WRECK AT GREY.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1921, Page 2

WRECK AT GREY.

S.S. PERTH LOST. At Greymoutli yesterday morning after three other steamers had sailed, tlm s.s. Perth east off, the Ngakuta. Kaiapoi drawing over 17ft. and the Kamonn. The Berth left the wharf at q o’clock. She was loaded with 878,000 feet of timber, belonging to tho Kauri Timber Company (whose headquarters are at Alelhourne), and sat woll down in the water. Her destination Hke that of the Kaiapoi was Melbourne. At the time she reached the bar, it was calculated she would strike the top ot the tide, though the tide was falling when she left. As iti turned out, she struck more than that. Her crew first Telt a slight concussion on the bottom, and then a very distinct impact. Immediately the vessel lost weigh. The soilwesterly seas rolled into her with great force. From all accounts, it was not the how of the Perth that struck Terra, firma.-but the eont.net was somewhere amidships. At anvrate tho steamer stuck absolutely in the channel. Tbo Captain thereupon took the natural course in such a predicament of endeavouring to increase his power, and forcing the steamer over and clear of the obstruction. Up to the time of striking ground, the Perth was going at the customary half-speed, and so full speed ahead was now called for. This proved quite ineffectual. Not a budge could he secured out of her. The next expedient tried was that of hacking away from the 'obstruction. -The bow of the ship was turned to southward, and the engines were reversed. The vessel, however, only moved northward a little, and then stopped dead with her sfern pointing north, a distance of about 50 yards from the north tip-head, and the.seas began beating against her starboard, broadside on. The Perth gradually was washed ashore abreast of the north tip-head, her bow facing southward, and out of the fairway. The Kaiapoi turned hack from three miles away and stood half a. mile away and the tug AVcstland stood hv, but could do nothing. The crew launched a lifeboat and landed safely. The value of the cargo is about £12,000 and the vessel is worth about £-10,000. The master Ca.pt. AfcDonald, is an old trader to the port. The Perth was drawing 18ft. Gill.

THE PRESENT POSITION

GREYMOUTH, Nov. 14. The l’orth is reported badly holed and full of water. No attempt has yet been made to tug her olf, as there is a probability of her sinking if moved. The crew visited the ship at low lido and endeavoured to obtain their personal belongings. The ship lias shifted slightly since last night and if n good south-wester came, combined with the present spring tides, there are prospeets of beaching the Perth on the CMhdeii shore, facilitating salvage. The crew signe 1 on at Melbourne and are now billeted in the town. A relief fund lias been started by commercial travellers who are holding a public eon_ cert to-night.