioo over three bodie3 whioh had been found and buried by the Maoris after the search party left the Barrier. Wreaths and flowers were placed on many of the graves.