“The Press” In 1865

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30764, 31 May 1965, Page 12

“The Press” In 1865

May 31 SUPPOSED WRECK OF STEAMER We regret exceedingly to learn by our Wellington files, and from private advices of a reliable character, that serious apprehensions are entertained for the safety of the fine paddle steamship City of Dunedin, which left this port on the 17th instant, bound for Wellington, Nelson and Hokitika. We will briefly recapitulate the circumstances as derived from an authentic source. The steamer arrived at Wellington in safety, and left that port for Nelson direct on the evening of Saturday the 20th instant Shortly after her departure a strong S E gale sprung up, and blew with more or less violence throughout the night On the following Mondav morning portions of a wreck, to which we shall more particularly refer presently, floated on shore in the vicinity of the Wellington pilot station.

and were picked up by the pilot’s crew. On the following day more fragments were discovered and when they were inspected no doubt could possibly exist as to the fact of a wreck having taken place. . . On the Wednesday morning the s.s. Tararua arrived at Wellington from Nelson, and upon inquiries being made it was ascertained that the p.s. City of Dunedin, which left Port Nicolson on the previous Saturday evening, had not arrived at Nelson up to Tuesday night, nor had anything been seen of her by the persons on board the Tararua. This circumstance in itself is very suspicious but when supported by other evidence we greatly fear that too much ground exists for the serious apprehensions entertained at Wellington with reference to the safety of the vessel and the lives of some 50 or 60 people who were on board.