THE LOSS OF THE LIONESS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2623, 2 September 1882, Page 3

THE LOSS OF THE LIONESS.

fPBBSS ASSOCIATION' TBLHGHA.M.] GEEYMOUTH, September 1,

Thii morning, while a strong north-westerly Kale was blowing, with a heavy tea on the bar, two vessels showed off the bar, supposed to be the Mary Bannatyne and Cleopatra. Captain Nolan took the Lioness out to try, if possible, to bring them in. He orossed safely, bat on getting outside he fonnd the strength of the gale so great that he was unable to reach the Mary Bannatyne, or make any headway, and started to eome baok. Just at the entrance off the end of the protective works the boat got into difficulty, owing to the wind and sea. Just at that time it was almost impossible for a person to keep his feet against the wind. Between the force of the wind and the current, her stern was slewed a good deal, and before she recovered herself a heavy sea lifted her broadside on to a portion of the protective works, whioh has been flattened out a good deal. In oonaoquenoe of the lightness of the material, a couple of holes were knooked in her port quarter. Other seas followed, driving her higher up, and apparently tearing open her bottom, whioh, with the se a then rolling' in, soon left her almost a hopeless wrjok. By the help of a hawser the crew and captain managed to get ashore, though not without danger from the seas breaking over her. The starboard paddlebox and wheel and all the lighter woodwork about her were smashed up. The Lionets is the property of the Greymouth Steam Tug Company, and is not insured. She was a pretty old boat, but was powerful, handy, aud serviceable, and in first-class order. She will be muoh missed in this port. The captain loses all his personal effects, including a sum of money he had on board. The engineers lose their tools and any clothes they had on board. The crew also lose their effects. It is doubtful whether even the machinery can be saved. The vessel was purchased at Hokitika some time ago for about £3OOO. Later. A large gang of men was put on this afternoon when the wind and sea went down, to Eatch up the hull in order if possible to tow er off. They worked until dark, and will commence again early to-morrow. The company, having another tug boat, the Dispatch, no inconvenience will be felt by the shipping. It is thonght that if the weather continues favorable the wreok may be patched tern, porarily, so as to enable her to be towed off. No vessels left the port to-day, though several are ready to go.