Afloat Once More.

the Weathersfield after an overhaul was again dispatched to London, and came out in 1895 in command of Captain Holdcroft, arriving at Wellington onpage 198 December 7 after a trying and protracted voyage of 143 days. The passage was uneventful until the 10th October, when mountainous seas broke aboard the vessel, causing her to labour terribly. The cargo broke loose, and all hands were employed throughout the night of the 10th in making it secure. The gale continued with unabated force, and the vessel was frequently hove-to, on one occasion for 48 hours. Oil bags were used with good effect. The ship suffered serious damage to the rigging, and several of the yards came down. Shortly afterwards the weather moderated, and Captain Holdcroft, who had contemplated putting into Adelaide for repairs, decided to proceed to Wellington.

Now comes the most sensational part of the voyage. On the 23rd November Stephens' Island was sighted, and then a south-east gale sprang up. Two attempts were made to fetch Guard Bank, and a third attempt was also unsuccessful. The ship then made for D'Urville Island, but the weather coming on thick it was deemed advisable to run westward. On the 27th the vessel again made an attempt to reach Wellington. On the 29th she again sighted Stephens' Island. The wind fell light, and it was found that the tide was driving the ship on to the island. All hands were summoned to brace the yards.