TOTAL WRECK OF THE S.S. STAR OF THE SOUTH.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2304, 2 January 1866, Page 6

TOTAL WRECK OF THE S.S. STAR OF THE SOUTH.

(From the West Coast TlmesDcc, 25.) The s.s. Star of the South left Port Chalmers, on the 11th inst., at 4.30 p.m., with a light N.E. breeze. Next day the wind shifted to the S.W., soon blowing a hard gale, which compelled her to run into Port William, Stewart's Island. On the 13th, weather moderating, weighed and proceeded on her voyage, hut when off the West Capo the gale again blew up, forcing her to run for shelter to Chalky Inlet, she bringing up with the best bower in North Port the same day. Here she hy until the 15th, when another attempt was made to proceed on with the voyage, but on get ting outside found a perfect hurricane blowing from N.W., which obliged her at once to show her stern to it, and run back to her anchorage. When running through Return Channel, and off the S.E., point of Great Island, the ship struck on a sunken rock situated one and a half or two cables length from the shore. She cleared it almost immediately, but commenced making water at such a rate, and settled down so fast, that it was deemed advisable to prevent her sinking in deep water, to boaeh her at North Port, and by the time this was affected the main and fore compartments were nearly full of water. The next day an anchor was run out, the steamer hove as high as possible on the beach, and a considerable portion of the cargo landed. An attempt was also made to land a look-out on Cape Providence, which failed, owing to the heavy sea running. From this date up to the 21st, the crew worked day and night discharging cargo and gelling the ship hig)icr on the beach, and another attempt, which resulted successfully, was made to land a look-out party, consisting of Mr. Gannon the purser, and Mr. Skinner at Cape Providence. On the 2lst, the s.s. William Miskin ran in through stress of weather, and rendered every assistance to the distressed vessel, and through her providential arrival, the passengers and crew were saved much distress and inconvenience. We arc sorry to report the Star of the South a complete wreck, there being no hopes of her recovery, the rock having driven her bottom in 2 smashing several of the angle irons. All her passengers and part of the crew were transhipped on board the Miskin, Captain Hodge, and a few of his men remaining by the vessel.

The last joke at the expense of the French Society for the Protection of Animals is to {lie following effect :— A countryman, armed with an immense club, presents himself beforo the president of the society, and claims the first prize. He is asked to describe the act of humanity on which he founds his claim. " I saved the life of a wolf," replies the countryman. "I might easily have killed him with this bludgeon ;" and he swings his weapon in the ah 1 , to the intense discomfort of the president. " 13ut where was this wolf ?" inquires the latter, "what had he done to you P"—" Ho had just devoured my wife," is the reply. The president reflects an instant, and then says— "My friend, I am of opinion that you have j been sufficiently rewarded."