CRUISE OF H.M.S. BLANCHE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2820, 8 April 1869, Page 2

CRUISE OF H.M.S. BLANCHE.

H.M.S. Blanche left Wellington en route for the Auckland Islands on the 11th of last month, taking as passenger Mr Balfour, M.T.C.E., whose object was to ascertain if possible the practicability of erecting a lighthouse on the Snares, a small group of islands or rocks between the South Island and the Auckland Islands. The object of the Blanche's visit to the Auckland Islands was an order from the Admiralty to examine every sis months, the different depots of necessaries left on those islands for the relief of shipwrecked crews. A cruise amongst these islands is seldom looked upon as a yachting tour, t,hey being the whole year round the centre of many furious gales, which have proved fatal to many an unfortunate vessel coming within their influence. But this, indeed, is all the more reason why they should bo visited, past experience showing to what chances previous survivors have been indebted for their lives. And who more fit to visit these regions than men-of-war, who, when not fighting our battles are protecting and assisting their countrymen, and provided with all that ingenuity can devise to meet such dangei'3 and risks are more adapted for such an errand of mercy. AIL down the coast of the Middle Island the weather was calm and beautiful, and we were congratulating ourselves on our good fortune and rapid progress, little knowing tho.t it was all yet to come. That day, Sunduy the 14th, it came on to blow very fresh from the south westward, and as we cleared the South Island, the sea rose quickly, and in the afternoon it was blowing very fresh indeed fromS.W., when suddenly a puff more violent than the rest struck the ship and carried away the jibboom. Instantly and without hesitation, numbers of men sprang out to clear the wreck, but in their endeavors, one who had been the foremost lost his hold and fell overboard. Those who have heard it well know the effect of that cry, " man overboard." At once the sharpest eyes wero set to watch the small speck as it got further and further. The ship was stopped and a boat lowered in the space of a moment. He had got hold of the life buoy, and though it was some time before ho could be seen from the boat and longer before he was picked up and brought up, yet on account of tho heavy sea, still all were thankful he wa3 saved ; so doubtful it was>, that the man himself had given up all hope. We were then off the Snares but the day wr.s so thick and a dirty night coming, we went on, intending to sight them on our return. Arrived next day at tho Auckland Islands, and anchored in the evening in Laurie Harbor, better known by its original name of Sarah's bosom. Next day parties started in all directions, some to examine the depots, some to shoot, and some to cut roads, this lash party, fired by public zeal .and led by an energetic officer, devoted their whole time during our stay to this object, and accomplished the arduous task of making a most useful road through one mile of the densest bush imaginable. Next day (16lh) the captain andhisofficeralanded and formally took possession of these islands in the name of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, for the New Zealand Government. Feit dejoies were fired and three hearty cheers given for our new possessions. Next day two exploring parties were sent by boat to Enderby and Rose Islands, but no trace of inhabitants were discovered, and finding the stores and provisions untouched and in good order, we prepared to sail tho following day for Norman Inlet. On Friday, the 19lh, steamed up Norman Inlet, a narrow strip of sea running some six miles into the heart of the Island. Here was supposed to be a depot, but whoever fancied he placed it there must have made a mistake, for no signs of it could be found, and night coming on tho ship anchored, intending to continue the search on the morrow. But. the next day broke with a threatening look, warning us to remain at anchor. Later in the day the squalls became more violent, till at last they struck the ship with such force that she actually heeled over and trembled aL the blow. The place was so narrow that no moro cable could be veered, and there was nothing to do but holdigm. At one o'clock, though in such a sheltered place, surrounded by high hills, a squall struck the ship so violently that she heeled over ; suddenly tho cable strained and groaned for a moment, and parted with a loud noise. Instantly another anchor was let go, almost before the ship had drifted ten yards, but; this second so close under the forefoot was not sufficient to hold her, and the next squall she dragged and went, quietly on shore. The water of course was perfectly smooth, except during a squall, when it was lifted from the surface and blown over the ship in spray, so sharply that it stung the face like hail. The steam was immediately got up, being under banked fire, and the screw moved, but it struck the rock so sharply it was left alone and an anchor laid out, the cable brought; to tlie capstan, and in less than half an hour the men were running round and her bow slowly moving from the shore. No sooner was the bow free than the wind caught it, and the good little anchor holding swung the ship round and disengaged tho stern, but it was impossible to remain the night in such a place, and all baste was made to hoist the boat in and go to sea. After much difficulty, the squalls being now so furious that those exposed to them could hardly stand, and the ship had to steam up against them continually, the boats were got in, tho anchors stowed, and the ship flying before tho squall, rushed out to sea, Night came on so suddenly that we lay-to, intending to go intoOarnley Harbor next day. But noxfc day it came on worse, and putting the ship under a clo3e-rccfed maintopsail and forestaysail, we lay to for the rest of tho week, every morning hoping that the gale would abate, but in vain ; at last, thinking it hopeless to wait any longer, we unwillingly bore I up for Otago harbor ; not until Sunday morning, when off Otago did tho weather moderate, but on that Sunday morning, everything was smiling again, and the sea as smooth as glass. The pilot came out and took us in, and we anchored off Port Chalmers, having safely got across the bar. Here the greatest civility and kindness was shown to the officers and men, the owners of the Steam Navigation Company putting their steamers at their disposal. A number of officers and men visited Dunedin and were much pleased at their kind reception. During the short stay of the Blanche in Port Chalmers she was visited by a great number of people— the ship being thrown open to the public. Tho Blanche left; Dunedin on the 31st, and called at Akaroa harbor for one night, coming on to Wellington the next day, and arriving here on the 3rd. She brought up as passengers Mr Balfour, M.T.C.E., Lieut. Woods, 0.M.5., and Mr Knight, Assistant Surveyor, tho latter two having been engaged in sounding the bar to ascertain whether the Challenger can enter the harbor.