STEAMER MISSING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14222, 19 November 1906, Page 9

STEAMER MISSING.

FEARS FOR HER SAFETY. [Feb Peess Association.] 'WELLINGTON, November 17. It is feared that the small steamer Centennial, which left Launceston on October 17 for Wellington and Napier, has been lost at sea. The vessel was purchased by Mr J. Corry, of Napier, and Mr N. Fernandes, of Wellington, and was intended dor trawling purposes. So far as is known, the crew were Captain Reston, of Lyttelton; chief officer, Mr Herbert Raynes, of Melbourne; engineer, Mr Thomas Russell, Launceston; firemen, Messrs N. Brand, H. Nelson, J. Keogh, Earl Westougrerf and another; cook, Mr A. Marshall.

Mr Corry writes as follows to the “ Now Zealand Times” in reference to the missing steamer :—“ The Centennial had the- name of being an exceedingly smart steamer, and was , a great' favourite with Launceston people, She had a thorough overhaul, lasting three weeks, before leaving, and every possible precaution was taken to ensure) a safe passage across. The engine-room was completely hoarded in, all port holes and skylights were boarded up, and the vessel put in as seaworthy a condition as possible. There was an abundance of fresh, water, in the tanks aboard, and over a month’s supply, of provisions. There was a large now lifeboat aboard. The captain had a free hand to do all was necessary.” Mr Corry concludes: “If there has been a disaster, I attribute it to the westerly gales which blew fiercely about the time the Centennial would be about half way across.”

■ Captain M. Reston was a native of Lyttelton, and a son of the late Mr Reston, who was governor of the gaol there in the sixties, and relinquished the position upwards of thirty years since. Captain Reston left Lyttelton many years ago. He was at one time in the service of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and commanded the ship Waimca. He was afterwards chief officer of the s.s. Mataura, which, after he left her, was lost on the southern coast of South America. The Centennial v'as a wooden steamer of 89 tons.