THE PAEROA ASHORE

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 July 1920, Page 5

THE PAEROA ASHORE

LOSES HER RUDDER.

AND SPRINGS A LEAK.

ABANDONED TO UNDERWRITERS

(Own Correspondent.)

The handy little vessel, the Paeroa, owned by a Hokitika company, met with a serious accident yesterday after noon while crossing the bar, which is likely to end in disaster. She left the wharf yesterday about 3 p.m., fully laden with £O,OOO feet of timber and

general cargo for Picton. She was drawing 7J? feet. On crossing the bar on which jt is alleged there were ££ feet of water, she bumped heavily, losing her rudder. It was evident from the shora that something was wrong, for the vessel appeared unman agoable. The current and the way she had on, carried her out some distance. It was then seen that sho started t) drift in-shore. An attempt was made to construct a jury rudder. The vessel came almost in to ihe breakers and then seemed to make out again. A telegram was sent was the Greymouth tug for assistance, but the request was almost immediately cancelled, as it was ascertained the vessel had sustained serious damage and was making watei rap*dly. Even from the shore it was seen that she was lying very low. The water was but a few inches from the fnvs when Captain Earl decided to beach the vessel, so hoisting a sad and putting on all speed he ran her on to the beach almost opposite Park Street. The passengers, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Ward, and crew then left the-ves-sel, a dray having come alongside. The crew-were-: Capt. Earl; Engineer McKenzie; Mate, A. Ingram; Saxon and Kane, firemen ; W. Breeze and Gus Linedeley, A.B.'s and Mrs. Travers, stewardess.

The company have had a very distressing career. In a short time they have lost the Jane, at Okarito; the Defender was burred at We si.ngton, and now the Paeiva is likely to be a total loss. The Paeroa was purchased at Auckland for £10C0; recently she had undergone repairs to the extent of £9*o. She°is insured in the United Office for £750. The cargo of timber, shipped by Stewart and Chapman was also insured. The vessel has been a losing proposition from a business point of view but was decidedly a valuable asset to the town and southern settlers. Lately the Government had granted an increased subsidy for the southern run. and the Paeroa was also to take up the running of the Hinemoa, It is very unfortunate that she should be lost just when the deserving shareholders were to have an opportunity of doiin* a little better. Hundreds of people wer- quickly on the beach near the vessel. Salvage operations commence! almost immediately and continued during most of the night. I learned iate last night that the Company had decided to abandon the vessel to the underwriters.

Keen retrret ;«nd =.ymnathy vdth_tV Company is felt throghout the disricf. The Directors of the Hokitika Shinning Company, at a meeting this morning resolved'to abandon the steamer Paeroa to the underwriters. She is insured for £750. The cargo of timber is also insured.