S.S. PAEROA.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1920, Page 2

S.S. PAEROA.

COMES TO GRIEF

STRANDED ON SEA BEaCH

Tile Hokitika Shipping Company’s' coastal steamer Paeroa sailed yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock, having a cargo of about ‘20,000 feet of timber, for Picton, and Mr and Mrs J. 13. Ward aspassengers, Captain Earle being in charge. V *v«**«^ When crossing the bar the steamer struck the ground' with a hard bump;, and the rudder and stern post was brok' en off with a smash. A distress signal was hoisted, and an endeavour was at f once made as soon as tiie steamer was got outside, to rig a temporary steering gear. This was accomplished with some difficulty, the vessel meanwhile drifting to the northwards close in to the shore. Temporary repairs being effected the vessel’s head was gradually headed seawards and apparently the danger was then over for the time, and the spectators. who had assembled on the beach, were preparing to leave, when tiie steamer’s head was turned shorewards again and in as direct a line as possible, with the aid of a stay-sail, made for the .beach. The steamer got into the breakers almost opposite Stafford, street, hut the current in the deep gut tnat runs along the shore here, carried the steamer to the northwards till it was the north side of Park street where she took the ground, about 4.40 p.m,, and hung fast, swinging round broadside on to the beach. There was luckily only a moderate sea running, but as it was the waves at times dashed over the vessel with considerable fprce. The steamer ! was washed right on to the main beagti, and half an hour later those aboard, !}>' paeans of a cart being backed down to the side of the vessel were able to leave, the two passenfers and the stewardess being the first to leave the ship, being then followed by tiie crew and master. It was learned that when the vessel struck, the rudder was completely tprn away, and the temporary rudder was put out. Then it was found that the steamer was leaking badly, and Wfis ip imminent danger of sinking. Captain Earle therefore had no alternative blit to run the steampr for the shorp, ap'd beach her, and this was successfully ttu« conipiisigid. The water had rjspn to within six inches pf the tires in the engine room when the steadier took fhp ground, so that the landing ivas pplJ' effected just in time, the water pouring in very rapidly into the damaged steam; er.

At hdlf tide the steamer was high ijts dry,

The steamer only a few weeks ago had. come out of dock at Wellington, where repairs and renewals were at a cost of £650, while some few months before alterations and renewals had cpst upwards of £9OO. The steamer js |{W sured for £750.

The scene of the disaster was visited by a very large crowd and general Regret was expressed at the serious joss resulting,

The directors of the Hokitika Shipping Coy met this morning, and after hearing the report of Captain Ejirj rgr garding the misadyentprp tit t ! m #,Bt Paeroa on the bar yesterday, jt WHS resolved to abandon the slTip'as she jay on the Hokitika heaph to the urnjer.writers. Tim ship iij. inapred. lot 4ff*s9 with the Unioi) pf Cnntqn. If W :l 8 Wsolvcd also to pay off pile crew from fui day. A motion of sympathy with php captain and crew in the joss sustained was passed, gratification being expressed that no lives were lost. The captain's services and management were appreciated, and the opinion expressed that the loss of the ship was purely accidental, and no blame attachable to anyone. It was resolved to ascertain if any suit* able boat wepe available to faljo up'fhe southern running, and tiie secretary (/Mr Wild) was instructed f<? make oufside enquiries,