Fearful Seas.

Captain McDonald at the inquiry held on the wreck stated: "About 1 a.m. the sea became very heavy, and the vessel, which was lying stern on to it, began to roll heavily. Several blind rollers, came on board, breaking in some of the stern windows and sweeping the poop. All hands were then called, and soon afterwards a very heavy sea struck her and broke her rudder. A boat waspage 302 swept off the skids—the seas at this time being something fearful—and the second anchor was let go. The ship fell off into the trough of the sea, and the coals in the hold (the ship had arrived with 500 tons from Newcastle, N.S.W.), although held by shifting boards, were thrown over to starboard-—giving her a heavy list. At 9 a.m. the starboard anchor cable parted with 135 fathoms of chain.

"The third anchor was got up and a steel hawser bent on, while at the same time the crew made an effort to trim the coals, but failed to make any impression. The third anchor, with great difficulty, owing to the lurching of the

Wreck of the Ben Venue and City of Perth at Timaru. the Ben Venue was a total loss, and the City of Perth (afterwards the Turakina) was refloated.

ship, was let go. The second cable then parted, and as the ship was drifting and gradually settling over the crew were called on deck and manned one of the boats. When the vessel got into broken water we abandoned her and made for the City of Perth."

The hull of the ship and cargo were insured for £13,500 in English offices. The wreck was sold, after some portions had been salved, for £150.