WRECK IN THE ISLANDS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1431, 4 May 1912, Page 4

WRECK IN THE ISLANDS.

SCHOONER LOST. (By TclOKraDli—Press Association.! Auckland, May 3. Tlio Tftlunc, .which arrived a!; Auckland 1 o-day from the Islands, brought bows of tho wreck of the American three-insisted schuoner G. W. Watson on a reef at Kaiutea (Society Group) <y.i April 5 ; The schooßior had completed tho discharge of a cargo of timber from Puget Hound, and was proceeding to sea under the charge of a pilot, when she struck a reef in the channel. She remained hard and fast for several hours, but eventually Heated oIF and proceeded on her voyage to San Francisco. Tho vessel had barely cleared tho island when it was discovered that she was fast making water. Tho pumps were manned, ami mi endeavour made to keep the water under. After manoeuvring about for some time tlio captain decided to return to Kaiatea, and the vessel was headed for tho north-west passage. It was while attempting to noitoiiire this passage tliat slio came 10 h»r op 1. By that time the water had gained considerably, and on the wells being at'oiu sounded it was found that lift, of '•'ater was in her holds. The eliip became, unmanageable, and she struck a reef about seven miles before reaching tlio pis/sage. She then settled on the reef, and soon became a total wreck. When tho Talano passed the spo,t on April \S only ihc fore, part of the vessel was visible. The wreck was subsequently purchased by (no natives for a small sum. The captain, his wife, snd the crew, numbering; seven, were successful in reaching tho shore. They proceeded by the Taluiw to Rarotonga, where tLey joined tho mail steamer Aoraugi for Sun Francisco. r* ■■ : .._jsa