Specially Reported Details.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5642, 11 June 1886, Page 3

Specially Reported Details.

Grounding of the Relief Steamer Wellington. [Spbciallt Bbpobted fob the "Stab."] TAUBANGA, June 11, 4.20 a.m. The s.B. Wellington made a good run, reaching the entrance to Tauranga by one o'clock. After rounding Stoney Point, Mount Maunganui, the steamer took the ground nearly opposite the Pilot-house, and stuck hard and fast. Captain John M'Eenzie was on the bridge at the time, and Norbury, the chief officer, was forward, watching the buoys. The engines, which had been going dead slow, were immediately reversed, but the tide falling, the vessel would not move. After a lapse of half an hoar the pilot boat came off, but it was found the steamer could not get afloat till the next tide, and the passengers were taken up to Tauranga in the pilotboat. The Wellington lies on a good sandy beach, and there are no fears of damage. It is believed she will kedge off at high water. The alarm in Tauranga has completely subsided. It originated through the drift of dust-clouds from Tarawera. The noise of the eruption here was totally different from that heard in Auckland. It consisted of a series of deep rumblings and earthquake shocks. About 3 o'clock yesterday morning the heavens in the direction of Tarawera were illuminated with electricity. The appearance as seen from here was of lightning, the heavens blazing up with flashes of sheet lightning, intermingled with brilliant fork lightning. The electric disturbances were greater than was ever known in a thunderstorm, although with no other sign of storm. The rumblings made the buildings rattle. About seven o'clock on Thursday morning the great dust cloud began to make its appearance, drifting along with the southeast wind. It thickened, until by 11 o'clock TAUBANGA WAS ENVELOPED IN TOTAL DAEKNEBB. The people believed that the eruption must be nearer than at Ohinemutu, and the greatest alarm followed. The streets in Tauranga are now covered with fine dust to a depth of one inch, and in some places the drift is three inches. The paddocks were bo completely covered that the cattle were unable to get a blade of grass, and came lowing in distress to the farm buildings. Such complete darkness prevailed for some hours that the lights had to be lit. About 2 o'clock, however, it had cleared away, and the panic subsided. LABT NIGHT the heavenß in the direction of Tarawera were lit up with a brilliant glow for half-an-hour after sunset ; but after that there was no disturbance. The sky was beautifully clear, but throughout the night there was no renewal of earthquakes or electrical phenomena. This was accepted as a pleasing indication that Tarawera has expended itself in its great outburst, and is now quiet. No refugees from Eotorua reached Tauranga on Thursday night. It is believed they Btopped at Orapi.