SIGNS OF A WRECK.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 144, 10 August 1911, Page 5

SIGNS OF A WRECK.

RAFT DRIFTS ASHORE

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, August 9

Indications of what may prove to bo a marine disaster were contained in a telegram received by the Collector of Customs (Mr. J. P. Hidings) to-day from Parcnga. The communication in question was to the effect that a raft made of three casks boarded together, with masts rigged at each end, went ashore at a promontory known as Scott’s Point last Simday. Tho remains of two large flags wore attached to the mast*. The message stated that the raft was in good Older, and locked as though it nad not been in tho water long. It added that a quantity of apples and turnips had been found wasned up on the same beach.

Tho Collector of Customs, on receipt of tho telegram, wired for further particulars and for a description of the flags referred to. He also forwarded a copy of the original message from Parenga to the Secretary for Marine in Wellington, suggesting that word might bo sent to tr.'e- Government steamer Hinemoa, now in northern waters, to keep a look-out for further wreckage. The discovery of the flags on the rqft is looked upon in shipping circles as being significant, and but for that and for the fact that fruit and vegetables have also come ashore, it might have been assumed that a hoax had been perpetrated. As it is, grave fears are entertained that a vessel may have come to grief. It is thought possible that the disaster may have befallen the barque Rona, which left Auckland on July 29 for Hokianga to load timber for Melbourne, and has not been since heart! of. Ordinarily the trip occupies only three or four days.