[united press association.]

GISBORNE, 1. Great sensation was caused when the Wairarapa steamed into the l>ay about six this morning, and dense volumes of smoke were seen issuing from about a third of the length of the vessel amidships. The steamer came un usually close to shore, sounding sir:n ils of distress with her whistle Im mediately the anchor dropped, the i ship's boats were lowered, and the crew and passengers were seen getting into them. The steam tender Noko went off immediately nnd assisted in getting out the passengers, and all were soon landed on the beac-h in safety, many, however, with only bed ! clothes wrapped around them. There j were about 100 passengers for here, Auckland, and Sydney, and on arrival on shore they were taken in busses and cabs to the various hotels. Boats went off f»om the shore to the vessel about half a mile distant Smok< continued to belch ont in dense masses, and on arrival on Imard all hands were found straining every nerve to snbdne the fire, the fire engine working its hardest, and buckets being nsed over the side. The Wairarapa left Napier j at half-past nine o'clock fast night, and came along under easy steutn us ! usual to arrive here at daylight. The ! day was beautifully calm and fine, and at four this morning, just at daylight, ; when a few miles south of Neck's Head, the alarm of fire was raised. All the passengers were awakened with the utmost expedition, but some of the caliins were already tilled with smoke, and several of the passengers were nearly suffocated before they could escape. All hunted on deck thron-rli , the smoke and flames, taking what , clothes and effct* they could catch, ; all remaining on deck till arrival in the bay. Meantime ail the cr«w had turned to their allotted stations under Captain Chatfifcld, and chief officer Anderson, to combat the fire, which was found had originated in the line-1 closet, and fro:n there it had spread along to the ladies' cabin. The fire had a pretty good hold when discovered and despite the utmost efforts to subdue it, it travelled aft, and spread the whole width of the ship. It worked through into the hold and to the upper deck into the kitchen and rooms adjacent, and up through the ventilators. 