WRECK OF THE S.S. RANGATIRA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5869, 8 September 1880, Page 4

WRECK OF THE S.S. RANGATIRA.

Intelligence was received yesterday that the s.s. Eangatira, 'which left the Manukau on Monday, had been wrecked between New Plymouth and Waitara. The Rangatira was almost the only remaining relic of Wellingtonian pre-eminence in maritime matters iD bygone days—she being one of the New Zealand Shipping Company's fleet, which did good service on the coast before it was absorbed into the more-powerful Union Company. .She was built at Dundee in 1563, and brought to Auck-! land by Mr. Matheson, of the firm of Battray' and Matheson, who subsequently disposed of her to the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company. She was a staunoh iron boat of ,196 tons nett, and 50-horse power, and frequently proved herself superior to Tesseta of much greater pretentions. The Rangatira was owned by the Hon. J. Martin and Messrs. D. Anderson and J. Burns, of Wellington, and was valued at £6000. We are credibly informed that Bhe was not insured. She plied between Gisborne, Napier, and Wellington for a considerable time, but about eighteen months ago she was withdraw therefrom, and placed in the Wellington, Wanganui, and Manukau trade, where she was running when-lost. Her outward cargo from Auckland, fortunately, was not large. In consisted of 60 bags salt, 5 sacks oysters,2 cases fish,26 pkgß. sundry merchandise. There was, however, a considerable quantity of beer and spirits intended for Taranaki which had not been landed on the up trip, comprising 23 cases cider, 50 cases brandy, 60 cases beer, 9 cases stout, 50 cases ginger wino, 25 cases old torn. A rumour having gained currency that Messrs. Owen and Graham had a sample case on board valued at £300, we find upon inquiry that there is some truth and much exaggeration in it. The firm's traveller was a passenger, and had with him a cane of samples of no great monetary value, but which it would cost some trouble to replace. The Press Association's agent sends the following account of the disaster from New Plymouth : —

At 3 o'clock this morning the steamer Kangatira, on the passage, from the Manukau to this port, ran ashore near Bell Block, and becamo a total wreck on a reef known as Popprell's Fishing Rock.

The place lies about four miles to the north of New Plymouth, and tivo miles from "Waitara.

The cause of her making that point is supposed to be some dereliction of duty on the part of the men on the watch, no alarm of danger being given till the steamer was fairly on the reef. There were eight passengers. It was a beautiful night.

- The passengers and mails have just been brought' into town. The Rangatira left tbe Manukau at 11 a.m. yesterday and experienced fine weather along the coast. Captain Harvey was on the deck an hour before the catastrophe, and it happening to be a fine clear night no special danger wag apprehended. He went to his berth, leaving the mate in oharge of the watch.

At 3 o'clock this morning the captain and passengers were awakened by a slight shock like the dropping of an anchor. Immediately, however, the order to reverse the engines was given, then a second shock was felt, nnd then the steamer was found to be fairly aground on the rocks.

Captain Harvey wns on deck in a few seconds aft«r the first shock, and at once.saw the danger, which it was impossible to avert. The engines were unmanageable, and the steamer fixed in the rocks like in a vice. The tide was half-ebb at the time, and the water making its appearx nee in the fire compartment. The boats wero lowered and passengers and muils brought ;whore.

The luggage was safely landed, and the passengers and crew received every attention from the settlers at Bell Block.

At 10 o'clock this morning the sea was washing over the steamer, and Captain Harrey was compelled to abandon ber. Some of tbe cargo was washed ashore. Fears are entertained that the steamer will break up by noon. '

The Government steamer Hinemoa, which is waiting for Maori prisoners, left the roadstead shortly afterdaylightand steamed doirn to the scone, but could render no assistance as tho Rangatira was in a hopeless state. Two lighter boats were despatched to land as much cargo as possible. The cargo is valued at £1000. The passengers by her were For New Plymouth : Messrs. Ford and a Chinaman. For Whanganui: Judge Symonds, Messrs. Potter, Saunders, and Turner. The Kangatira was uninsared. LATEST. The Rangatira is a total wreck, and hor hull will be sold by auction to-morrow. There is no chance of getting her ofF, as even the oargo boats cannot get near her.