The Alexandra lifeboat and its crew played an integral role in Timaru's maritime history, often facing challenging conditions and undergoing various changes in housing and maintenance to ensure its readiness for rescue operations. Named after Alexandra of Denmark, the wife of King Edward VII, the Timaru lifeboat is one of the oldest vessels of its type in the world. Imported from England by the Canterbury Provincial Council in 1864, it was built by Messrs Forrest of Limehouse under the direction of John Marshman, the emigration agent for Canterbury.

Significant events in the lifeboat's history include:

1866: The lifeboat successfully rescued three crew members from the wrecked schooner Prince Consort.
1869: The boat capsized during a rescue attempt, resulting in the death of crew member Duncan Cameron. Following this, the boat was not used until 1882.
1882: The lifeboat was reactivated during the wrecks of the City of Perth and the Benvenue. It capsized four times during the rescue attempts, when at one point 40 men were in the sea fighting for their lives. Nine people died, including Captain Alexander Mills, the Harbour Master who made it to shore, but died later from exposure.

Since its retirement in 1882, the Alexandra lifeboat has served as a memorial to its crew and those it rescued. In 1932, a memorial commemorating the 50th anniversary of "Black Sunday" was erected in Perth Street, and the lifeboat was placed on Caroline Bay. It was moved to the Landing Service Building and fully restored in 1997. Currently, it is out of public sight in storage.

The large painting (about four feet in length) of the wreck of 'City of Perth' and 'Ben Venue' at Timaru hung for many years in the Farmers tearooms and now the painting is at the Port Company Offices, Timaru located along Marine Parade which is located near the distal end of the Port Loop Road a route to Caroline Bay and the harbour. The plate below the painting reads "Wreck of the Ben Venue and City of Perth on 14 May 1882, Presented to: The Port of Timaru Ltd. by Arthur Bradley. Last surviving son of Issac Bradley, A member of the rescue craft's crew." Photo by Roselyn Fauth with permission of PrimePort Timaru.

A lifeboat crew rowing to rescue shipwrecked sailors. published 1893-02-11 The New Zealand Graphic and Ladies Journal, 11 February 1893, p.121 - New Zealand Graphic; Wright, Henry Charles Seppings, 1849-1937 -  Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-18930211-0121-01

The wrecks at Timaru, New Zealand: Lifeboats rescuing sailors in heavy surf, one lifeboat named City of Perth. Wood engraving by Ashton, Julian Rossi, 1851-1942.   slv.vic.gov.au/permalink/f/1cl35st/SLV_ROSETTAIE670476

Messrs Forrest of Limehouse life-boat building yard where Alexandra Timaru Lifeboat was built - The Illustrated London News Google Books - Page 478 

Alexandra Lifeboat and crew, Jubilee Parade, Timaru. Three Timaru Harbour Board floats, pictured at the wharf, prepared for the South Canterbury Jubilee Parade, Timaru, January 1909. Includes the Alexandra Lifeboat and crew, a float with a billboard displaying details of imports and exports at Timaru Harbour at the time and 50 years earlier. The final float has a large boulder on it with a sign which reads "[?] 23 Tons 5 CWT [?] in Mole 30th Oct 1908" - no doubt an indication of the harbour works undertaken at the harbour. Printed in bottom right corner "Protected 1.1909 W Ferrier" - Photo South Canterbury Museum 1546

The lifeboat Alexandra, manned by Waterside Workers for an unidentified parade, pictured on Sarah Street in Timaru, circa 1912. The lifeboat is shown harnessed to a team of Clydesdale horses and appears to be heading for or leaving a parade. Amongsat the flags flown are the American and Australian flags and the British ensign (among others), as well as a banner for "Timaru Waterside Workers". - South Canterbury Museum 1543

Royal National Life Boat Institution of Great Britain Plans for lifeboat

We have designed the playground surface (Numat Pour and Play) to look like a life boat, inspired by the Alexandra. People could pretend that when they are swinging on a double cyclpse that they are rocking over the breakers to act out a rescue with the life boat crew.

Invitation, 1901, New Zealand, by Benoni William Lytton White, A.D. Willis Ltd. Purchased 2001. Te Papa (GH009568)

Invitation, 1901, Dunedin, by Robert Hawcridge, J. Wilkie and Company. Purchased 2004. Te Papa (GH010302)

Band Rotunda, Alexandra Square, Timaru, circa 1905, Dunedin, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.014379)

Laid out by Samuel Hewlings as Market Place Alexandra Square has been a horse paddock, a market reserve, a site for travelling circuses, a place to play hockey or cricket and a place that needed beatifying. In 1904 Timaru's first band rotunda was built at Alexandra Square and twelve garden seats, at a cost of £600, a gift to the people of the city, by Mr Charles Bowker, who lived in College Rd, in a two storied house named "The Pines." This was the first civic gift of the kind to the city. Later open air meetings and band concerts were held here. Today there is a fountain and a playground and some old gnarly trees. Named after the wife of King Edward VII, Alexandra of Denmark.

Colour postcard entitled "Alexandra Square, Timaru", circa 1910. Features the band rotunda gifted by Charles Bowker in 1903 in the foreground, with the James Bruce & Co. (or Timaru Milling Co.) flour mill on High Street in the left background. 

The Alexandra lifeboat and its crew played an integral role in Timaru's maritime history, often facing challenging conditions and undergoing various changes in housing and maintenance to ensure its readiness for rescue operations. From its inception in the 1860s through the early 20th century, the Alexandra lifeboat was pivotal in maritime rescues and operations. Below is a chronological summary of significant events:

Timeline 

Some timeline items of the Alexandra Lifeboat and Its Operations were researched by Geoff Cloake. Timeline from about 80 Papers Past references giving a proper insight into the lifeboat and service. 

1870 January 1: Establishment of a lifeboat service
1872 July 19: lifeboat crew is on standby
1873 September 12: lifeboat involved
1875 November 26: call lifeboat crew together
1877 June 5: unable to pay lifeboat crew
1877 July 24: only two men volunteered
1878 June 18: lifeboat crew praised for rescue
1878 September 5: didn’t see necessity of risking lives of lifeboat crew
1879 June 7: relocating the lifeboat shed
1879 July 2: volunteers rushed for the lifeboat shed
1880 December 17: regatta, launching the lifeboat, subsequently, on its carriage, dragged it through the main street
1881 January 25: painting lifeboat.
1882 May 14: BLACK SUNDAY - wrecking of the Benvenue and City of Perth founding
1882 May 15: Before the lifeboat was launched, a surf-boat was manned and an attempt made
1882 May 15: lifeboat was well handled and behaved well
1882 May 17: Captain Mills elected to take the whaleboat
1882 May 17: lifeboat said to be in no fit state to be launched.
1882 May 23: lifeboat was in a perfectly efficient state.
1882 June 15: all necessary equipment, including lifebelts, scratch crew inefficiently got the lifeboat into a bad position.
1882 September 19: launched by its new crew. The Timaru Hearld continued to mention the lifeboat, boatshed, crew, or lodge up to at least 1912.

Locations of various lifeboat sheds:
c1863: North side of Cains boat shed, Strathallen St.
c1870: George St, opposite Cains landing service and Evans & Co grain store
c1880: South of Timaru Breakwater (removed in 1922)
c1897: Cement shed at old Government Land Service
c1900-1901: Shed from old cement shed materials, foreshore yard seaward side of the Board's offices
1932: to Caroline Bay

Some timeline items of the Alexandra Lifeboat and Its Operations

1862 (from ‘Early Timaru’ article 11 October 1920)
There was a lifeboat but it would not float

1863 (from ‘Early Timaru’ article 11 October 1920)
March 11: Letter states that a lifeboat and apparatus ordered from England are on the Huntress, which sailed for Timaru on the 16th December, due this month. Authority given to erect a shed for lifeboat, and carriage. Freight quoted at £24 16s 3d, for thirty-four packages attached.

June 24: Letter requesting lifeboat and apparatus housed at once. Government undecided about using Mr LeCren's boatshed and delay to erect shed to be avoided.
Jubilee History of South Canterbury" history differs from the original documents.

1864
August 27: Excavation for the Government Landing Service Building begins, including a boat shed and wool store.

1866
December 20: The schooner Prince Consort drags its anchor and becomes wrecked. The Alexandra lifeboat rescues 3 crew.
December 22: Reports commend the lifeboat crew's efficiency in the Prince Consort rescue despite challenging conditions. Lifeboat was not launched directly from its shed because piling and filling of the whole foreshore from the old landing place to the government shed needed repair.
December 24: Praise for Mr. Mills and the lifeboat crew for their rescue efforts of two crew, with calls for government support for lifeboat maintenance.
December 29: An enquiry into the Prince Consort wreck takes place.

1867
January 5: Discussions about the poor condition of the Timaru Landing Service and the need for maintained surf-boats. Lifeboat crew urged to practice launches when seas too rough for cargo work.
January 16: Forty or fifty men dragged the lifeboat from it’s shed some distance, given the bad state of the beach. Eager volunteers rushed forward to man the boat, but Mr Mills, the head boatman, very properly preferred taking his own crew. He took the steer oar, and Mr Morrison the tiller, and seven men manned the oars. The Alexandra went through the surf in splendid style, and in eight minutes reached the wreck and the unfortunate men were got off and ashore with little difficulty in a few minutes.

1869
January 12: Lifeboat service established by Captain Gibson. Terms of service debated.  Lifeboat crew demands payment for practices
May 26: Lifeboat capsizes during a rescue attempt or the crew of the schooner Twilight, leading to the death of boatman Duncan Cameron.
May 26: Attempt by lifeboat to reach the Twilight questioned. Mr Mills, the harbour master, thought fit to go but unfortunately, lifeboat was undermanned, and capsized in heavy surf surf soon after leaving the beach. Launching characterised extreme bad management and want of a master hand to direct was painfully evident. Without proper management, there was nothing but confusion and disorder. The commanding and working of a lifeboat should be reduced to a thoroughly organised system, and this cannot be obtained without a body of men are told off and practised frequently in the working of the boat. Until this is done, it is useless to expect the boat to be of any real service to the port, and there is no doubt it will not be worked by the crew with that confidence it otherwise would be.
May 26: When the Collingwood grounded, Harbor Master Mills, was severely burned about the face and right hand when rocket going off suddenly without time to get to a safe distance.
May 29: Opinion about taunts of cowardice, and threats of inquiry uttered against both Captain Mills and his crew if they did not launch the boat. Mob had broken into shed and vowed to man the lifeboat with inexperienced volunteers forcing Mills to consent. Crew needs to be appointed.
June 2: Inquest calls for a paid lifeboat crew. James Crawford testifies he was acting for Mr Mills having been injured by a rocket, was in charge of lifeboat and appointed crew.
June 5: Jury advises the necessity of a paid lifeboat crew. Harbour Master and Pilot Alexander Mills went down to the shed and took boat down to the new landing place.
August 7: Correspondence considers paying a lifeboat crew to maintain the boat/equipment and practice regularly after a capsizing incident.

1870
January 1: Official inquiry into a boating accident, with testimony from witnesses like the Harbour Master.
January 1: Establishment of a lifeboat service by the Provincial Chief Harbour Master.
January 8: Harbour Master Captain Gibson establishes lifeboat service terms.
January 12: Lifeboat crew demands payment for practice sessions to maintain proficiency.
February 26: Lifeboat crew resigns overpay issues.
April 27: A breach was made by the heavy sea on the street piling at the Strathallan end protecting the foreshore up to the Government landing shed. It was washed away immediately in front of the lifeboat shed and for a few feet on each side.
June 22: Report on the rescue efforts during the stranding of the schooner Aurora and names boatmen involved.
July 5: Letter to Board about damage to Government Landing Shed from heavy seas.
July 9: Lifeboat crew receives payment for recent rescue services.
November 19: payment for removal of lifeboat shed

1872
July 19: Lifeboat crew is on standby during a storm affecting the brig Princess Alice.

1873
January 13: Harbour Master tries unsuccessfully to right the capsized Princess Alice ship using the lifeboat.
September 12: Lifeboat involved in the beaching of the steamer Lady of the Lake.

1875
November 26: Harbourmaster signalled by gun for vessels to leave roadstead during increasing gale, and call lifeboat crew together.

1876
28 February and March 11: Reference to importance of landing service boatmen for crewing lifeboat.
April 1: No official provision made for saving ‘life’ except having a lifeboat kept in shed near landing services.

1877
May 8: Lifeboat Lodge No 101 reported during quarter, 68 more had joined the crew of the Lifeboat
June 5: Government will not meet expenses of the crew after 30th June and Harbor Board unable to pay lifeboat crew.
July 14: Committee appointed to form a lifeboat and rocket apparatus brigade.
July 16: Twenty-three good men wanted for Timaru Lifeboat and Rocket Brigade
July 24: Only two men volunteered for the Lifeboat, while the Rocket list was filled.
July 25: Editorial concerned about rates not attracting boatmen

1878
June 17: Heavy seas damage the Timaru Landing and Shipping Company, affecting lifeboat operations. Lifeboat hangs over edge.
June 18: Lifeboat crew praised for rescuing occupants of a capsized boat. Heavy rolling sea breached the back of the Timaru Landing Service stores and poured far over the railway lines depositing a great deal of shingle and debris. The lifeboat shed will be in some danger should matters not mend.
September 5: Captain Mills didn’t see necessity of risking lives of lifeboat crew to save live of the Glimpse crew that were holding ground. They stood a better chance if coming ashore with her.
September 6: Captain Mills giving testimony to the Melrose inquiry said he had no occasion to call for volunteers since the Government paying lifeboat crews. There was no paid crew here and he did not believe a lifeboat could have been forced out against such a sea that was running. Crew would have been easier saved should the Melrose have come closer to shore.
September 23: Present stone breastwork beyond the lifeboat shed if continued would either shut up two of the Landing Services, or make them shift elsewhere.

1879
• January 8: Proposal for new railway station threatens Timaru Landing and Shipping Company and George Street services. New sea wall will affect these services including the lifeboat shed.
• May 27: Railway test groins are right in front of the lifeboat shed, south of the Timaru Landing Service. Boat launch would be dangerous, if not impossible.
• June 6: Harbour works and work on lifeboat shed obstruct lifeboat launching, leading to discussions on alternative shed location and launch sites.
• June 7: Letter to the editor highlights difficulties in launching the lifeboat due to harbour works.
June 9:The current lifeboat location offers the best launch point and moving it as Mr Turnbull suggests to the Government Landing Service would be utterly impracticable on boatways or rocky shore. This disregards the lifeboat's good service in saving life and future potential.
June 10: By combining services, the lifeboat could have a place with a crew always ready.
June 24: Damage to Government Landing Service by heavy seas ways halts operations.
July 2: When a vessel was in distress near the Arowhenua river mouth, some forty or fifty persons rushed for the lifeboat shed, smashed open the door with axes, crowbars, etc., to launch the boat. Captain Mills, already on the way with the Rocket Brigade, persuaded the crowd a whaleboat would have to be launched to rescue them.
July 4: Raising the adjoining ground by the railways has made lifeboat shed operations quite impracticable and best site now is adjoining the Harbor Engineer's office, where on the beach, the lifeboat could be readily taken out.
July 25: Tenders invited for relocating the lifeboat shed to near Mr. Goodall's office for better launch access.
July 29: 13 tenders received for relocating the lifeboat and its shed and Mr. Robinson's tender accepted.
August 8 : Lifeboat shed removal effected by John Goodall

1880
June 15: Permission sought to place a small engine on the sea side of the railway, near the old lifeboat shed, for cutting firewood.
December 17: The Rocket Brigade entertained the public during the Timaru Regatta by launching the lifeboat, and subsequently, on its carriage, dragged it through the main street.

1881
January 7: lighthouse and other harbour buildings and the lifeboat bad not been painted for five years, and painting recommended.
January 25: Tenders called for painting the Harbourmaster's office, flagstaff, and lifeboat.

1882
May 15: Only lifeboat available had not been called into requisition since thirteen years ago, when she capsized and drowned one of her crew, Duncan Cameron. She was well handled and behaved well.
May 16-19: Reports on the wrecks of the Benvenue and City of Perth, including lifeboat involvement and the death of Captain Alexander Mills.
May 17: Obituary for Harbour Master Captain Alexander Mills who served 1866-1882.
May 17: Reports on recovery efforts and funeral for late Harbour Master Captain Mills after wrecks.
May 17: Lifeboat said to be in no fit state to be launched. Captain Sutter understood lifeboat to be disabled without buoys and lifepreservers
May 19: Details provided about persons involved in a boat accident. 
May 23: Harbour Board committee met previous day to enquire into the trust of remarks made by Captain Sutter and took evidence that the lifeboat was in a perfectly efficient state when launched. A regular crew was recommended.
June 13: Repairs to the lifeboat Alexander are completed.
June 15: Mr Collins tells inquiry all necessary equipment, including lifebelts was in lifeboat which was his preference for saving lives. She had a scratch crew as proficient crew were out in other boats. They inefficiently got the lifeboat into a bad position and no blame should be attributable to connected officials. Old crew was disbanded in June 1877 when Government subsidy was removed, and Harbour Board had no dues collected to maintain crew. J. Macintoch, crew of first lifeboat trip confirmed equipment was in boat and no one stopped to put lifebelts trusting their swimming. In the rush, lanyards were not fastened and why oars were lost when lifeboat upset. Board’s duty to subsidise a crew was recommended.
June 15: Account of lifeboat activities given by Captain Macdonald.
June 30: Lifeboat medals received from Dunedin under order of Free Masons in Timaru.
September 29: The Alexandra lifeboat is launched for the first time by its new crew.

1884
December 6: Lifeboat practice held with the Alexandra.

1892
APRIL 21: Lifeboat overhauled and now in good order. She should remain in the shed where she lies at present.

1897
Lifeboat to be housed in the cement shed.

1898
April 11: Tenders called for removal of Lifeboat shed

1900
September 26: Shed built of old materials recommended for the lifeboat in the new foreshore yard.

1901
January 22: Materials that formed the cement shed at the old Government landing service, now form parts of a roomy shed intended for the lifeboat. It is well away on the seaward side of the Board's offices.

1899
May 2: Philip J. Foster, a well-known lifeboatman and pilot in early Timaru, passes away. He had actively participated in surfboat rescues and became a successful sail and tentmaker.

1902
August 1: Lifeboat and crew in Coronation procession

1903
July 25: Lifeboat shed insured
Prepared by Geoff Cloake | Alexandra lifeboat usage | July 2024

1912
Lifeboat concert and display to be held

1922
June 22: Tenders closed for removal of the galvanised iron lifeboat shed. Levels County Council to re-erect it at their yard.
June 29: Caroline Dairy Company leases the Board’s old lifeboat shed for £lO per annum.

1932

Jubilee procession for the 1882 wrecks leave Alexandra Square to Caroline Bay, where the
recently painted lifeboat Alexandra, was formally handed over by the Harbour Board to the
Borough.

The Timaru Herald
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1866

The unfortunate catastrophe, the wreck of the Prince Consort, which we record today, leads us to inquire into the causes of the accident with a view that precautions should in future be taken to guard against a similar disaster. The main cause which led to the accident was undoubtedly the shifting of the ballast which rendered it quite impossible for the vessel to right itself when once thrown on her beam ends. She was also imprudently near the shore, but this of itself was of small moment. If the ballast had retained its proper position, with two anchors down, the vessel was perfectly able to ride out the gale. We come to this conclusion on the ground that some years since, there was a far heavier gale, and tenfold the amount of sea running than on last Thursday, and a small coaster was lying in the roadstead the whole time; if we remember right, she did not lose a stick, although exposed for something like eighteen hours to the fury of a gale that very seldom visits our port.

Since Timaru has been visited by shipping, now some ten or eleven years, this is the first accident that has occurred, and the like need not occur again if a little precaution was taken in stowing ballast on board small crafts. It has hitherto been the custom to ship for ballast the loose beach shingle which, if stowed, as is often the case, in bulk in the bottom of a vessel, is very likely to shift and thus cause the ship's destruction: and this is as likely to happen on the broad ocean as when lying at anchor. If it is absolutely necessary to carry the shingle ballast, it surely would not be a difficult matter to retain it in its right position, and thus secure a great additional safeguard. A warning like the present does good in the end, for it will make masters more careful as to the ballasting of their crafts, and may be the means of saving life and property, which otherwise might be sacrificed if the present system was continued.

We were glad to observe the expeditious manner the Alexandra lifeboat was taken out of the shed and put off to the rescue of the shipwrecked crew; but a little over a quarter of an hour elapsed from the vessel capsizing to the lifeboat being alongside the wreck. This time could have been shortened by one third if the lifeboat could have been launched directly from the shed into the water, but the ground in front of the shed is in such a broken state that it was impossible to take the boat over it. The piling and filling in of the whole foreshore from the old landing place to the Government shed is urgently required; the Government should lose no time in causing it to be done.

We must not omit to recognize the hearty efforts made by a number of volunteers in assisting to get the lifeboat into the water, and also of these few men who stepped forward to man the boat; but although their conduct was most manly and praiseworthy, the chief boatman did right in refusing their services, and taking with him his own tried crew. In fact, he could not have acted otherwise, as both he and his crew are specially engaged to man the lifeboat when needed. Last, though not least, we must call attention to one gallant fellow, Mr. Bertrand, who swam through the surf to the rescue of a fellow-creature. Such an action deserves special mention, for instances of manly courage are not nowadays, in this quiet part of the world, of such frequent occurrence as to afford to pass over them unnoticed. A Royal Humane Society's medal has been given for actions of less courage and daring than that displayed by Mr. Bertrand.

Yesterday afternoon a subscription list was opened in the town for the shipwrecked crew, and in the evening it had amounted to seventy guineas.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18661222.2.7

The above photo of the foot of Strathallan Street, possibly shows the first lifeboat shed - Alexander Turnbull Library

Crowds assembled at the Benvenue Wreck Memorial, Timaru, for the 50th jubilee of the event in May 1932. The crowd appears to be being addressed by dignitaries from on the lifeboat 'Alexandra'. 
Handwritten on verso "14th May Jubilee 1932" - South Canterbury Museum

The lifeboat Alexandra taking part in the procession held for the Timaru Borough's diamond jubilee on 13 July 1928. Bears a note on the verso reading: "The old lifeboat, which is going to be given a prominent stand on Caroline Bay. Diamond Jubilee procession, July 13th 1928". The photograph appears to be taken on Sefton Street, with a portion of the Hydro Grand Hotel visible in the background.  -South Canterbury Museum

Bravery medal, silver Gift of Mrs Olive Baker, 1969 https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/113138

On 14 May 1882, the ships City of Perth and Benvenue foundered in Caroline Bay, Timaru. They were victims of ocean swell and choppy sea.
The Freemasons of St Johns Lodge awarded 42 medals for gallantry during the rescue on 3 July 1882 (this was a private award for bravery).
James Henneker, to whom this particular medal was awarded, made two trips in a surf boat during the storm to rescue men on the ships. Several of his ribs were broken and he lay 'in a precarious state at the Royal Hotel' afterwards (South Canterbury Times, 15 May 1882, p. 2).
The medal depicts a lifeboat on a rough sea, with the masonic emblem the Eye of Providence above. It was donated to the museum by the recipient's daughter in 1969.
The medal was originally issued as a medallion (without a suspension bar or ribbon), so this version was converted to wear.
The ships The Benvenue was wrecked, but the City of Perth was salvaged and returned to the United Kingdom for repairs. It was renamed the Turakina in 1882 by the New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd.

 

Here is the grave of Captain Alexander Mills, the Timaru Harbour-Master for 16 years, who witnessed most of Timarus shipwrecks. He died from exposure from the Ben Venue disaster. He rests in peace here, with his wife Margaret, three infant children and two teenage children. Mills, Alexander James, 1833-1882. Row 9, plot 9, Timaru Cemetery. Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

 

 

 

 

ALEXANDRA LIFEBOAT, 1865.TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME CXXV, ISSUE 18008, 13 JULY 1928, PAGE 9 (SUPPLEMENT)
Using This Item: Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Timaru Herald. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.

"BENVENUE MEMORIAL. From the late ’sixties till the early ’eighties, Timaru had a bad reputation among shipowners because of the great number of wrecks which occurred in the roadstead. Timaru was not really worse than some other New Zealand open ports, but the people here heard more of the higher insurance of vessels coming here than the high rates for other places.

The losses wore probably in most cases due to the vessels anchoring too close to the beach in order to reduce the work of lightering. The reports of early visitors declared the holding ground to he exceedingly good. Of 28 losses, seven were stranding's, and out of the first 23, totaling under 3500 tons, only one was over 500 tons. Two of the later wrecks were the “City of Perth” and the “Benvenue,” but the former was eventually refloated. Just as the early progress of the town received severe set-backs as a result of disastrous fires, so the prestige of the port- was seriously imperiled by this succession of wrecks.

The most memorable and the most spectacular of them was the stranding of the “City of Perth” and the loss of the “Benvenue,” on the afternoon of Sunday, May 14, 1882. On that fateful afternoon the then harbor master, throe members of the crew of the “City of Perth.” and five residents of Timaru lost their lives. The story of the light made by the boat crows to save the lives of the men on the ships is well-known to the older generation. The younger generation have oft-times heard it repeated, and they have before them as a constant reminder of the noble self-sacrifice made by the nine men on that Sunday afternoon the memorial situated at the junction of Perth and Sophia, Streets, almost opposite the “Herald" office. Greater love hath no man than this, That he lay down his life for his friends.

It was at midnight on Saturday, May 13, 1882, that the sea began to make, and it rapidly increased in force. The vessels-in port at the time were the Norwegian Braque “0. F. Fundi,” which was lying at the ballast ground- two miles out. the two Home boats, “City of Perth,” and “Benvenue,” in the inner harbor, and the schooners, “Kate McGregor” and “Julius Vogel” inside the breakwater.

The tide was then almost at the full, and as it. ebbed it increased in violence. At 8.30 on the Sunday morning, the “Benvenue” parted one of her cables, and she then flew a signal of distress. Two hours later came the signal “drifting,” and in' the early part of the afternoon the “Benvenue” crew left the vessel and made for the “City of Perth.” The doomed ship struck within fifty yards of the beach, gradually canting broadside on to the sea, by which she was soon lifted high and dry. The “Benvenue” was-an iron ship of 919 tons. register, and at the time of the disaster had a cargo of between 400 and 500 tons of coal. She subsequently became a total wreck, and the cliffs in the vicinity of the wreck were named Benvenue.

Hardly had the “Benvenue” struck when it was noticed that the “City of Perth” was adrift, and that she was asking for medical assistance. Four boats were soon seen leaving the vessel for the breakwater, one of these being from the “Benvenue.” The boats leached safety, when it was ascertained that the first- officer of “The City of Perth” had broken his leg in two places in- endeavoring to clear the cables. His injuries subsequently proved fatal.

The “City of Perth” hung to a single hawser for about half an hour, but then gradually drifted towards the bench, stern foremost, bringing up against the “Benvenue,” her stern touching the hitler.

It was while the vessel hung at the single hawser that, a series of disasters took place, disasters which made the day memorable on account of its misfortunes. While the vessel was straining at the hawser, the Harbour-Master at Timaru, Captain Alexander Mills, remarked that the vessel had been deserted, and lie got together a crew with the object of saving the ship.

The members of the crew were Captain Mills, Robert Collins, Martin Beach, John Reid, Emanuel Neilson, and Charles Moore. Captain McDonald, of the “City of Perth,” who was on shore at the time, evidently considered it his duty to go out to the vessel, and he did so, accompanied by Robert Gardiner, Philip Bradley, Michael Thompson, Isaac Bradley, William McLaren, and Walter Standlve. A third party, consisting of sailors of the “City of Perth,” also set off, and nil reached the vessel in safety.

Later the three boats made to return, and the foremost two had practically gained the shelter of the mole, when the third, containing the members of the ship's crew, turning too soon, came broadside on and was swamped.

The leading boats turned hack, and -had almost reached their objective, when they also wore 'overturned. 'The -spectators on shore were horror-stricken, hut they speedily launched the nhl life-boat, which had not been used since 18(J9. The crew consisted of La,, Bradley, A. J. Mclntosh, Andrew

Slniab, John Isherwood, J. Houlihan, Patrick Mc-Ateer, David Watson, and Thomas Martin. Splendidly handled, the life-boats reached the struggling men, and some of them were hauled on board. Caught by a huge wave, the boat was overturned, but she righted herself, and the men scrambled back. A second time she capsized, and yet a third. Bravely the crew persevered, however, until all were picked up none could be found, and then began the slow and anxious return to the shore. Fortune now held to the men, however, and eventually they reached safety.

 

 

Before the life-boat was launched, a surf-boat had been manned and an attempt made to reach the swamped boats, and three men from the latter were rescued. The surf-boat was manned by George Falgar, It. Wilson, William Oxby, J. Passmore, T. Hart, J. Croeomb, J. Thompson, W. Halford, W. Walls, T. Morgan, and W. Budd.

The surf-boat proved unwieldy in the heavy sea, and the members had to be rescued by a fresh volunteer crew in the life-boat.

This crew comprised G. Findlay, C. Grulnn, G. Sunnaway,- J. Cracknall, H. McDonald, J. Henicker, A. Turnbull, J. Ivey, and G. Shirtclifle. Before all the men were got out of the surfboat, it capsized, and one of its crew, George Falgar, was drowned. The life-boat came ashore, and returned with a fresh crew consisting of

F. McKenzie, J.' Le Roy, G. Sunnaway, W. M. Walls, H. Trusse'ot, C. Vogeler, and A. Blaylock. All the men, remaining on the surf-boat were rescued.

The saddest part of the story remains, and that is to record the names of the men who lost their, lives. They were Captain A. Mills, who .died an hour after reaching safety, Robert Gardiner, second mate of the “City of Berth,” Donald McLean, carpenter to that vessel, William McLaren, boat man, of Timaru, and Emanuel Nelson, Martin Beach, Harry McDonald, and George Falgar, boatmen', of 'Timaru. John Blacklock. first mate of the “City of Perth,” died of injuries.

It was to the memory of these men, and to those who gladly encountered the peril of death, that the monument was erected.

Timaru Herald. 13 July 1928

Page 9 (Supplement).

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/.../timar.../1928/07/13/25

 

Port History

• Timaru Harbour is located deep in the bight extending from the Waitaki River on the south to Banks' Peninsula on the north.
• Protected from southerly seas by reefs projecting from Patiti Point.
• Known and used by the Maoris as a halting place on the long harbourless eastern coast, long before the arrival of white settlers.
• Warlike Maoris from Dunedin and the south rested there before continuing their canoe journey northwards to battle enemies in the North Island.
• Between 1852 and 1857, shipping wool and landing supplies at Timaru was done with whaleboats, with no convenient beaching and landing facilities.
• Loading and unloading even small vessels was slow, tedious, and often dangerous, but essential for settlers to trade wool and obtain supplies.
• In 1857, Messrs H. J. LeCren and Cain opened a store and started a landing and shipping service using small surf-boats hauled up on the beach by a capstan.
• The landing place was the site of the present Harbour Board's service.
• In 1865, shipping facilities improved with the erection of boat sheds (now owned by the Harbour Board) and the introduction of a steam engine for hauling boats.
• The steam engine was initially considered extravagant due to the cost of coal, leading to recommendations for a return to manual labour.
• Two additional boating services were later started at the foot of George Street.
• Before protective works, wrecks were common at Timaru, often without loss of life.
• The Rocket Brigade frequently provided rescue services.
• A coasting steamer was once washed up between the present railway station and Club Hotel but was successfully refloated.
• In 1882, the "City of Perth" and "Benvenue" broke from their moorings, with the "Benvenue" being completely wrecked but the "City of Perth" refloated.
• Heroic rescue efforts during these wrecks led to the erection of a monument near the Post Office.
• During the wrecks, Captain Mills and other crewmen attempted rescues, resulting in capsized boats and several fatalities, including Captain Mills.
• The local lifeboat made three trips and rescued many, despite capsizing multiple times.
• The Timaru Harbour Board was established under the Timaru Harbour Board Act of 1876 and began operations in 1877.
• Steps were taken to construct an artificial harbour, with Mr. John Goodall's design for a concrete breakwater being adopted and modified.
• The first contract for a 300-foot mole was let to Messrs Allan and Stumbles in 1878.
• The concrete breakwater, completed in December 1887, is 30 feet wide and 2278 feet long, costing £219,518.
• On the northeast side, the harbour is enclosed by a 2400-foot rubble wall.
• The enclosed space is fifty acres, with total construction costs reaching £281,000.
• A rubble mole was authorized to extend the harbour, with a proposed length of 3000 feet; 1800 feet had been formed by July 1903, costing £82,000 by the end of 1902.
• Wharfage has been extended, and a powerful suction dredge is maintained for deepening the harbour.
• The registered tonnage of shipping entering the port increased from 58,402 tons in 1883 to 283,425 in 1902.
• Cargo handled increased from 62,492 tons in 1883 to 124,497 tons in 1902.
• Principal imports include general merchandise, timber, and coal; chief exports are breadstuffs, potatoes, frozen mutton, grain, and wool.
• The port's ordinary revenue from dues increased from £6356 in 1883 to £19,809 in 1902.
• The Harbour Board consists of members representing various districts and includes positions such as Secretary and Treasurer, Resident Engineer, and Harbourmaster.
• Mr. William Evans has been the Chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board since 1899 and is also the proprietor of Atlas Roller Flour Mills.
• Mr. George Lyall, J.P., a member of the Harbour Board, is also the general manager of the Pareora estate and involved in several local organizations.
• Mr. John Manchester represents the Makikihi riding on the Harbour Board and was previously the Mayor of Waimate.
• Mr. Alexander Campbell Pringle, J.P., a member of the Harbour Board, has been involved since 1893 and is active in numerous local societies and councils.
• Mr. David Clarkson Turnbull has been a member of the Harbour Board since 1900 and founded the firm D. O. Turnbull and Co.
• Mr. William Julian Bardsley, Secretary and Treasurer of the Harbour Board, has been in the position since the end of 1902.
• Mr. Albert Ernest Austin, A.M.I.C.E., is the Resident Engineer of the Harbour Board, having a background in railway surveys and harbour construction.
• Captain Thomas Nicolson Clarkson has been the Harbourmaster at Timaru since 1886.
• Mr. Peter Sinclair, foreman blacksmith at the Harbour Board's engineering works, has been in Timaru since 1870 and involved in various local organizations.

Summarised from https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d7-d1-d4.html

 

 

Alice Solace, Rebecca Jackson, Sharleyne Diamond and and friends enjoy the new Playground Center Cyclops swing  - Photo Supplied

How the Illustrated London News saw rowing lifeboats in action. heartheboatsing.com/for-those-in-peril-on-the-sea/

 

The South Canterbury Museum has an exhibit that includes the Benvenue Bell and medals, the rocket brigade lifesaving launch and the canon that summoned the rocket brigade. Photograpy courtesy of Roselyn Fauth with permission from South Canterbury Musuem.