A FAMOUS WINDJAMMER.

Shannon News, 5 April 1927, Page 3

A FAMOUS WINDJAMMER.

"She's the largest British sailing craft afloat," remarked an old seafarer at Auckland, gazing at the tourmasted barque Bewa, whose bulk appeared even greater than ever through the misty rain that was falling. For five years the'Bewa has her time at her anchorage off Northcote, waiting for the trade that has not come. As a result of her long stay in port, her bottom has become foul, and she looks as though she would welcome the Paint brush. A grand old windjammer of 2817 tons net, the Bewa was launched 37 years ago at Whitehaven, England and was first known as the Altee A. Leigh, flying the flag of the Liverpool firm of John Joyce and Company. After being employed, a number of years in the South American nitrate trade, the vessel was purchased by G. H. Scales, Ltd., of Wellington. Her-last voyage was made in 1922, the ship going round Cape Horn to London, and returning to New Zealand via the Cape of Good Hope. After discharge of her chargo of poles and coal, the barque was removed to her present anchorage." At that time it was expected that she would pick up a cargo within a few months, but for five years her anchor has not been weighed, and it is -doubtful whether she will ever go to sea aeain. Some months ago the ■ lowa's sails were shipped to England 2d offered, for sale, but eventually they were returned to Auckland, being restored on board.