SCHOONER ASHORE AT KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2497, 8 April 1882, Page 4

SCHOONER ASHORE AT KAIAPOI.

On Wednesday evening the topsail schooner Jessie, 66 tons register. Captain Enisell, while entering the Waimakariri river, struck and went ashore on the South Spit, partly within the break, and near to where the Clematis was laid for the last time. It appears the tide was at flood when the vessel entered, the signals were being given by the pilot, Mr Day, and were answered by those on the vessel. Directly the vessel touched she canted, and the mainsail coming aback, she was drifted into her present position close to the south beach. On Thursday there seemed to be every likelihood of getting her off by lightening the cargo of timber aft, whish was done as quickly ns possible ; but on Good Friday, in spite of the power brought to bear on the kedge and another anchor,' the crew failed to move her further. It was reported that some of her timbers had sprung, and the tide flowed in very considerably. In the afternoon it

I was decided to give notice of abandonment to the underwriter*. The vessel is said to bn insured with the South British Company for £SOO, and the cargo of timber with the New Zealand Company for £240. A great part of the timber has been saved, and stored under the eyes of watchmen on the beach. The Jessie was o well found vessel. She had been lengthened, however, which was done in a very strong manner. She was built at Waipu. Mr John Sims, her present owner, purchased her about twelve months ago, and will be a considerable loser by this unfortunate accident. It has been remarked that the percentage of vessels entering this river which go ashore is higher than ought to bo expected, and some enquiry into the matter by the local Harbor Board p-obably seems to be necessary to maintain the credit of tho port. It may bo noted that the captain and pilot say they had some difficulty in making out their signals, as tho weather was a trifle hazy. The beacons at this bar on Thursday simply consisted of two slight stakes twelve feet out of the ground, with a handful of manuka or wild Irishman tied on the top of each. Certainly the harbor authorities and the marine department might provide something better than this