For Melbourne, Port Phillip, direct.
THE fine first class schooner WILL-O'-THE WISP, Captain, John Robertson; has superior accommodations for Cabin and Steerage Passengers.
This Vessel is expected daily from Port Cooper, and will sail as above three days after arrival. For Freight or Passage, apply to
Bethune & Hunter, Exchange Buildings. -Wellington Independent, 21/4/1852.
A final and successful attempt to raise the illfated Henbury was made on Tuesday, the 17th. Her stern was boxed in and caulked, and, by the aid of seven Californian pumps, she was gradually emptied and hauled alongside the Wm. Hyde, hulk, where she now is. Her cargo is being rapidly discharged, and rumour says that she will be repaired aud made a hulk of. Captain John Robertson, who so successfully managed the wreck of the William Hyde and brought her here from the Bluff Harbor, has superintended the arrangements which have proved so successful. -Lyttelton Times, 1/2/1860.
The remains of John Craig, the late engineer of the s.s. Queen were interred at the instance of Messrs A. L. Thomson and Co. yesterday, in the Church of England Burial-ground at the Cemetery. The funeral was attended by several gentlemen to whom the deceased had been known. On the arrival of the melancholy cortege at the Cemetery, it was found that the clergyman who had arranged to attend had not made his appearance; after waiting some time messengers were dispatched in search of the reverend gentleman, but without success, and ultimately the burial service had to be read by Captain John Robertson, of the Marine Board. -Otago Daily Times, 9/2/1864.
Captain John Robertson has been appointed to the charge of the signal-station at Port Chalmers. -Otago Daily Times, 2/3/1864.
The following reply has been received from the Provincial Secretary by the shipmasters and others whose signatures were attached to a memorial relative to the signal station at Port Chalmers: — "Gentlemen — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication addressed to his Honor the Superintendent, on the subject of the removal of Captain John Robertson from the office which he held as Signal Master at Port Chalmers. In reply I have to acquaint you, that on the reduction of Captain Robertson and other persons in the Harbor Department, the Government were only actuated by a desire to reduce the expenditure of that Department to the lowest possible limit consistent with efficiency, and not with the intention of altogether abandoning, as you appear to apprehend, the Signal Station at the Port; indeed before any steps were taken, arrangements were made by which the service will continue to be performed, I trust, quite as satitfaatoriry as it has been hitherto." Though, by the assurance conveyed in this manner, the object of the memorialists has been pnrtially achieved, there is still a strong feeling among them that the Government has been hoodwinked into an unfair and unnecessary act by the removal of Captain John Robertson from the situation. If there is any saving, it must be so trifling and inconsiderable that it can form no reasonable excuse for the change. It is felt to be quite irreconcileable with economy that, where one man did the work, two thould now be employed; and that, while a trifling source of expenditure should thus be selected without any actual saving being made, other and larger sources of outlay, in and about Port Chalmers, should remain unheeded. As the memoralists are more intimately acquainted with the minutiae of the matter than the Government, they are not disposed to allow it to rest without a little further representation. -Otago Daily Times, 4/2/1865.
The steamer Samson is now at Dunedin completing alterations and receiving cargo for Hokitika and the Grey River. She is expected to take only a limited number of passengers — the majority preferring to proceed by the Alhambra, which sails early, and space has consequently been made for more cargo than it was originally intended to carry. Under the new ownership, Captain John Robertson succeeds Captain McGill, who has for the last four years commanded the Samson tug-steamer, not only to the benefit of its joint owners, but to the complete satisfaction of shipmasters and of the shipping and mercantile community generally. -Otago Daily Times, 11/9/1865.
WRECK OF TWO VESSELS ON THE BAR.
A shipping disaster, unequalled for a lengthened period on our shores, occurred on Friday, 4th May. The schooner Maria, of Melbourne, 160 tons register, Captain John Robertson, sailed on the 15th of the previous month for this port, with a valuable and general cargo on board. In consequence of this vessel having on a former voyage stranded at the entrance to the river, causing her to be taken over the spit on ways, considerable fears were entertained that her extreme length and draught of water would again result in accident. Immediately on her coming in sight of the road stead, on the morning of the 4th, communication was effected with her owners, who belong to this port. Every precaution seems to have been taken to ensure her safe entrance. The most powerful tug-boat was employed. Soundings were taken of the depth of water off the bar at various hours during the forenoon, up to flood-tide. At noon the p.s. Lioness left the wharf to take in tow the Maria; again soundings were taken, and water sufficient found on the bar. Arriving alongside the Maria she put her warp on board, and with her tow in charge made for the bar. The tide at this time was on the ebb, still she got her charge safely through the outer break. On crossing, however, to the narrow part of the channel, the Maria took the ground with her heel, and would no longer answer her helm, although the Lioness remained towing for a considerable time after the Maria grounded. Every effort was used to get her off, but without success, and the Lioness then returned to the wharf. The owners of the Maria, Messrs. Hall, Finlay, and Co., at once made arrangements for despatching the cutter Lloyd's Herald to lighter her. Although this latter vessel was partially loaded for Okarita, she landed her cargo on the wharf again, and at low tide was taken in tow by twe whale boats to where the Maria lay aground. Unfortunately, however, in dropping down alongside the schooner, the set of the sea drove hoe across the Maria's bows, where she received considerable damage in her stern. At midnight, as the tide turned, it became apparent that both the Maria and Lloyd's Herald were drifting towards the shore. The larger vessel was being lifted by the breakers and heavily striking the ground, the roll of the surf gradually wearing her nearer towards the beach. Her companion in misfortune, the cutter, being empty, was dragging her anchors, and fast driving with the set of the current to the north of the Maria. Although the sea during the night was unusually calm, an hour afterwards both vessels were driven upon the beach, just on the edge of the surf. As it now became evident nothing further could be done to save the unfortunate crafts, a rope was connected with the shore, by means of which the lumpers engaged to tranship portion of the Maria's cargo into the Lloyd's Herald, as also the crew, gained the shore. The surf continued at intervals to break completely over the starboard side of the Maria, and by the sand boing washed away from under the side exposed to the sea, she heeled outwards in a manner to cause apprehension that the force of the waves breaking unchecked on her deck might get access to the hold and wash out the cargo, as happened with the Sir Francis Drake, a vessel similarly circumstanced about nine months ago. On the fall of the tide next morning, which left the Maria high and dry, the hatches were opened, and a gang of laborers commenced the work of discharging, which was proceeded with during the two following days at low water. From the damaged condition in which the cargo was landed, it was evident the ship was in a totally wrecked condition. The vessel herself was twisted and strained in all directions, and leaky in every seam. The whole of the cargo having been got ashore by Monday evening, 7th inst., the work of dismantling was commenced the next day. Before evening nothing was left standing but the lower masts, the whole of the running rigging, sails, spars, boats, anchors, &c, being placed above high water mark on the beach preparatory to being sold by public auction, on account of whom it might concern. The hull was sold for L3l. The rigging, sails, blocks, boats, ship's stores, &c., being put up in separate lots and disposed of at fair prices. We learn that both owners of the ship and cargo are but partially insured, and likely to prove heavy losers by the misfortune. The cutter after being driven ashore on the morning of the 5th, in a greatly damaged condition, was next morning placed on blocks, with the object of carrying her over the Spit. To tho owner of this handy craft, Mr O. L. Throckmorton, the loss must prove severe, as besides the damage to the Lloyd's Herald, together with the cost of taking her along the ways, he lost his freight from the Maria. The Maria is expected in a few tides to break up, and the Lloyd's Herald to be alongside the wharf for repairs. -West Coast Times, 12/5/1866.
The apparatus connected with the timeball at Port Chalmers is now complete; and Captain John Robertson, who is to have charge of the same, only awaits the execution of some slight repairs to the transit instrument. The use of the ball will be of the utmost value to shipping; and as its position is very prominent, visible at the Heads, and from nearly every part of the harbour, it will be useful also to many residing on shore. -Otago Daily Times, 20/4/1867.
Shipping
The barque Isabella Ridley, Captain John Robertson, late of the Sea Gull, left the Bluff on Thursday, Oct. 19, with a South-west breeze, which held until the Peninsula was sighted on Saturday morning; thence had North-east winds and calms until arrival in harbonr at 10 a.m. yesterday. The barque brings a large cargo of timber consigned to order. -Lyttelton Times, 25/10/1876.
Marriages.
MUIR-ROBERTSON. - On the 31st ult., at the residence of the bride’s father, Port Chalmers, by the Rev. James Maxwell, Captain John Muir, ship Invercargill, to Annie Isbister, eldest daughter of Captain John Robertson. -Evening Star, 10/1/1871.
Otago Harbour Board
The Chief Harbor-Master's memo., intimating that the Government had appointed Captain John Robertson signal-master, Port Chalmers, to be an examiner of masters' and mates' certificates of competency during Captain Orkney's leave of absence, having been taken into consideration, it was found that the Board had not been consulted with reference to the appointment; and secondly, that it would necessitate Captain Robertson leaving his station to attend in Dunedin when the examinations take place. Your Committee under these circumstances requested the Chief Harbor-master to report upon the necessity of keeping up the signal station, seeing that the Heads is connected both with Dunedin and Port Chalmers by telegraph, and his report is attached for the Board's Information. Your Committee recommends that the signal station at Port Chalmers be abolished, and that Captain Robertson receive three months' notice. -Evening Star, 11/11/1880.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE Friends of the late Captain John Robertson are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which leaves the Port Chalmers Hotel at 8 p.m. To-morrow (Saturday), 27th inst, for the place of interment there.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
Port Chalmers Marine Lodge, No. 943, EC.
Brethren are requested to meet at the Masonic Hall, Port Chalmers, at 8.80 p.m. To-morrow (Saturday) 27th Inst., to attend the Funeral of the late Brother Captain John Robertson.
White Ties and Gloves, By order W.M.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE MEMBERS of Court Robin Hood, No. 3,991, A.O.F. are requested to attend the Funeral of the late Brother, Captain John Robertson, meeting at the Hall at 2.80 p.m. To-morrow (Saturday), 27th inst.
Regalia: Neck-ribbon and white gloves. G. L. ASHER, Secretary. -Evening Star, 26/11/1880.
Local and general
The late Captain Robertson: — The following particulars of the melancholy accident by which Captain John Robertson, the signalmaster at Port Chalmers, lost his life will be read with interest. Our information is derived from the Dunedin Morning Herald of the 27th ultimo: — "It would appear that he had visited the ship Dunedin, and was returning to the wharf, when, in the act of stepping, from the rail to the stage, his foot slipped and he fell sideways into the water. The night was intensely dark, so that his position under the wharf was not at once perceived, and it was only when our shipping reporter was returning from the brigantine Sea Gull that the body was taken out of the water and brought ashore. Drs Hasard, Drysdale, and Hosking were soon in attendance, but their efforts to restore animation were unfortunately of no avail. Captain Robertson bore the reputation of being an excellent seaman and a most able navigator. His connection with the colonies extended over more than a quarter of a century, and in that time he was master of several traders to this port, the last Home trader he commanded, being, we believe, the ship Melbourne. His untimely death is much regretted." -Wanganui Chronicle,4/12/1880.
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