Little Ships—And Shipwrecks.

Early newspaper records disclose the names of some of these early ships. On February 18, 1849, we learn that the cutter “Catherine Johnstone,” 10 tons, and the cutter “Mercury” left Otago Harbour for the Molyneux. In March, 1849, the “Jumping Jackass” arrived at the Port with George Hay, his wife, and family. Other cutters mentioned in this month are the “Catherine Johnstone” and the “Mercury.” In 1852 we find mention of the schooner “Endeavour” (Captain Sinclair) bringing the Mosleys to their selection on Inchclutha. The schooner “star,” Captain Blackie, is mentioned in 1856. In 1857, page 64

Early View of Port Molyneux.

page 65 the “Endeavour,” a schooner known as the pioneer of the coastal trading fleet, was wrecked. The paddle steamer “Ada” suffered likewise in 1861.

The month of September, 1861, was a black one for the trading schooners, no less than three becoming total wrecks at Molyneux—the “Pioneer,” the “Ann Jane,” and the “Margaret.”

A paddle steamer, the Tairoa, 51 tons, was specially built for the Molyneux by Mr. Edward McGlashan in 1865. On May 27, 1871, “the master committed an error of judgment in entering the river after dark and against the ebb tide.” The vessel became a total loss.

Other vessels mentioned are the “Wallace,” Captain Edie, who stowed grain “in the hold, on the deck, and even in the cabin”; the “Storm Bird,” in command of Captain C. Fraser; and the “Lady of the Lake,” a steamer of 80 tons, which on December 29, 1876, became a total wreck in Molyneux Bay.

On more important occasions the s.s. “Geelong” came from Dunedin. In her travelled Captain Cargill on his famous visit to the river, when the settlers failed to appear, much to the disgust of the Superintendent of the Province!

On May 15, 1878, the schooner “Lloyd's Herald,” sailing from Catlins River to Port Molyneux, was wrecked in Willsher Bay.