WRECK OF THE SHIP SOUTHMINSTER.

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 285, 2 December 1878, Page 2

WRECK OF THE SHIP SOUTHMINSTER.

? SAFETY OF THE CREW. We regret to record yet another addition to this year's deplorably heavy list of shipwrecks on the coast of New Zealand. The American ship Southminster, of 1248 tons, Capt. M'Fee, which arrived at Dunedin some weeks ago with a large genera! cargo for that p->rt, Lyttelton, aad Wellington, had discharged at the two former places their share of her cargo—including six American express cngiues for tho Christchurch and Dunodin Railway— in excellent condition, and left Lyttelton. on Thursday last tor this port. Light bufniufr winds, with rain and thick foggy weather, were experienced, and tho vessel had to beat her passage as \voll as she could, tacking alternately on and oil' shore. Capt M'Fee had been cautioned not to get into shallower water than 20 fathom?, and he kept the load going constantly. <Ju Friday, at 10 a.m., whou on the port tack, tho load showed 25 fathoms, and immediately nftow ward the ship struck heavily on aome rocks carrying away her rudder, breaking her back, and knocking several largo holes in her bottom. The weather at the time was very thick, the wind light from the northward, with considerable swell. The boats were got out, and the captain's wife, Mrs. M'Fee, who was a passenger ou board, was placed in oue of them, and all tho oficors and crew were taken off safely. On pulling for the shore, which was less than a mile distant, they found such a heavy surf breaking on tho rocks that they were afraid to land, and lay off until Saturday morning, when the sea was smoothor, and they all effected a safe landing. They then ascertained that the ship had struck on some rocks lying off the mainland, at a point almost exactly lialf-wny between Flaxbourne and Capo Campbell. Captain M' Fee at once proceeded to Kekeraogu , and telegraphed the bad news, subsequently returning to the scene of the wreck. Meanwhile the chief otfi 'er and crew had got a quautity of provisions, Sec , ashore, and had erected tents with sails, making themselves tolerably comfortable under the circumstances. Assistance speedily arrived on all sides. The s.s. Southern Cross, which was ou her way hither from the South, sighted the wreck, and sent a boat ashore to see if any help was required. Then the Government steamer Stella, which hsd been landing stores at Cape Campbell lighthouse, came to tho rescue. Tlios.s. Kiwi, bound for Flaxbourne to ship wojl, also put iv her appearance, and scut a boat to aid, Mr. Westinacott, manager of Messrs. Clifford and Weld's Flaxbourne Station, which is about four miles distant from the scene of the wreck, soon arrived with a number of his station hands, to help in saving property. Mrs. M'Fee was sent up to the homestead and hospitably entertained there. The Kiwi was alongside the wi-eck lastevening ? and Capt. Campbell informs us that the work of saving cargo was proceeding vigorously, butitwssattended with considerable danger as the ship was not "hard and fast," but "all alive" on the rocks, moving about with the waves, although being fairly impaled by a high pointed rock which rose rteht through her bottom she was uotobta to shift horizontally from the one spot, and the masts were swaying about in a most alarming tnauner, threatening every minute ti go by the boarJ or the yards to fall from aloft. Much of tho cargo was floatta* about, and it is feared that a good deal will be utterly spoiled, especially a shipmont of American Estey organs consigned to Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull & Co., of this city. Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne & Co., also of this city, to whom the Southminster was consigned, have on board a Lirge shipment of a superior brand of kerosene which it is expected may be saved. There i» not ttio slightest chance of getting tbe vessel off, and the first easterly or S.E wind that sets in will probably put a stop to any more salvage of cargo, as the vessel is certain to go to pieces. The ship was owned by Messrs. Bcsfryman and Turnbuil, of London, aud was valued at £12,000. She was built in Quebec in I&7G, and was classed Al for 10 years. We have been unable to ascertain definitely the insurance on either the ship or her cargo, but we understand that the South British Company makes a very heavy loss by the disaster, and that the southern Insuranco Company— a Melbourno office — also U a largo loser. Messrs. Bannntyno and Co. have chartered tbe s.s. Stormbird to proceed to tbe wreck and save all tfcat can be got at. Captain Gibbons goe* on behalf ot* Messrs. Baanatyne aud Co., and, Mr. Boardman as representing the Insurance Com panics. Tho Stormbird leaves at 10 o'clock to-night, so as to arrive off tho wreck by daylight. In addition to the items mentioned nlwve, the Southminster has on board a large and varied consignment of American good* for Messrs. Bannatyne and Co., Turnbull and Co., and J. Young and Co.