WRECK OF THE DELMIRA.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2999, 10 December 1896, Page 3

WRECK OF THE DELMIRA.

How the Casualty Occurred. A History of the Vessel.. Within the past twelve months the coast in the vicinity of Wellington has been a moat nnlnoky one for navigators of sailing vessels. Many of our readers will doubtless remember the sensation that was caused in the city last Christmas JDay when the news was brought to town of the wreck of the barque Grass, mete on Karori Rock, The vessel, which was bound from Newcastle to Wellington, was at the time commanded by Captain Morison, who was here a few days ago in command of the brigantine Stanley. J his wreck was a particularly unfortunate one as neither the vessel nor her cargo wore insured, The excitement that was created by the wreck had scarcely had time to lull when that fine ship the Halcione— one of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s fleet—ran ashore near Penoarrow Head on January Bth. Although tho night was a stormy one, this casualty, like that of tho Grassmero, was not attended with loss of life. Then, again, two months later, tho schooner John Bell, owned by Captain Kirk, and bound from Wellington to Nelson with railway iron, ran on a reef at Capo Terawhiti. Captain Kirk, who was a heavy loser by the loss of his smart little craft, to tho extent of about £1401), has since replaced the John Bell by tUe schooner Morning Light. Another loss was that of tho ketch .Reliance, which went ashore just inside tho Heads, when on a trip from this port to Nelson, also loaded with railway iron. Tho startling experiences of the barque Coromandel at Westport and Wellington need no recapitulation on our fiart, as a glance at tho vessel ns she now ies half submerged alongside tho Railway Wharf is sufficient to keep her history fresh. This year has not boon allowed to close without another painful reminder of tho dangers and risks which are run by navigators, for yesterday intelligence was received of the wreck of the barquentine Delmira on a reef about two miles distant from the White Book Station, north of Capo Palllsor, The barquentine was at the time on her way from the bluff to Malden Island, via the Island of Nine, and concerning the mishap tho following particulars have been gleaned On the 30th November the Delmira left the Bluff, and on Monday night was abreast of Banks Peninsula, the winds np till then having boon light and variable. Off tho Peninsula, a strong south-west wind was encountered, but this veered round to the southward and blow from that direction till early on Tuesday evening, when it died almost completely away. The night was very dark, and tho Weather thick, rain falling at intervals. It, was seen by tho master of the vessel that she was in unpleasant proximity to the land, and an attempt was inado to tack ship, bat there was practically no wind, and she slowly but surely drifted nearer to destruction. According to tho captain’s statement, on the vessel “ missing stays, the swell took complete control of her, she struck forward and tho swell drove her stern on to tho rooks,” This was at abont 11 o’clock on Tuesday night. Instructions worp then given to the crew to launch the boats, and this was accordingly done. Tho men seized the most valuable of their clothing and belongings, and tho captain eoonrod the ship’s papers, chronometer and also a large snm of money which be hod on board belonging to tbo owners. Until about 5 o’clock yesterday morning the two boats remained alongside the illfated vessel, when tho captain left her and took charge of one of the boats, the mate taking tho other. A start was then made to pull for Wellington, about 45 miles distant, out after about half an hour’s rowing the smoko of a steamer wag seen in the distance. It gradually drew nearer, and eventually proved to be the Ifahn, whoso master, Captain Eomeril bail seen tho Delmira, and was mqking tor her when be sighted the shipwrecked crew. Tbo steamer, which was ou roufe from Akitio to Wellington, took the officers and men and the boats on board, and then continued on her way to Wellington, reaching hero at half-past 10 yesterday morning. When tho boats left tho Delmira, there was about 11 foot of water in her main hold, and she was heading abont JE.N.E., and standing fairly upright. It is not thought that there is the least chance of saving tho vessel, which is not insured. Her owners are Messrs Grice, Sumner end Co,, of Melbourne, who, it is under*

rtooil, own tho Jorf.loon, wh.cn .a also •mwed in tbo carryinjf of ffoano to New Zo.ihiuJ from tin) lijUri'l*. The Delm.ta has bo3n engaged in that trade for nearly 2U y °Cnytain F. A. Hutchinson (w).o'-o wife awl family reside at tbs JJltiff) is o. the re--*?!, havingb;r-n appoint*;' 1 to that position ’ July, 1895. Prior to that Captain Hutchinson had boon in the vessel for about sis holding different positions. Mr G. H. Twiss is mate of the Dolmira, and is well known in Now Zealand waters—particularly in Wellington. The second mate and boatswain ia Mr K. Reid, and the other members of the crew are Charles White, cook and steward; John Quirk, William Brown, C. Jensen, John Eccles, F. W. Brachie, all A B.'b. and Robert Storm, ordinary seaman. Since she was built in 188 T at tho Rhodeo Works, Chester, the Delmlra has had some thrilling experiences, sufficient to fill a threevolmno°aovel. Originally tho was engaged in the slave trade, running under the Spanish flag as tho Guaranz, which name still remains on portions of tho vessel's fittings. .Subsequently she was sold to Liverpool owners, and is now run by the Melbourne firm of Grice, Sumner and Co. Oo f* recent voyage tho Dolmira loft the Bluff last Christmas, and had a long and eventful trip of five months and a week. Soon after leaving, tho wife of the captain (who was accompanying him) was seized with typhoid fever. She, however, recovered, and tho second mate took her plane on the sick list, suffering from tho same illness, but fortunately be also regained his health. Further trouble, however, was in store for the barquentino, for several of the crow were attacked with scurvy, and, to finish up, it was discovered that they had run short of provisions. Kventu.illy the ship reached her destination. Several of tho crew of the vessel have been previously shipwrecked, and one of the moat interesting stories told is that by Mr White, the ship's steward. Ho was on the steamer Hempton about eight yearn ago, bound from Calcutta to P ntwerp, and the vessel was lost on a reef near LUbon, sinking in less than five minutes. All on board had to swim for their lives, but not all reached the shore, which was only about 220 yards away from whore tho Bempton went down. On the present vojaga of the Dolmira it was intended to call at the Island of Niue (one of the Friendly Group), whence 60 Kanakas were co be taken to tho Malden , Island. Accordingly, tho ship had on board an unusually large amount of provisions—over .£3oo worth. Her cargo of ballast was , of sand, and it is thought likely that this ■ would havo all gone through the bottom of the vessel ere this. .... Tho dimensions of the Delmira, winch is built of iron, are as f0110w338 tons gross, 325 tons under deck and 333 tons net; length, 13lffc Tin; breadth, 2*ft 3in ; depth, 15.6 ft. When loaded the Delmira carries about 500 tons of guano. Captain Hutchinson, on arrival in Wellington, informed the local office of tho Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (who act as agents for the owners of the vessel) of the casualty, and they reported to the owner*, from whom instructions are being waited for. Very probably a steamer will leave for the scene of tho wheels to-day, with a diver, to ascertain, if possible, tho extent of ths damage to tho vessel. Her position, however, been considerably altered ince she was last seen. Tho matter has been reported to Mr D. McKellar, Collector of Customs, who will probably hold a preliminary enquiry to-day. A magisterial enquiry will also bo held on a da e to bo fixed. Until other arrangements are completed tho officers and crew of the wrecked ship havo been provided for —tho seamen being accommodated at the Steamboat Restaurant. It is confidently anticipated that most, if not all, of tbo crew will almost immediately obtain positions on different sailing vessels ia port. Tho steward, and probably some of the A.B.’s, will ship on the barque Onyx.