WRECK OF A SCHOONER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8103, 4 May 1912, Page 4

WRECK OF A SCHOONER

at society islands. FSESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. May 3, The Talune, which arrived at Auckland to-day from the islands, brought news of the wreck of the American threemasted schooner G. W. Watson on a reef at Baiatea (Society Group) on April sth. The schooner had completed discharging a cargo of lumber from Puget Sound, and was proceeding bo sea under charge of the pilot when she struck a reef in the channel. She remained hard and fast for several hours, but eventually was floated off, and proceeded on her voyage to San Francisco. The vessel had barely cleared the island when it was discovered that she was fast making water. The pumps were manned and an endeavour made to keep the water under. After manouevring about for some time the captain decided to return to Baiatea, and the vessel was headed for the north-west passage. On the wells being again sounded it w-as found that lift of water was in her hold. The ship became unmanageable and struck the reef about seven miles before reaching the passage, and soon became a total wreck. When the Talune passed the spot on April 18th only the fore-part of the vessel was visible. The wreck was subsequently purchased by the natives for a small sum. The captain, his wife, and the crew, numbering . seven, were successful in reaching the shore. They proceeded by the Talune to Rarotonga, where they joined the mail steamer Aorangi for San Francisco.