WRECK OF THE WILLIE MCLAREN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 135, 4 December 1937, Page 24

WRECK OF THE WILLIE M CLAREN

(By "Helmsman.")

In Worser Bay, between Seatoun Wharf and Steeple Rock (the Maori name for which is Kupe, in commemoration of that great navigator who came from far Hawaiki, perhaps a thousand years ago), there is a spot known as "The Wreck," which is dedicated to the catching of mold. For

thirty odd years'.."The Wreck" held pride of',place; among; the local fishermen and while other localities might yield their terakihi, cod, or snapper, "The Wreck" was the happy fishing ground for the inveterate catcher of moki. Although the passing years have tarnished the spot's reputation even today (if today be Sunday and the weather fine) one may see a cluster of small boats huddled together off the Seatoun foreshore, the occupants busy fishing. Although many are unaware of the origin of the name, local tradition says that "The Wreck" is that of the Willie McLaren, which struck in the vicinity some years ago and foundered.

"• The "Willie McLaren was . a smart little wooden barque of 536 tons register and was built at Prince Edward Island in 1874. Her dimensions were as follows:—Length, 145 ft 4in; beam, 31ft 6in; depth, 17ft,

It was on the night of October 5, 1889, that many, of ,'the residents .', of Wellington were thrown into a state of great excitement by the circulation of a report that a sailing vessel had been wrecked at the Heads while attempting to beat into port. Inquiries revealed that the barque Willie McLaren, bound from Newcastle to Wellington with a cargo of coal, had struck some sunken object close to Steeple Rock and foundered in about three hours, all on board being saved.

The barque had left Newcastle on the previous Saturday with 750 tons of coal and made a smart passage across, reaching Wellington eight days later. She commenced to beat in at about 10 a.m. on the sth against a strong nor'west wind which increased in strength until by 4 p.m. half a gale was blowing. Her progress was slow and by 4.30 p.m. she was only abreast of Steeple Rock, at the southern- end of Worser Bay.

While on a starboard tack which was taking her into the bay she struck some submerged object below the surface of the water just on the outer edge of the bed of kelp which fringes the rock. The shock was a slight one and the opinion of those on board was. that if she had struck a rock she had struck so lightly that the only damage sustained was possibly the ripping off of a few sheets of copper. Captain Joseph Salmon, who was in command, was positive that she had not grazed a rock, but in order to make sure that she was not damaged to any extent he gave instructions to the chief officer to ascertain whether she was making water. The well was sounded, and it was found that she was not leaking. ' A. few minutes after she had struck she was put on the port tack, but in less than five minutes it was reported that she was making water, and the pumps were immediately manned. The water soon gained on the men, howI ever, and Captain Salmon decided to take the vessel into Worser Bay. She was put about and dropped anchor about the middle of the bay. In the I meanwhile she was making water fast, despite the efforts of the crew, who took turns at pumping, and the position became so serious that immediately the anchor was dropped the captain signalled for the pilot boat to come off at once. Captain Robb, of the signal station, who had been watching the vessel for some time, telephoned to the pilot station, and Pilot Henderson lost no time in reaching the vessel. When he got alongside he was • requested to telephone the. town, asking that a steamer should be sent to the assistance' of the barque as she was in a sinking condition. The message was . sent, and the. steamer Kawatiri, which was leaving for the West Coast, started for Worser Eay at full speed and was alongside the barque in about half an hour. She came to an anchorage on the lee side of the Willie McLaren, the main deck of which was then almost flush with the water, and a few moments later the unfortunate vessel's cable parted, and" she started to drift towards the shore.

Captain Salmon ordered one, of the boats out, and this operation was accomplished without much difficulty as, although the wind was very strong, the sea in that particular locality was not high. The crew in accordance with the captain's orders took to the boat and pulled over to the steamer, and Captain . Salmon .and. his officers followed in the pilot boat, which had.returned from . the shore.

The barque drifted'rapidly .towards the beach and sank in about seven fathoms of water about two cables' length, from the shore.. She foundered about 8 p.m.. or quite three hours after she had struck. As soon as the barque

NOW A POPULAR FISHING GROUND

had sunk the Kawatiri hove her anchor and returned to Wellington.

Parts of the Willie McLaren were salvaged, and it was thought that the hull would be raised, but this idea was finally abandoned, and what remained of the barque was blown up because of the menace to shipping.