Laid Down to Die.

Later the mate succeeded in lighting a fire with a burning glass. As the poor castaways were starving, they, in desperation, set fire to some bushes, and this attracted the attention of the little steamer Manawatu, which came to their rescue and conveyed them safely to port, after being without food, and with very little clothing, for three days. They were unable to catch fish or birds; and when rescued the cook had given up hope and had lain down to die.

When an inquiry was held into the wreck, the captain's certificate was suspended for three years, and the second mate's for two years.

In the early days many of the ships had to wait for months before securing a cargo for Home. In 1874 the Queen Bee arrived at Napier on October 16. A month later she sailed for Poverty Bay, and took in part cargo of wool. She returned to Napier on December 26, and remained there until February 14 the following year, when she sailed for England.

the Queen Bee was at Napier again early in 1875, having sailed from Lyttelton after discharging cargo and passengers there. She took in some wool at Napier and sailed for Madras under Captain Loftus.

Captain Thomas L. Burch, who sailed the Queen Bee from 1873 until 1875, took over the command of the ship Adamant in 1875. He died on board that vessel when on a voyage from the United Kingdom to the Bluff.

The following is the record of the Queen Bee's passage from London:—