STRANDED ON A REEF.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16425, 8 May 1924, Page 6

STRANDED ON A REEF.

NIGHT SPENT IN LAUNCH

A minor case of shipwreck occurred near Auckland on Saturday night (states tho, Herald), when the steam launch Matarere, owned by Mr. G. H. Reston, ran ashore on Rangitoto Reef and was stranded there all night with a number of people on board. The launch left Auckland' late on Saturday .afternoon for a cruise in the Gulf, Mr. Reston being accompanied by a number of friends, including women and children. While endeavoring to pass between Rangitoto Beacon and the island the launch grounded on the rocky reef and remained fast. It was then about 9.30 p.m., and very dark.

The repeated distress signals given out on the laimch's steam whistle, attracted the attention of Mr. C. G. Mclndoe, who was passing in his launch Lady Una. He at once proceeded to the assistance of the shipwrecked party, and for about art hour and a-bailf tried to tow the stranded launch off the reef. In doing so lie carried away his after cleats. Tho Matarere could not be moved, and as the tide was rapidly falling salvage work was postponed until morning. The stranded ' launch was in no immediate danger when the fide was low, as she was resting with her nose on a pinnacle and. her stern on a flat shelf, the rough sea. caused by the strong southerly wind not affecting her. At daylight on Sunday another launch made an attempt to tow the stranded vessel off, but without avail. Mr. Mclndoe then resumed operations with the Lady Una, and after a number of attempts was successful.* The Matarere fortunately was not damaged. Though the night was very cold, Mr. Jteston and his friends did not suffer much discomfort, as a good fir e was kept burning in the furnace.