In the main street of Havelock in Marlborough is a monument to the crew of the Schooner "Ronga," which capsized off the coast in 1906. It was not the only time the ship capsized - in fact, if I believed in jinxed ships, the Ronga would be near the top of the list.
THE RONGA.
The schooner Ronga, which Messrs Lune and Brown, of Whangaroa are building for Bromley and Co., of Lyttelton, to replace the Clematis, was launched on Wednesday last, and will be completed in about a fortnight, when she will sail for Lyttelton direct. She is a strongly built topsail schooner of 95 tons register, her dimensions being: Length of keel, 92ft; breadth, 23ft; depth of hold, 7ft 6in; draught, 7ft. She is fitted with a centreboard, and has been so constructed that if desired an auxiliary oil engine can be placed on board. -Auckland Star, 11/4/1900.
Accidents and Fatalities
A seaman named Olsen, 50 years of age, was washed overboard from the schooner Ronga at a quarter past three this morning off Kaikoura. A heavy gale was blowing, and it was impossible to save him. The Ronga arrived in Lyttelton from Mercury Bay this evening. Olsen shipped at Whangaroa. -Auckland Star, 7/6/1900.
The Schooner Ronga.
Messrs Brownlee and Ker’s new topsail-schooner Ronga made her maiden visit to Blackball (Havelock) last week, and her many features have been very favourably discussed since her arrival. The Ronga, which is a carvel built craft, with an elliptic stern and scroll head, built throughout of kauri, was designed and constructed at the yards of Messrs Lane and Brown, of Whangaroa, Auckland, from whence she was successfully launched and duly christened on the 4th April last. Her dimensions are: Length between perpendiculars, 98ft. 6in.; beam, 23ft.; depth of hold, 7ft. Tonnage: Gross, 104-43; registered, 92-91 tons. Draught, when loaded (estimated), 8ft. 6in. She is copper and galvanised fastened throughout, fitted with patent screw-wheel steering gear, and has on deck (forward) one of G. B. Proud’s patent combined winch and windlass, together with an ordinary cargo-lifting windlass. The accommodation aft consists of a snug cabin, with separate Captain and Mate’s rooms, pantry and lavatory, the cabin being exceptionally well lighted, painted white with French grey panels, and fitted with standard compass. Forward there are good quarters for six men. Her masts (67 and 63ft. in height), yards, and booms are of kauri, and the running gear is throughout of Manilla cordage. For despatch in loading or discharging she is fitted with three hatchways of 15x8, 4x4, and 3x3 feet respectively.
Captain Peterson, who took charge of the craft when she left the building yards, loaded 92,000ft. of kauri at Totara North and Mercury Bay, with which cargo he proceeded to Lyttelton, where Captain Green took command, the latter subsequently bringing the Ronga up to the Pelorus Sound in 25 hours. It is estimated she will carry 70,000 ft. of the Pelorus timber. Captain Green, who was for 10 years 4 months and 25 days in command of the Falcon, has now been succeeded in his command of that boat by Captain Peterson, formerly of the ketch Clematis, and both these officers speak in high terms of the sailing qualities of the new trader, which they characterise as a “ witch ” to sail.
The Ronga is fitted with a 15ft. centre-board, carries a 24ft. whaleboat, and is designed also for the purpose of hereafter being supplied with oil engine motive power, and further is a credit to the trade in which she will be engaged, her owners, designer, and builders. -Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate, 12/6/1900.
Shipping
The schooner Ronga recently accomplished a smart trip, doing the distance between Lyttelton and Wellington Heads in nineteen hours. -Evening Star, 21/9/1900.
Narrow Escape. —Whilst on her last trip from Timaru to Havelock, via Wellington, Messrs Brownlee and Co.’s schooner Ronga met extremely heavy weather, off the Kaikouras, seas sweeping her fore and aft, washing the provision locker, her stock of galley firewood, and other movables, overboard. As the crew was engaged in manipulating the mainsail, a heavy sea washed Martin, the mate overboard; but, fortunately, he was able to grasp the main guy tackle, and was hauled in board and to safety. If it had not been for the practically superhuman strength of the mate, in his tenacity to the guy tackle, there is little doubt a fatality would have been occasioned, there being no possibility of rendering assistance in the gale that was raging. The craft suffered no particular damage to hull or standing rigging, but was compelled to run before the gale until its force was expended. -Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate, 6/8/1901.
A SCHOONER CAPSIZED.
ALL HANDS SAVED.
TOWED INTO FOUR FATHOM BAY.
[From our Special Co-respondent.]
Havelock, September 17. The schooner Ronga, of 90 tons, owned by Messrs Brownlee & Co of Blackball, Havelock, capsized in a squall off Fairy Bay, Pelorus Sound, at 10 a.m. yesterday.
The Ronga was bound from Lyttelton in ballast to load timber at Blackball. She was going about at the time, and when in stays was struck by a squall instantly capsizing.
Messrs Brownlee's tug Pelorus was on the lookout to bring the Ronga up the Sound. She found her overturned and towed her into Four Fathom Bay where she now lies.
Captain Peterson and four of the crew were all saved. -Marlborough Express, 17/9/1901.
THE SCHOONER RONGA.
Magisterial enquiry into the circumstances attending the capsize of the schooner Konga, in Pelorus Sound, was held at the Magistrate's Court, Lyttelton, this morning, before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., and Captains Lundy and Gibson, nautical assessors.
Mr Stringer appeared on behalf of the Collector of Customs, and Mr Russell for the captain and owners of the vessel.
Otto Edward Peterson, master of the Ronga, deposed that on Sept. 16 he was in Pelorus Sound. The crew consisted of three A.B.s, a boy, a cook, a mate, and himself. At 9.50 a.m. there was a calm. There had previously been a light N.W. wind. A sudden puff from the N.W. struck the schooner, and she capsized. She was under all plain sail. Witness was at the wheel. The mate, the boy, and the cook were on deck. There was no time to reduce sail. Being on the weather shore, he did not see the puff coming. The s.s. Tutanekai came to his assistance, and the vessel was righted, pumped out, leaded, and came back to Lyttelton. Very little damage was done. Had left Lyttelton with three tons of cargo and twenty-five tons sand ballast. Had discharged two tons of the ballast. They were about seventeen miles from Havelock. It was always customary to discharge ballast in the Sounds in fine weather. Had had twelve years' experience betwwen Lyttelton and Havelock.
To Mr Russell: Had all the men been on deck it would have made no difference. The vessel was absolutely becalmed, and drifting up with the flood tide. Was expecting a steamer to tow him up, as he had sent a pigeon to announce his arrival. Ballast was not allowed to be put out where the mud flats began. Had the quantity put out been on board, it would not have prevented her capsizing. Had the schooner had any way upon her the accident would not have occurred. He had been master of the Ronga since January last.
To Mr Stringer: The Ronga was a good sea boat. There was no ballast in Pelorus Sound. Was not certain that the steamer was coming, and was working up as far as he could.
To the Court: If a proper place for discharging ballast were appointed, it would be a great relief to the trade.
Thomas Hindmarsh Ker, half-owner or the Ronga, deposed that the vessel was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £1350.
Christian Ibsen, mate of the Ronga, gave corroborative evidence.
Robert Kirk, master mariner, deposed that he had traded for some years to Havelock. He would have discharged the ballast as described by Captain Peterson, and would have had the sails up as well, if the weather had been fine. Ballast was put out to save time, and not delay the vessel. Saw no reason to attribute blame to Captain Peterson.
To Captain Gibson: A ballast ground would be an advantage to the ship, but not to the ship-owner, as the delay in putting out ballast might cause the loss of a tide, and that might mean the loss of a week. The Ronga was considered tender in ballast.
After a retirement to consider the decision, Mr Bishop said that the Court was of opinion that in this case the master had not taken sufficient precaution, and had been guilty of an error of judgment. The Court was utterly unable to satisfactorily account for the manner in which the vessel had capsized as described, if ordinary precautions had been taken. It was only a light puff, and it was within the knowledge of the master that he had what was called a tender vessel. He had laid there to discharge ballast, and had undoubtedly considered the interests of the owner more than those of the men on board. Under the circumstances the Court must mark its seense of disapprobation of the master's running such risk for his owners' sake, and inflict some slight punishment, without wishing to weigh too heavily upon him. He would have to pay the costs of the inquiry, £5 5s. That was the unanimous decision of the Court. -Star, 4/12/1901.
The schooner Ronga, having been thoroughly overhauled and newly coppered, has come off the slip, and is loading for Havelock. -Lyttelton Times, 13/12/1901.
A SCHOONER CAPSIZED.
Blenheim, September 11. A Havelock correspondent wires that information has been received by pigeon that the timber trading schooner Ronga is capsized at Horsehoe Bay Pelorus Sound. The Ronga left Iyttelton in ballast on Tuesday for Havelock, in command of Captain Peterson, with a crew of seven all told. Assistance is asked for, but no mention is made of any fatality. Nelson, September 11. A private telegram received from Havelock states that Mr Brownlee's schooner Ronga has been found, bottom up, in Horse Shoe Bay. There are no particulars. -Taranaki Herald, 12/9/1902.
THE CAPSIZED SCHOONER
(From our own Correspondent.) Havelook, September 12. Further information from the capsized schooner Ronga conveys the intelligence that the crew is safe, but so far no particulars of the accident have reached here.
A telegram from Christchurch advises that Captain Willis, the Marine Underwriters' surveyor, left Lyttelton last to superintend the salvage operations. -Marlborough Express, 12/9/1902.
THE ACCIDENT TO THE SCHOONER RONGA.
The "Pelorus Guardian" of Sept 16 states: — The Ronga left Lyttelton on Tuesday last at 12.50 p. m. with a light southerly wind, which she carried with her up the coast. On Wednesday afternoon at 3.30 when off Kaikoura, the wind freshened a bit and gradually increased on the way to the Sound. The vessel entered the Sound about half past 6 a.m. on Thursday, and beat up under small canvas. All square sails were set and she carried the full foresail, inner jib and staysail, and reefed mainsail. At 9.45 a.m.she weathered Maud Island, and the crew had breakfast. The wind being squally, Captain Peterson kept two men constantly at the throat halyards and himself remained at the wheel. When off Barn's Head the wind was very baffling, with heavy squalls, and the vessel did not go about quickly — twice missing stays — and I whilst gathering headway was suddenly struck with a heavy squall which capsized her completely, Captain Peterson, who saw the squall coming, shouted to the men at the throat halyards to let them go, and seeing a capsize inevitable, called out to the men, who were all on deck at the time (with the exception of the cook, who had just gone down into the cabin) to look out for themselves, as she was going over. Fortunately, Captain Petersen has, since the vessel capsized some 12 months ago, been in the habit of putting the ship's boat over the side immediately on entering the Sound, and had done so on this occasion and he and the crew swam to her and climbed in. The cook meanwhile had a very trying experience in the cabin; hearing the captain call out that the vessel was going over, he endeavoured to get on deck, but was met by the inrushiug water, and for a moment or two was completely jammed on the companion ladder; with some considerable difficulty he managed to force his way out and reach the bulwarks, and once over these he rose like a cork, and made for the boat also. Having no oars or sail in the boat, the crew tore up some of the lining, and using a waterproof coat as a sail, ran before the wind to Maud Island. The schooner Falcon made her appearance about three hours later, and the shipwrecked crew, being unable to attract attention, obtained a boat and pulled over to Horseshoe Bay, where the vessel was anchored. A pigeon message was then sent to Havelock for the tug Pelorus to be sent down.
The crew of the Ronga and a number of other men have been sent down to Brightlands to raise the schooner, and it is anticipated there will not be a great difficulty in doing this. There does not seem to be any of the Ronga's gear damaged. -West Coast Times, 25/9/1902.
The Ronga was repaired, Captain Peterson exonerated by the court of enquiry, and both continued to trade out of Havelock.
ALLEGED STABBING.
AN ARREST.
Per Press Association Blenheim, Dec. 18. A man named Earl Beamen, a Seaman on the schooner Ronga at Havelock, was arrested there last evecing on a charge of stabbing Felix Ostman, a shipmate, on Saturday night, with a pocket knife, as the result of a quarrel. The wound is in the left breast, and Ostman's condition is serious. -Taranaki Herald, 18/12/1905.
Taking advantage of the south-west wind on Saturday, the schooner Ronga, in ballast for Havelock, sailed at 10.55 a.m. -Lyttelton Times, 23/4/1906.
An Overdue Schooner
AND A CAPSIZED VESSEL.
In connection with the item from our Wellington correspondent relative to an upturned vessel being sighted near Cape Campbell, Messrs Brownlee and Co. are becoming anxious as to the whereabouts of the schooner Ronga, which left Lyttelton on Friday last, in a gale of wind, for Blackball. The Ronga had on board thirty-three tons of coal, so would not be riding very light; but if she encountered the stotm which the Talune and the Pateena met it might go hard with her.
However, there is not in the colony a better or pluckier skipper than Captain Ned Petersen, and we quite expect to hear this morning that be poked the Ronga’s nose into some safe retreat during the storm. -Pelorus Guardian and Miner's Advocate, 24/4/1906.
STILL BELIEVED TO BE THE RONGA.
Private advices received from Havelock state that there appears to be little doubt that the vessel floating bottom upwards, passed by the Pateena off Cape Campbell at 6.40 a.m. on Sunday, and afterwards.by the Talune at 9.30a.m. was the schooner Ronga trading between Blackball, Pelorus and Lyttelton.
The schooner Ronga, 93 tons, Capt. E. Q. Petersen, and a crew of five hands, left Lyttelton at 11 a.m. on Saturday last with 30 tons of coal for Havelock. The Christchurch "Press" of Tuesday says: — "In view of the absence of any definite information, it is quite impossible to speak with any certainty regarding the drifting vessel, but on all sides in Lyttelton, grave fears are expressed regarding the safety o£ the schooner Ronga. This fine little vessel was only in ballast trim when she left Lyttelton on Saturday morning, and it is very much feared that disaster has overtaken the vessel and her crew, in the mountainous seas which were running off Cape Campbell during Saturday night's gale. The Cape is about 130 miles from Lyttelton, and with a gale behind her the little vessel would run at steamer speed. At present it is all a matter of surmise, but the fact that the Ronga capsized in Pelorus Sound on two occasions previously, the last being a little over three years ago, gives rise to the thought in the minds of many that a last and terrible disaster has overtaken the schooner. Captain Petersen, her master, is one of the most popular and best-known skippers of the coasting schooners, and is regarded as a most capable and daring seaman. The crew also are well known in Lyttelton. The Ronga is a comparatively new vessel, and is owned by Mr T. H. Kerr, of Christchurch. After her second capsize in Pelorus Sound in September, 1902, her masts were shortened by several feet, and her sail area considerably reduced. When he left Lyttelton on Saturday morning, Capt. Petersen informed a fellow skipper that after running past Kaikoura he intended to "round the vessel up," in order to make Cape Campbell, and it is surmised that in attempting to do so, the vessel may have broached-to, and that her cargo shifting, she "turned turtle." -Marlborough Express, 26/4/1906.
THE CAPTAIN AND CREW.
The following were on board the Ronga when she left Lyttelton on Saturday: — Edward Peterson, master, Swede, aged forty years, unmarried; J. Peterson, A.B. and mate, Swede, aged thirty years, unmarried; J. Johnson,' A.B., Norwegian, aged twenty-seven years, unmarried; J. McPherson, A.B., Scotsman, aged thirty-seven years, unmarried; C. Olsen, A.B., Norwegian, aged twenty-two years, unmarried; Charles Foreman, A.B. and cook, German, aged forty-two years, unmarried.
The feeling of grief and horror which such a catastrophe would create in any community was deepened in Lyttelton in this instance through the widespread popularity of Captain Peterson. A thorough sailor, frank, genial and openhearted, he had gained the esteem of "all sorts and conditions of men" with whom he came into contact. Though of Scandinavian blood and birth, and with all the Norse love of the sea, Captain Peterson had been for some sixteen years in the employ of the owners of the Ronga. He left the ship Greta at Lyttelton to become an A.B. on the schooner Falcon. He afterwards became mate of that vessel, and, having obtained a master's ticket, was later on put to command the ketch Clematis. When the latter was sold to Auckland buyers and the Ronga obtained in her place, he took the ketch to Auckland and brought the schooner to Lyttelton. The command of the Ronga was first given to Captain C. Green, who was the senior in the service of the owners, and who, to take the new vessel, quitted the Falcon, which was transferred into the care of Captain Peterson. Some time later Captain Green obtained a shore appointment and Captain Peterson became master of the Ronga. He gained a reputation for smart passages.
The mate of the Ronga, J. Peterson, though of the same name and nationality as his captain, was not related to the latter. The members of the crew were all well-known in Lyttelton, and were all single men, with, so far as can be ascertained, no relatives here. There was only one Britisher among them, McPherson. Foreman, the cook, had been for some years connected with the Ronga and her consort, the Falcon. -Star, 26/4/1906.
The fate of the Ronga.
The Wellington Post of Wednesday had the following: "The upturned sailing vessel was subjected to a close inspection by the steamer Mana yesterday afternoon; The Mana was on her way from Patea to Wellington, and when approaching Kapiti Island a derelict was sighted. Captain Duthie steamed up to the vessel and made a close examination of her. As far as could be gathered she appeared to be a schooner of about 80 or 90 tons. The vessel had a round stern, was coppered, and newly painted white. She was submerged about one-third from the bow. Several spars were floating on the port side of the schooner. The vessel was about seven miles north of Kapiti Island. The schooner's name could not be made out, but it is surmised that she is the Ronga or one of the Sims family. The Ronga capsized in the Sounds on two occasions, and after the second time the Marine Department issued an order that her masts would have to be cut down, as she was too heavily sparred. The tug Duco, with Mr E. G. F. Zohrab on board, left for Kapiti again yesterday to endeavour to tow the schooner to Wellington."
Three small sailing vessels left Lyttelton on Saturday, all bound north, and the general opinion is that it is one of these that has been wrecked. The vessels were the brigantine Annie Hill, 128 tons, Captain H. Williams, which sailed at 7 a.m. on Saturday with a cargo of produce for Greymouth; the schooner Ronga, 93 tons, Captain E. O. Peterson, which left at 11 a.m. with 33 tons of coal for Havelock; and the scow Haeremai, 96 tons, Captain Morris, which sailed at 2.30 p.m. with oats for Auckland.
Our Wellington correspondent wired at noon yesterday as follows:
"The Duco returned early this morning. She found the capsized schooner about twenty miles north of Kapiti, but was unable to identify her. She made several attempts to tow the derelict to the island but the lines parted. She is described as a coppered vessel, with a white hull of yachtlike lines, and is believed to be the Ronga."
There now seems no reason for doubt that the unfortunate vessel is the Ronga, and everyone who has ever known the genial Ned Petersen will deplore the death of as good a man as ever trod the deck of a ship. For the past fifteen years he has been employed in vessels owned by Messrs Brownlee and Kerr, commencing as an A.B. in the old Clematis. Having passed the necessary examinations he was given command of the Falcon, but having always had a fancy for the speedier, though less, safe, Ronga, he was, about three years ago, transferred to that ill-fated craft. He was unmarried.
The name of the cook, of the Ronga was Foreman, but the names of the Mate and three A.B's are not known. -Pelorus Guardian and Miner's Advocate, 27/4/1906.
Local and General
A bottle containing an illiterate note purporting to have come from the derelict schooner Ronga has been picked up on a track some distance from the beach (says the Otaki correspondent of the Wellington "Post"). The note, which is undated, and signed "Skipper," runs thus: — "Ronga, off Kapiti Island; high seas running; no hope of being saved." It has evidently been written by a foreigner or a boy. The police incline to the belief that it is the work of some boys. -Star, 1/5/1906.
THE CAPSIZED SCHOONER.
In reference to the last attempt of the tug Duco to pick up the overturned schooner, the Wellington “Post” says that on arrival at Mana Island on Thursday evening the Duco sought shelter from the north-westerly gale which was raging. She put to sea again early on Friday morning, but could find no trace of the schooner. On putting in for shelter under the lee of Kapiti Island, those on board the Duco found the steamer Gertie at anchor with the capsized schooner in tow. The Duco came back to Wellington, leaving the Gertie still under Kapiti, the weather being too heavy for her to venture out with her charge. Captain Abram, after another examination of the schooner, is convinced that she is the Ronga.
The Wellington “Post” says that a ship’s ladder about 5ft long and painted blue on the outside has been picked up on the beach at Titahi Bay. The steps are supposed to belong to the schooner Ronga. In honour of the memory of the late Captain O. E. Peterson and the crew of the unfortunate schooner Ronga flags were hoisted half-mast high on the sailing vessels and some of the steamers at Lyttelton yesterday. The flags at the Sailors’ Home, the Coronation Hall and a few other places were also flown at half-mast. -Lyttelton Times, 2/5/1906.
Local and General
The Christchurch Press, referring to the missing schooner Ronga, says: — It has been remarked by a large number of his friends that during his stay in port last week, Captain Peterson seemed somewhat preoccupied and downcast, and several times made the remark that sooner or later the Ronga would drown him. On Saturday morning, however, before he left port, he seemed to have recovered his usual good spirits, and he said that the gale was a good wind for him, and that he would be back again inside ten days. When the launch was towing the Ronga out, the strong wind and heavy sea caused her to hang for some minutes between the moles, and one bystander remarked that it looked as though she was unwilling to leave port. Once outside, however, with her fore sail and one jib set, the handsome little vessel went away at steamer speed. -Woodville Examiner, 4/5/1906.
Wellington May 4 — The schooner Ronga was towed into port by the steamer Gertie. The vessel bears the marks of the recent capsize, the masts and gear being missing, and the inside practically cleared. An examination of the hull has been made, and it does not appear to have sustained any damage. There is no cargo left in the vessel, and the hold contains about three feet of water. A sackful of miscellaneous articles, containing a cash-box, ship's papers, binoculars, watches, clocks, and photos was brought ashore from the vessel this morning. The Magisterial enquiry will probably be held at Lyttelton. -Taranaki Herald, 5/5/1906.
THE SCHOONER RONGA.
INSPECTED AT WELLINGTON.
The coastal steamer Gertie, arrived in the stream at Wellington at an early hour on the morning of May 4th with the schooner Ronga in tow. The Ronga was anchored off Kaiwarra, and is in charge of a caretaker in the meanwhile. A quantity of seamen's effects, a cash-box, ship's papers, binoculuars, watches, photographs, etc., were given into the keeping of Captain G. G. Smith, Superintendent of Mercantile Marine. There is about two feet of water in the vessel, which, from a cursory examination, does not appear to be strained. The carrying away of the masts is said to have occurred when the capsized vessel was drifting in shallow water.
Captain Post made an inspection of the vessel on behalf of the Marine Department. He states that the bowsprit is broken off short. The foremast is gone, broken off at the deck, and the the main mast is broken off 20ft from the deck. The lower part is now unstepped from the keelson, and is lying on the deck. The galley is gone and the deck-fittings, with the exception of the fresh-water tanks, are washed away. The keel of the ship's boat is now on deck. The boat, about 15 ft in length, must have been carried in the hold, as the keel was found there with the remains of the planking. All the hatches except one were in place and fastened down with canvas nailed over them. The rudder is in place and intact, but the wheel and steering gear are smashed. The only damage on the outside of the hull was caused by the mast and other wreckage battering against it. There are a few sheets of copper off the topsides. The decks are strewn with cordage and other wreckage. The Gertie, before towing, took on board a large quantity of the torn sails and wreckage. There was only one ton of coal left in the hold, the assumption being that the rest fell out of the open hatch when the vessel turned over.
It is not yet decided where the Magisterial enquiry will be held. There is a possibility that the weight of evidence available in Lyttelton may cause the venue to be changd to there. -Grey River Argus, 10/5/1906.
THE LOSS OF THE SCHOONER RONGA.
THE ABSENCE OF SHIFTING BOARDS.
(Per Press Association.) LYTTELTON, June 6. Mr Bishop. S.M., K gave his decision at Lyttelton this morning in the magisterial inquiry into the capsizing of the schooner Ronga. He said the schooner left Lyttelton on April 21st about noon, when a southerly gale was blowing. She probably arrived off Cape Campbell about midnight, and was capsized by the violence of the wind and sea. It would appear that she then had all sails set. It was quite impossible in the absence of direct evidence to state the cause of the disaster. After the alterations to the masts and sails which had been made the Ronga was considered thoroughly safe if sufficiently ballasted and the ballast properly secured. She had 33 tons of coal properly trimmed, but without shifting boards when she left Lyttelton and was stated to have been then sufficiently ballasted. The Magistrate wished to direct the attention of the Minister of Marine to the evidence in the inquiry with a view to considering whether it does not indicate the necessity for regulations providing for some supervision of vessels of the type of Ronga. It was wise to ascertain their stability and seaworthiness and sail-carrying capacity before they were allowed to proceed to sea. The assessors did not consider such regulations necessary, and were of opinion that they would tend too much to hamper trade. They agreed with the Magistrate that the use of shifting boards should, be made compulsory in the case of such vessels when carrying loose ballast. -Nelson Evening Mail, 6/6/1906.
SCHOONER RONGA.
FOR SALE by tender, the above vessel as she lies in Wellington Harbour, with all faults and defects (if any). Tenders for purchase, addressed Levin and Co., Limited, Wellington, will be received up to Noon on the 31st instant. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
LEVIN AND CO., LTD,. Wellington. 19th July, 1906. -Evening Post, 2/7/1906.
THE SCHOONER RONGA.
PURCHASED BY A SYNDICATE
INTENDED FOR THE COASTAL TRADE.
[press association.] WELLINGTON, Aug. 17. The derelict schooner Ronga, which was towed into Wellington a few months back, has been purchased by a local syndicate.
The vessel will be refitted and placed in the coastal trade.
The price is said to be about £400, and it will cost a similar amount to refit her.
The captain and crew of the steamer Gertie, which salvaged the derelict, will receive a portion of the purchase money. -Marlborough Express, 17/8/1906.
Local and General
The Ronga. — The purchasers of the schooner Ronga, which has deservedly earned such an unenviable reputation, were Messrs Perano and Co., of Picton, and the vessel will again become a trader to the Sounds. She is to be fitted with engines and placed in the Sounds-Picton trade. -Pelorus Guardian and Miner's Advocate, 19/10/1906.
NEW ZEALAND SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING. (excerpt)
Captain Petersen, who was out off in the prime of life by the capsizing of the schooner Ronga, was an old and staunch member. A smart, capable, though perhaps hazardous seaman, a good type of the coasting masters, and a general favourite among his confreres, he was also greatly missed. Being a single man and having no relatives in the colony dependent on him, the usual death grant was not paid. Statements having arisen that he was maintaining his widowed mother in Sweden, induced the association to institute inquiries, but no satisfactory evidence on the point could be obtained. -NZ Mail, 7/11/1906.
Local and General
The Ronga Memorial. — A meeting of the Committee who have in hand the construction of a memorial of the capsizing of the schooner Ronga was held on Saturday evening, at the Commercial Hotel. Mr Matthews (the Secretary) submitted a draft design of a pedestal lamp, on the front face of which is a marble slab that will bear the inscription of the sad tragedy. The design, which was approved, will cost £25. It was resolved that a sub-Committee confer with the Town Board and fix a site for the erection of the lamp. It was reported that the Committee have in hand about £23. -Pelorus Guardian and Miner's Advocate, 16/4/1907.
HAVELOCK.
(Our Own Correspondent.)
It will be recollected that in April of last year the schooner Ronga was lost at sea with all hands, and was found drifting bottom-up in Cook Straits. She was of 93 tons register, with the following crew: Edward Peterson, captain; J. Petersen, mate; J. McPherson, J. Johnson and Charles Foreman A.B's, the latter of whom acted as cook. The schooner was more particularly well known at Lyttelton and Havelock, between which ports she principally traded. After the disaster a subscription list was opened to erect a memorial to the lost seamen. At 3 p.m. to-day the ceremony of unveiling the memorial was begun by the Rev. A. W. Stace. In the course of a pathetic address he enumerated the crew of the Ronga, gave a history of her building by Messrs Brownie and Kerr, and mentioned some of her performances, among which was her winning the schooner race at the Lyttelton Regatta in 1904. He dwelt on the dangers inseparable from the sailor's calling, dramatically depicted the probable cause of the disaster, and dwelt upon the appropriate feeling of those who subscribed to keep alive the memory of the men who were so unfortunately lost, who were well known at Lyttelton and in Marlborough, and were all people of sterling merit. Mr Stace concluded an expressive and touching address by asking the Town Board of Havelock to take charge of the monument. Mr Price, the chairman of the Town Board, accepted, on behalf of the Board, the upkeep of the monument which he unveiled, and also dwelt feelingly upon the disaster. Mr Mills, M.H.R., following in the same strain, dwelt upon the dangers encountered by "Those that go down to the sea in ships," and also enlarged on the good feeling of those who subscribed to perpetuate the memory of the unfortunates who lost their lives on that sad occasion. The monument, which consists of a pedestal, lamp and drinking fountain, was designer by Mr Millar, of Nelson, and the work of erection was carried out by Messrs Robertson Brothers, of Nelson, the contractors for the new Town Hall. The work is a credit both to designer and builders. The inscription on the monument is as follows:—
Erected to the memory of
Captain Ned Petersen
and crew of the
Schooner Ronga
Lost at sea on Sunday, April 22nd, 1906. -Marlborough Express, 24/6/1907.
THE STEAMER WAIRAU.
The steamer Wairau, of Picton, formerly the schooner Ronga, has just undergone a very extensive survey at the hands of the Surveyor of Ships, of the Inspection of Machinery Department. Before the alterations were commenced the Surveyor of Ships suggested the work necessary to strengthen the hull. Plans and specifications of the engines and boilers proposed to be used were submitted to and approved by the Inspection of Machinery Department. This machinery was made by Messrs Cable and Co., of Wellington, under the supervision of the department. Mr Hood, the department's surveyor at Nelson, inspected the machinery on board, completed the survey of the hull, machinery, and equipments at Picton, and was present at the trial runs there. The trials were satisfactorily carried out, and a considerable speed attained. The Wairau is owned by Mr J. A. Perano of Picton, and is well equipped for a vessel of her size. -NZ Times 18/9/1908.
As the Wairau, the Ronga had a long life in the coastal trade, being worked until 1961. It was beached for repairs at Motueka, finally being destroyed by fire in 1976.
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