TELEGRAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 732, 27 September 1870, Page 2

TELEGRAM.

Nelson. — Sept. 27, 9.25 a m.,Rangitoto for Picton.

The Sydney papers say that H.M. p.s. steamer Virago, Commander Murray, has received orders to return to England, the term of her Australian commission having expired. Her relieving ship is the Sphinx (Captain H. B. Phillimore, C.8.), a powerful vessel of the old class of war steamers. She is 500 horsepower, and carries six guns. She left Plymouth for Bermuda on 29th June, with two dredging vessels in tow, and after performing this service will resume her voyage to this station. James Palmer, seaman, died suddenly last night on board the Ruby, lying alongside the wharf. He had gone on board the vessel to sleep though not belonging to her, and about 10 o'clock " turned in," but had not been long in bed when he was seized with a fit — I apparently, apoplectic— and expired almost immediately. Deceased, a very old hand, was well known in almost every port of New Zealand : he followed the sea in different capacities, ranging from master to cook, for many years, and possessed an excellent knowledge of the coast. Only a short time ago, he was in command of the Amateur, but, latterly, had been out of employment. — Wellington Evening Post, Sept. 19. / The three-masted schooner Lady Bird, Captain Scott, arrived from Newcastle on Saturday evening, after having made the iastest passage on record— five days from land to land, and eight days from port to port — the voyage from Wellington and back having occupied 28 days. She brings 310 tons of coal for Mr Dransfield. The City of Newcastle, the Gazelle, and the Charles Brewer left Newcastle for this port on the same day — Thursday, the Bth inst. The Lady Bird has turned out a great success — her sailing is something marvellous — 12 knots and upwards having been made at various times for several consecutive hours. She stands up to her canvas very stiffly, and, according to the captain's report, could carry half as much sail again. She is also perfectly tight. — WeAlington Evening Post, Sept. 19. H.M.S. Challenger, Commodore Lambert, sailed yesterday morning shortly after daylight for England. She goes home by a rather circuitous route, calling first at Brisbane, then proceeding through Torres Straits, calling afterwards at some of the East Indian ports, and then on to Mauritius and the Cape of Good Hope. The voyage will occupy about five months. We understand that while in the neighbourhood of Torres Straits, Commodore Lambert will continue the search commenced by Captain Montgomerie for traces of Mrs Gascoigne, wife of the captain of the Sperwer, wrecked there about a year ago, who was reported to be alive in the hands of the natives. We wish the Commodore success in his efforts, and the old vessel a safe and prosperous voyage to England. It is not likely that we shall ever see her again, nor perhaps many of her officers and crew, but her name will always be dear to New Zealand people, and the fact of having served in her the beat introduction to them. — Wellington Evening Post, Sept. 19. It may be within the recollection of our readers that in the year 1867 the crew of the Marion Benny, trading among the Solomon Islands, were treacherously murdered at the island of Rubiana by the natives. In the early part of the present year Captain Macfarlane, of the Rose and Thistle, obtained from the savages a gold watch which had been presented to a native of Copenhagen, named Vegesuch, who was chief officer on board the Marion Renny. Captain Brodie, of the schooner Captain Cook, which has recently arrived, has brought with him from Rubiana a sextant, which he succeeded in obtaining from the natives by barter. This sextant has upon it the following inscription : — " Presented to Mr Edward Vegesuch by a few admirers of the noble daring he displayed in the rescue of the crew of the Victor, wrecked at Newcastle on the 17th March, 1866." The sextant, which is in the most perfect order, has been handed over by Captain Brodie to Captain Hixson, Superintendent of Pilots, and we understand that Captain Hixson is in communication with Vegesuch's relations, who will, no donbt, be much pleased at the discovery of the article. —-Sydney Morning Herald.