WRECK AND TOTAL LOSS OF THE P.S. WOODPECKER.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 163, 13 March 1869, Page 5

WRECK AND TOTAL LOSS OF THE P.S. WOODPECKER.

Tlie Wanganui Times of March 2 says:— The Government j).s. SturL- which arrived yesterday afternoon from Patea, brings the intelligence of the wreck of the p.s. Woodpecker, on Sunday morning last. It appears that the heavy fresh in the Patea river, occasioned by the late heavy rains, caused her to drag her anchor, carried her over the bar, and threw her up under the Clifts, about half-a-mile north of the Patea river. We publish the following letter from Capt. Morris to the owners :—“ Patea, February 28, 1869.— Dear Sir, —It is with regret I have to acquaint you of the total loss of the p.s. Woodpecker. We started discharging cargo on Saturday morning, but owing to very heavy rain we had to leave off. It continued all Saturday and thi'oughout the night, which caused a very heavy fresh in the river. At 5.30 a.m. I went on deck, and found the vessel riding to her anchor all safe, but shortly afterwards she commenced dragging, and within seven minutes she was close to the breakers. When I found she had started I let go the second anchor, and paid out all cable, but of no avail to check her. I ordered steam at once to be got up, and sail set, for the purpose of sheering her on to the bank, to keep her from going over the bar, but without effect; so for the safety of life, I ordered all hands to leave the vessel, being taken on shore by the Sturt’s boat, our own having gone to sea before this. As soon as possible after getting on shore, with the assistance of some civilians and the Patea Field Foi-ce, we got to her, and carried out the remainder of the cargo, stores, &c., to safety above high water mark. Mr. Lewis being present, I thought it was advisable to ask him to take an inventory of all stores, &c., belonging to the ship, there being no possible chance of saving her. She was dashed to pieces against the cliff's about half-a-mile north of the Patea river.”