WRECK IN THE PACIFIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6, 4 May 1912, Page 4

WRECK IN THE PACIFIC.

AMERICAN SCHOONER LOST. (Per Press Associateau ) Auckland, May 3. The Talune, which arrived at Auckland to-day trom the Hlar.as, brought news of tne wreck of the American three-masted -schooner G. W. Watson, on a reel at Raiatea (Society Group), •on April 6; The kphooner had completed discharging her cargo of lumber from Puget bound, and was proceeding to sea under charge of a pilot, when she struck a reef in the channel. She remained hard and fast for several hours, but eventually floated off and proceeded on her voyage to San Erancisco. The vessel had barely cleared the island when it was discovered that she was fast making water. The pumps were manned, and an endeavour was made to keep the water under. After manoeuvring about for some time the captain decided to return to Raiatea, and the vessel 1 was 1 leaded for the north-west passage. It was a while attempting to negotiate this passage that she came to her .end. By this time the water had gained considerably, and on the wells being again sounded it was found that lift of water was in her holds. The ship became unmanageable, and she struck the reef about seven miles before reaching the passage. She-then settled on the reef and soon became a total wreck. When the Talune passed the spot on April 18th only the fore part of the vessel was visible. The wreck was subsequently purchased by the natives for a small sum. The captain, his wife, and the crew, numbering seven, were successful in reaching the shore. They proceed by the Talune bo Raratonga, where they joined the mail steamer Aorangi for San Francisco.