THE RIVER WRECK

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1931, Page 2

THE RIVER WRECK

(To the Editor)

, Sir.—ln connection with your references to portion of a wreck in the middle channel of Hokitika river, me following extract from an old paper of 1868 (date and name not known) gives the following information which would tend to show that the name of the vessel is the “Gratitude,” as, the locality of the reference made below was somewhat near where the present portion of the wreck is reported to be. The report states: “A boat containing nine persons, of whom two were a Mrs Kelly and her son ) started for the Lagoontown (known as South Spit now), the tide then being far gone on the ebb. The boat was swept by the current on to the top of the remains of the old Gratitude and immediately capsized, but fortunately stuck fast in the wreck, and the passengers and crew scrambled upon her bottom and remained there, until rescued by Mr Hudson of the Cleveland Hotel and a digger named J. Clarke, who jumped into a small boat and pushed off to the vessel. The nine castaways were scon transhipped to the boat, which however, was scarcely capable of carrying so heavy a load. We believe that a second spill would have resulted with more serious effects if J. Morphew and Smith had not come with another boat and relieved the overloaded craft.

From the above, it is very patent that the wreck of the wretched old Gratitude is a source of extreme danger to boats and vessels navigating the river, and we therefore that one of the first acts of the -new Goverment will be to have its removal effected, the cost be what it may.”

I am etc. W. SMITH, Hamodeii Street, Hokitika October Ist.. 1931.