WRECK OF THE KETCH FAWN.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 144, 26 August 1876, Page 2

WRECK OF THE KETCH FAWN.

lx our last issue we stated that the ketch I l ’awn had been stranded in coming into inis port, but at that time there was a probability of her being got off, and wc hoped wo should not have the unpleasant duty of recording - nor wreck. The late 1 igh tides, however, together with the ingularly heavy seas that have rolled into (lie river almost continuously since the accident, have proved too much for her, and Captain Davis, who is also a part owner, has been compelled to abandon her. She lies at Hie river entrance, not lar from ■where the s.s. - Kgmont came lo grief, and it is highly improbable that she can be got off and patched tip for sea again. The wreck will be sold by auction by Air Dale to-day at 3 o’clock. Wo regret tip say that there is not a penny of insurance on her, and the loss will be heavy to her owners, who are not amongst the wealthy class of shipowners. An enquiry was asked for by the mat; ter from Major Turner, as Resident Magistrate, in the absence of any officer of Customs in Patoa, but that gentleman dedinvd to hold it without the sanction of the Customs authorities, and Mr Worm, Collector at Wanganui, was telegraphed to on the .subject. The following report was given in by Pilot Wood at the (him thii* application to Major Turner was made by the master of the vessel:—l, Alfred Wood, am pilot and harbormaster at Patea. 1. On Wednesday, the Hitfi instant, the ketch Fawn attempted to cross the bar at the entrance to the Patea river. 2. After crossing the bar she stranded on the lee or .south side of the entrance of the river. 3. Since that time all endeavors have been made to get her off, but without success. .4. The master, James Davis, called a survey of the vessel, on which it was- - recommended that she bo abandoned. lam of < pinion that an enquiry should be bold, in accordance with the “ Enquiries into Wrecks Act, 18(h).” The enquiry now wails the aciion of the Customs authorities. The Pawn belongs to the port of Nelson, and is owned by Bromley and Co., of that place. No reply from Mr AVoon was received yesterday.