WRECK AT WELLINGTON

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2246, 7 October 1889, Page 2

WRECK AT WELLINGTON

[Phb jPbess Association,] Wbu^nqton, Ootobev 6 The barque William MoLaren, from Newcastle with a : oargo of coal, was wrecked at the heads on Saturday evening. The vessel left Newcastle on the 28th September, m charge of Oaptaln Salmon, who is also owner, and after a rapid passage of 7 days arrived off the heads yesterday inorntug, CJaptain balmon, who oolds a certificate of exemption from pilotage, at onoe commenced to beat, into Jtno harbor*' agalnbt a fresh N,W. wind.! The Narrows were successfully navigated ;but as the vessel waa headed for "Woraer jßay about 4. 33 pm. those on board felt v Hhook as if tbe vessel was slightly grazing a rook. The shook was so slight as not Jo be Bofijoientto eiop the way of the vessel, and Oaptaln Salmon stood on expecting to keep what little water the vessel was makiag down with the pumps. About 5 o'clock^ however, he found that the vessel was gradually settling down, , «nd a few minuteß later the crew took to the boots, and the William McLaren foundered almost a,breaat of the pilot stat on, and m line with Stephen Book and Fort Gordon. When the crew loft the ship there were three feet of water on deck, but should the weather remain fine, thdre is every probability that the oargo and ship may be saved. The William MoLaren is a wooden barque about 11 years old and 536 tons register. Sbe, a 9 previously mentioned, is valued at £2500. 1 Her cargo of 765 tons' of ooal is also owned by Captain Salmon, .and thqre is n6taV single penny of Insurance on hail or cargo The total loss^ therefore, falls on the master, for whom muoh sympathy is expressed by hfs numerous friendß. Mr Arthur Henderson is chief officer, and the orew number twelve all told, When the Tarawera passed the wreck this morning, the vessel was heading N.W. half W., lying on a even keel an.d apparently deeper irithe water thaa when the crew left he,r. The ill-fated, vessel had been trading here for some time.