| Collection |
Marlborough Province - down the decades from early days |
| Description |
A black and white mounted photograph showing the ship Neptune foundered on the beach at the Wairau Bar in 1897.
Written on the back of the photograph by Frank W. Smith is, "F.W. Smith. Wreck of the "Neptune" at Wairau Bar, February 12th 1897. Photo[graph] W.A. Drummond, Tua Marina. Worked for F. Smith 1893-1899."
There is one copy in the same packet. Ruth Duncan (late Archives volunteer and relation of Frank W. Smith) has written on it, "Wreck of the "Neptune" at Wairau Bar 12 Feb[ruary] 1897". This copy is stamped with the number 0078, but it is not known by the cataloguer what this number refers to.
A scan of this photograph will be used in the Changing European History Gallery 2 display in commemoration of the Marlborough Provincial 150th anniversary on 1 November 2009.
................................................................................................................................................................................Caption 66
The end of the 64 ton Neptune at the Wairau Bar, 12 February, 1897. Flat-bottomed scows such as the Echo could safely sit unharmed for days if stuck on the bar. But the Neptune could only roll on to its side, and allow the waves to bash her to pieces. When crossing the ever-changing bar, she got stuck, and the engine injector housing choked with gravel, putting the engines out of action. Without power she drifted, and bumped her way along the Boulder Bank for over a kilometre, before she broke up. Four passengers aboard used a rope to get ashore. 2009.067.0055
|
| Year Range from |
1897 |
| Object ID |
2009.067.0055 |
| Object Name |
Photograph |
| People |
Drummond, W.A.
Smith, Frank WIlliam |
| Place |
Blenheim |
| Subjects |
Shipping
Ship Wreck
|
| Title |
Wreck of the Neptune 1897 |
|
