THE TRIP OF THE WAIPARA.

West Coast Times, Issue 2787, 7 March 1878, Page 2

THE TRIP OF THE WAIPARA.

We are indebted to Taptain Turnbull for the following report of the recent trip of the Waipara to the South :—: —

The Waipara sailed on 28th February at 10 am., bound to Jackson's Bay and Milford Haven, arriving at Jackson's Bay at 7.30 a.m. on Ist March, having encountered strong S,\V. winds, with dirty weather. Discharged cargo and sailed at 9.50 a.m. same day for Martin's Bay. Reached Cascade Point at 1 p.m. same day, encountering a heavy south-west gale, with heavy set, compelling a return to Jackson's Bay, where she anchored at 2.30 p.m. In the evening the weather clearing up, another start tor the south was made, and the vessel left at 6 p.m., reaching Martin's Bay at daylight on the 2nd March. Not seeing the Hinemoa, and a heavy sea running from the south-west, proceeded on to Milford. When a little south ot ltaipoi Bay observed the Hinemoa steaming to the northward from Milford. Arrived at Martin's Bay, the Hinemoa in company, at nine am. Captain Bignell examined the entrance from the mast head, and became convinced that it would be dangerous to try the bar, as the sand spit extended nearly to the rocks, Captain Bignell then informed the Premier on board the Hinemoa, that the entrance was impracticable. Mr Macandrew accordingly deemed it advisable to put Captain Branchley — the recently appointed harbor master and signal man at Martin's Bay — on board the Waipara, Captain Bignell having undertaken to land him on the south side of the beach. Capt. Branchley having been transhipped, the Hinemoa sailed north to Big Bay, and the Waipara made for the south side of Martin's Bay to effect a landing, which was easily accomplished. Messrs Bonar, Mueller, Marks, ■and Mac far lane landed with Captain Branchley, and were met by two of the settlers, who undertook to convey the stores over to the settlement. On returning on board, the Waipara got under weigh for Milford Sound, where she arrived at two p.m. The vessel steamed slowly up the sound, and moored at Freshwater Baisin at four p.m. The excursionists landed and examined the magnificent Bowen Falls, and the various rocky formations around, and then went for a short distance up the Cleddy river. Ni^ht coming on and a heavy rain setting in, ° all returned on boar.?. The Waipara lay in the Baisin all the night, which was very dark and wet. At 6.30 a.m. on the - 3rd March, the Waipara steamed out of

Freshwater Baisin slowly down the ! sound, and it was observed that the numerous waterfalls had much increased in volume during the night, j Anchored in Anita Bay at 8 a.m., and ex- ' amined the cliffs around the head of the i Bay, to endeavor to find a reported vein of marble ; detached pieces of marble were found, but the main lode was not discovered. It is most likely that the stone | exists higher up the cliff, btrong indications of bad weather being observed, the steamer started for fbe north at 10 a.m., encouatering stn . northerly winds, a cross sea, and mv i rain. Anchored in Jacksrn';. Hay a t 7 ji.uk During the night the wind -hifted suddenly to the southwest, blow us in I .irj squalls with torrents of rain. A 7 a. in .on the 4th March, the excursio » is la.i cd and went over the bridle tiai- to atnoothwater Settlement which war, fully examined. The Arawata Settlement was vi?ited about noon. From Arawata the visitors went on to Waiototo and Oku' i, which was reached at halfpast eight p.;}]. ihe Waipara remained in Jackson's Bay until the sth March, leaving at 6.30 reaching Okura at 9.30 p.m, crossing the bar with nine feet ot water. Left Okura at noon, reaching Abbey Rucks at 5 p.m. ; left at hall-past five, arriving at Paring at 6.30 p.m. Landed cargo, and lefc at eight for Ilokitika, arriving at 930 a.m., on the 6th.