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Star (Christchurch), Issue 142, 26 October 1868, Page 2

Wreck of the Stkamer Nelson*. — Intelligence of 'the total wreck, at West Wanganui, of the paddle-steamer Nelson, belonging to Messrs N. Edwards and Co., of this city, was brought from Collingwood yesterday forenoon by the steamer Lady Barkly ; one of the firemen of the v elson having been sent by Captain Dillon to meet the Lady Barkly, for the purpose of conveying tolas owners the earliest information of the disaster. The Nelson left this port for the West Coast, on Thursday, the Bth inst., with eight or ten passengers and a full cargo. From the westerly weather encountered, she was compelled to put in at Totaranui, and after getting round Cape Farewell to seek shelter in West Wanganui, where she was

lyiug on Monday last, the wind blowing heavily from the south-west. Towards evening the wiud shifted to the north-west, and became light, and Captain Dillon resolved to proceed on his voyage as soon as the tide was favourable. It was high water about eight o'clock, and on the Nelson approaching the bar it was found that a heavy sea was still ruuniug outside, aud in a few minutes she was struck by a sea which carried away the fore-companion, poured down into the fore-cabin, and put her down by the head. In a few minntes this was followed by another sea, which swept the decks of the steamer clean, carrying away funnel, deckhouses, boats, bulwarks, &c. The vessel had now bec_ine unmanageable, would not steer, and drifted on to some rocks inside the south spit. Subsequently she got clear of these rocks, and drifted ' for a distance of a mile and a-half, and struck on another rock inside the north head, where she remained, the hull having opened six inches just before the paddle-boxes. Draper, the fireman, who brought the news of the wreck to Nelson, swam on shore with a rope —both boats having gone— which he made fast to a rock, by means of which the crew and all the passengers reached land in safety, though not without difficulty, as the night was exceedingly dark. Next morning it was found that at low water tin. vessel was dry, so there are good hopes that her cargo and machinery may be saved, for the steamer was uninsured, and is valued as being worth £6000. — Nelson Examiner, < 'ct. 1 7.