FOUNDERING OF THE S.S. TARANAKI IN TORY CHANNEL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 337, 29 August 1868, Page 3

FOUNDERING OF THE S.S. TARANAKI IN TORY CHANNEL.

sunk in Ten Fathoms with a large cargo.—mails SAVED. (fhom the colokist, august 23.) Picton, 'ihursday, 10.15 a.m. Yesterday afternoon, at half-past four o'clock,the steamer Taranaki struck on the Boat Harbor Rock, at the entrance of Tory Channel. She at once began to fill' and the water rapidly rose, and drowned out the engine fires. The vessel then drifted with the tide up channel. The passengers are safe. The purser arrived at Picton last night, and reported that when he left the ship, she was making an inch of water per minute. The Airedale left "Wellington at five o'clock this morning, to pick up passengers, &c.

12.23 p.m. The Airedale has arrived here with the passengers and mails per Taranaki. The Taranaki went down at 11.30 last night, with a full and valuable cargo. No accident occurred to the passengers or crew. The Airedale leaves Picton for Nelson at 12 o'clock to-night. 4.55 p.m. The Taranaki went down opposite Bowden Brothers' homestead, in ten fathoms water, close to the shore. It is supposed she had upwards of £IO,OOO worth of cargo. The Ladybird is expected from "Wellington with diving apparatus. The Taranaki had cargo on board for Nelson for Buxton and Co., Burn, H. Davis, Edwards and Co., Hadfield, Tatton, Lightband, ~Wailes, Langford, Rutter and Co., James, Fleming, Vivian, and Cooke. Her passengers for Nelson, were— Messrs. Paul, Kirby, Hamilton, Hooper, and Dr. Renwick. It is not known whether the enquiry will be held here or at Wellington. (feom another correspondent.) Picton, Thursday, 4.58 p.m. The Taranaki lies in ten fathoms of water, under half a cable's length (240 yards) from the shore, in Bowden's Bay. Her masts are not visible. She is probably lying on her side. Messrs. Balfour and Duncan sounded with the lead, and felt her plainly. Great praise is Bishop of Lichfield, his son, and Lord Burghley for their assistance. They all worked as laborers. The women and children were well cared for. The enquiry into the cause of the wreck is beiug held here.. The Airedale sails for Nelson at midnight.

Welmngtox, Thursday. The Rev. Hay Maxwell is dead. The accident to the Taranaki has had a very depressing effect on the New Zealand Company's shares. Mr. Yogel's motion for the abolition of the postage on newspapers was losl yesterday by a majority of 33 to 22. The Bast ©oast Land Titles Investigation Act Repeal Bill was read a first time.

Mr. Macandrew had the following motion on the notice paper to be moved yesterday, (Wednesday) : " That, in the opinion of this House, the attempt to capture the Maoris who escaped from the Chatham Islands was, in the first place, impolitic, and that it is inexpedient further to prosecute the attempt. That this House is also of opinion that experience has proved that the Native policy hitherto pursued has been mistaken policy, destructive to the interests of both races, and ought now to be abandoned; with which view the House now recommends — First, That the Native Colonial Defence Offices be abolished. Seeon d —That the cost of maintenance of peace, order, and good government among the Natives and European alike, shall be locally charged and devolve upon the respective Local Governments. Third —That, in consideration of the prejudicial effect upon the North Island, which has resulted from the Native policy of the Imperial and Colonial Governments, and in consideration of the Colony being relieved from further indefinite liability for Native wars, the interest and sinking fund of the three million loan shall be borne exclusively by the Middle Island, until such time as the Customs revenue of the North Island shall exceed that of the Middle Island, whereupon the said interest, &c, shall again be charged on the Consolidated revenue; also, that an annual sum, not exceeding £50,000, for the next three years, shall be charged against the Consolidated Colonial Revenue, and paid over to the local authorities of the Northern Island, to be expended in the employment of the Native population on public works; such annual payment to be

distributed in such proportion aa the Governor shall see fit."

The Government intimated yesterday that they would oppose this motion, which was postponed for a week. The Protection of Animals Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. Mr G. Graham's motion that the Defence Department and Minister are no longer necessary, was agreed to by the Government. The latter part of the motion, which proposed that the Colonial Secretary should undertake the duties, being first struck out. It is rumoured that Colonel Haultain, the present Defence Minister, will be called to the Upper House.