LAUNCH WRECK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 8

LAUNCH WRECK

NEW PLYMOUTH CRAFT TWO MEN MISSING HULL ASHORE AT KAWHIA MAORIS SEARCH IN VAIN [by telegrafh OWN correspondent] KAWHIA, Sunday The wreckage of the 40ft. fishing launch Campbell, which was missing from New Plymouth since Tuesday, was found three miles south of Albatross Point, at the entrance to Kawhia Harbour. The two men who were on board, Mr. G„ G. Redfern, of Auckland, and Mr. H. S. l{obinson, of Moturoa, are missing. The launch was discovered about eight o'clock this morning by an Air Force machine which flew from the Hobsonville base to New Plymouth, and it was also seen by a Maori living near by, Mr. Charles Kana, of Taharoa. Mr. Kana went to the settlement at Taharoa, where he advised the schoolmaster, and a party of about 20 Maoris went to the scene immediately. Wreckage Strewn on Beach

Apparently the high tide during the night washed the launch well up on to the beach above the normal highwater mark, for it was not on the beach last evening. All the decking was gone, a large hole had been pounded in the stern and the propeller was missing. The forward cabin was partially intact and contained two mattresses, the only gear of any kind left in the boat. For two miles the wreckage was strewn along the beach, and the smashed wheelhouse was some distance south of the hull. The fact that the wreckage is scattered is thought to indicate that the boat had been broken up a considerable distance from shore.

A party of 20 Maoris patrolled the shore for 12 miles north and eight miles south of the wreck, but found no trace of the men. On receipt of the news that the launch had Leen found, the owner, Mr. J. McKain, with two carloads of helpers, left New Plymouth for Kawhia. The parties arrived at Kinohaku to-night. They will make a search to-morrow, and will be assisted by Constable J. Horne, of Kawhia. The launch is in a very difficult position, involving a'launch trip and then a 12 miles' walk or ride over a very rough track. Very Difficult Country Flying a Western Federated Flying Club's machine, Mr. H. \V. Lightband, of New Plymouth, with an observer, flew over the launch early this afternoon, and was of the opinion that it had not sunk and been washed up, but that it had been run up where it was located. Mr. Lightband flew over some miles of beach at an altitude of about 50ft. and also flew inland for some distance, but could not see any signs of the men. Visibility was very bad. The country is very wild, consisting of sanddunes, ridges and swamps, (n which tho inen might wander for days, although at no great distance from houses. New Plymouth launches fishing in the vicinity usually make for shelter in ' Kawhia Harbour when a storm arises, but the westerly gales of the past few days have made the harbour bar unworkable. Therefore, the Campbell would be at the mercy of the storm in the open water.

Former Auckland Residents Mr. Redfern, who is a son of Mr. G. N. Redfern, of 5 Cheltenham Road, Devonport, was fishing from Auckland for several years and went to New Plymouth only three months ago. He is single, 24 3 r ears of age. Mr. Robinson also formerly lived in Auckland, but went to Taranaki about a year ago. Be is in his early twenties, and had intended leaving the work shortly on account of the rough weather frequently experienced by New Plymouth launches Tho Campbell has had an adventurous career. On several occasions she has had to weather violent storms in the open sea on-the West Coast, and has gone out in rough weather to give assistance to other launches in distress.