GENERAL SUMMARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 97, 23 March 1866, Page 2

GENERAL SUMMARY.

London, January 26. The steamship " London" left Gravesend on the 13th December, and Plymouth on the sth January. On the 7th the wind increased, on the Bth became a heavy gale, and on the 9th furious. The jib - boom, fore-top-mast, and fore-top-gallant-mast were carried away, as were also the life boats. On the 10th the Captain determined to put back to Plymouth. After the course was altered the ship rolled heavily, shipping tremendous seas, which filled the engine room. The ship at length was hove-to. The most desperate efforts were made to keep her clear, but were unavailing. When all hope was gone, an attempt was made to launch the boats, but they were all stove except one. Tbe Captain instructed the Chief Engineer and his assistants to go m her, as she belonged to them. The Herds. Dr. Woolley, Draper, and Kerr, worked at the pumps, and prayed at intervals, surrounded by all the passengers. Immediately after the boat left, the ship went down, the boat narrowly escaping being swallowed up by the suction. G. V. Brooke worked at the pumps incessantly, and sent a farewell to the people of Melbourne. The boat's crew were rescued next day by an Italian barque. They reported that the " London" had 50 tons of coals on deck, which washed about and stopped the scupper holes; she was also fearfully overloaded with railway iron. The only passengers saved were By C. Wilson, DeMain, and J. Munro, all second class. Changes m the ministry expected. The Princess Helena's marriage has been fixed to take place m June. The Timts says on the Victorian crisis that the only remedy is a reform m its constitution. It characterises the governors conduct as a gross case of public delinquency. The Daily New supports the Governor. It is reported that Sir Richard Macdonald, governor of Hong Kong, has been detained m London, to probably supersede Sir Charles Darling. Jefferson's Rip Van Winkle reached the hundred and thirty-fifth performance, with crowded homes. Life Boat Institution to be formed m memory of G. V. Brooke.