WRECK OF THE FIFESHIRE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 December 1926, Page 30 (Supplement)

WRECK OF THE FIFESHIRE

HOW JT OCCURRED The “Examiner” of 12th March, 1842, has Hie following account of the loss of the Eifesiiire:— “,!t is'iVur painful duty to have to record the loss of the barque Fifeshire as she was leaving this port, to proceed to her voyage to Macao, in China. At half-past ten on the morning of the 27th of last month she weighed anchor,,with Mr Moore on hoard as pilot. The wind was very light, owing to which slio did not arrive at the entrance of the channel until the ebb tide had commenced some little time. She had nearly passed through the channel, with every appearance of getting cut well, when the wind suddenly failed, and the tide-way carried her right on to the rocks, and site fell broadside on tho Arrow Beef. All possible means were used to heave her off, the ledge of rc-eks lying immediately under her mainmast. Her hack is completely broken, so as to render hopeless any attempt in this harbour, n its present state, at making her sea-

worthy. She lias been accordingly condemned, after a survey by the captains in harbour. Tho evident suitableness of that portion cf the spit of shinglo called the ‘lsland’ for slips and docks, assures us that in a short time we shall have means of laying vessels up for repair equal to those of any harbour in New Zealand. The Fifeshire was a very line vessel, and this is her first voyage. Captain Arnold, who is, we believe, part owner, was justly proud of her; he has the sympathy of all in his regret .at this distressing occurrence. There is no blame, we believe, attached to anyone, unless, indeed, we might suggest the impropriety of a vessel of any burthen attempting to leave this harbour without boats to tow her out, and give assistance, in case of such unhappy accidents as the present.”