WRECK OF THE CLARENDON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 429, 15 December 1868, Page 2

WRECK OF THE CLARENDON.

The brig Clarendon, which was unfortunate in being stranded on the Grey bar, about a fortnight ago, sailed from G-reymouth on the in ballast, for Melbourne, leaving in company with the schooner 10. On Saturday, at noon, it commenced to blow a gale, and the same evening it was discovered that the vessel had sprung a leak. All bands were then sent to the pumps, and the vessel was kept away for Nelson. The leak, however, was found to be increasing, when some of the hands were sent to pass a spare main-sail under her bottom, having succeeded in doing which, the leakage was found to decrease. The following day the gale increased, and continued to do so. The canvas also gave way, and, consequently, the leakage increased. During Saturday she sighted Cape Foulwind, and also spoke the schooner Mary Van Every. Here, however, the gale headed the vessel, the wind coming round from the N.E. She was then wore round aud headed for G-reymouth, and when abreast of the port she hoisted a signal of distress, as also a signal for a steamer. Finding that no steamer was coming she stood on for Hokitika, but on coming abreast of jhe Arahura it was found that the vessel had drifted near the break. It was not, however, until Captain Dow found his vessel in the second break that the helm was put hard about, and her head directed for the shore in order to save the lives of those on board. She stranded at a point about 800 yards above the Waimea Creek, and from the time she sprang the leak until she touched the beach, the crew were constantly at the pumps and were thoroughly fatigued. The Hokitika Star says that Captains Thompson and Agnew have since surveyed her. They report that they found her badly strained throughout, her forefoot gone, her port quarter all started, all her seams open and butts started, and her copper much rimpled. From her general apperance they have recommended her to be immediately stripped and sold.