WRECK AND TOTAL LOSS OF THE P.S. WOODPECKER.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2806, 6 March 1869, Page 4

WRECK AND TOTAL LOSS OF THE P.S. WOODPECKER.

The " Wanganui Times," March 2, says : — The Government p.s. St.urt, which arrived yesterday afternoon from Paten, brings the intelligence of the total loss of the p.s. Woodpecker, on Sunday morning last. It appears that the heavy fresh in the Patea river, occasioned by the late ruins, caused her to drag her anchor, carried her over the bar and threw her up under the Cliffs, about halfa-mile to the north of the Patea river. We publish the following letter from Captain Morris to the owners ; — Patea, February 28, 1869. — Deab Sir, — It is with regret I have to acquaint you of the total loss of the p.s. Woodpecker. We Started discharging cargo on Saturday morning, but owing to very heavy rain we had to leave off. It continued all Saturday and throughout; the night, which caused a Tery heavy fresh in the river. At 5.30 a.m. I went on deck and found the vessel riding to her anchor all safe, but shortly afterwards she commenced dragging, and within seven minutes she was close to tho breakerß. When I found she had started I let go the second anchor, paid out all cable, but of no avail to check her. I ordered steam at onco to be got up and set sail for the purpose of sheering her on to the bank, to keep her from going over the bar, but without effect, so for the safety of life I ordered all hands to leave the vessel, being taken on shore by the Sturt's boat, our own having gone to sea before this. As soon as possible after getting on shore, with the assistance of somo civilians and the Patea Field Force, we got to her and carried out the remainder of the cargo, stores, &c, to safety above high water mark. Mr Lewis being present I thought it advisable to ask him to take an inventory of all stores, &c, belonging to the ship, there being no possible chance of saving her. She was dashed to pieces ngain9t the Cliffs about half-a-mile north of the Patea river. — I am, &c, Peter Morris, Master. To Messrs Taylor and Watt, Wanganui.