THE KATE TATHAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6314, 11 August 1888, Page 3

THE KATE TATHAM.

[Pan Pbess Association/] WELLINGTON, August 10. The iron barque Kate Tatham, bound from Newcastle to Napier with a cargo of coal, was wrecked at White Bhiff, about two and a-half miles from the "Wairau river, Blenheim, last night. It appears that the vessel was beating across the Strait with a fresh South-east breeze, and high sea and swell, when she got too close in before observing the land, which was obscured by thick weather. Before anything could be done to work the ship out of her dangerous position she struck on the rocks and remained fast;. It wa3 about six o'clock last evening when the vessel firßt struck, and the crew were at once employed in lightening the vessel, with the view of getting her off. Bockets were fired, so a3 to attract the attention of i passing vessels, and these were seen about, j eight o'clock by the Union Company's j steamer Kanieri while crossing the "Wairau I bar on her way to Wellington. Captain Manning at onco went to the assistance of the ill-fated barque, and remained by her all night. The sea moderated somewhat after the vessel went on the rocks, and the work of discharging coal was carried on throughout the night, despite the fact that she was labouring rather heavily. At four o'clock this morning the Kanieri had a line taken on board, and an attempt was made to tow the vessel off without success. Between seven and eight the Waihi also came to the assistance of the barque, and along with the Kanieri further attempts were made to move the vessel; but, although they tugged for hours, it had no effect. About nine o'clock in the morning the ship's pumps were Bounded, and it was ascertained that there was 10ft of water in the hold, and by ten o'clock it had risen above the cargo. As there was no chance of the vessel coming off, the captain of the Kanieri decided to resume his voyage to Wellington, and Mr Edward O'Brien, the chief officer, and five other members of the crew of the Kate Tatham, came over in her. The captain, boatswain, and one of the seamen, were left on the wreck, and should the vessel show signs of breaking up, they will land in one of the ship's boats. MB O'BBIEN BKPOBTS

that the Kate Tatham, Captain Moore, left Newcastle on July 25 with 400 tons of coal for Napier. The vessel waß well found in every respect, and had moderate weather across to New Zealand, making Cape Farewell Spit Light on Tuesday. Commenced to beat through Cook Strait, and was off Sinclair Head at eleven o'clock yesterday morning, when they tacked and stood aeroßs towards Cloudy Bay with the reault mentioned. Mr O'Brien attributes the accident to the thick weather, and the land being very deceiving at the time of the mishap ; and also to the vessel being set in by the heavy swell. The vessel lies on a very rough bottom, and the chief officer considers that she will become a total wreck, but states that a large quantity of gear can be saved if steps are at once taken to dismantle the | ship. All the personal effects of the crew were | placed on board the Kanieri this morning and brought on to Wellington. The Kate Tatham is a small barque of 275 tons, and is twenty-five years old. She is owned by Messrs Tait and Mills, of Napier. It is understood that both vessel and cargo are insured, but in what oSce is not known here. The barque is valued at about .£2OOO. When the Kanieri left, the wreck i was f nil of water, and her grating on the rocks could be distinctly heard on board the steamer. It is feared that the barque will soon go to pieces.