Roselyn Fauth
4 June 2023

 

Above: The design for the new Caroline Bay Playground will incorporate a themed cyclops swing inspired by the Alexandra Life Boat.

 

Timaru's Maritime History Inspires New Playground Design, Fostering Imagination and Reflection - a unique way to commemorate its past while igniting imaginations.

 

The story of the Alexandra lifeboat, a vessel that served as a beacon of hope in the treacherous waters, has inspired the design of the new Caroline Bay Playground, creating a space where children can pretend they are part of thrilling sea rescue adventures and learn and reflect on the town's seafaring heritage.

To pay homage to this storied vessel, the designers of the Caroline Bay Playground have incorporated a design feature inspired by the iconic lifeboat. As children step onto the playground's rubber 'pour-n-play' safety surface, they are greeted by a visual representation of the Alexandra lifeboat. This unique design element sparks curiosity and encourages children to learn more about the courageous sailors who once manned the vessel.

Over the Alexandra lifeboat-inspired design in the surface, is a double cyclops swing. As youngsters and adults alike take hold of the swing's ropes, they can imagine themselves riding the breakers, embarking on daring sea rescues, and experiencing the thrill of the open ocean. It is a joyful way to connect with the past and inspire a new generation of seafarers, fostering a sense of bravery and community spirit.

Through triumphs and tragedies of the Alexandra lifeboat, a vessel has served as a beacon of hope in treacherous waters. As we look back on its remarkable history, we are reminded of the courage and dedication displayed by its crew members.

In the 1860s, Timaru faced a pressing need for a boat that could navigate the heavy surf conditions, which proved unsafe for the existing whaleboats and surfboats. This necessity led to the development of a new lifeboat, the Alexandra, which underwent trials on December 8th, 1863, at Regent's Canal Dock. The vessel boasted impressive capabilities, ejecting water within 15 seconds of being fully submerged. Thanks to its cork-filled ends, the boat could empty itself and roll back upright, ensuring it would not fill with water and sink.

The 39-foot-long Alexandra was crafted by the National Life-boat Institution in the United Kingdom. In 1862, the Canterbury Provincial Secretary wrote to London, placing an order for the boat along with a launching carriage and provisions for six pulling oars and a steersman. The construction of the vessel was entrusted to the Messrs Forrest of Limehouse, under the guidance of Mr. John Marshman (or Marshall), the emigration agent for the Canterbury province. Eventually, the Alexandra lifeboat was imported from England by the Canterbury Provincial Council, bearing the name of Alexandra of Denmark, the wife of King Edward VII.

 

The 1861 Alexandra lifeboat in storage 2023 - Photo by Roselyn Fauth

 

Queen Alexandra, who grew up in Denmark and became the Princess of Wales upon her marriage to Edward VII in 1863, had a remarkable lineage. Her father was the King of Denmark, and her sister married the Tsar of Russia. Edward VII himself held the titles of King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as Emperor of India, until his passing in 1910. A square in Timaru is also named after her by King Street.

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

 

 

In 1863, the lifeboat Alexandra embarked on a 130-day journey from London to Lyttelton, New Zealand, aboard the "Huntress" ship. Alongside 300 emigrants, the vessel was destined for Timaru. However, unfavorable weather conditions, including a heavy south-easter, forced the ship to divert to Lyttelton instead. Unfortunately, the "Huntress," with a tonnage of 778, departed from Lyttelton for Callao, Peru (the port of Lima) but never reached its destination. The Alexandra lifeboat was brought down to Timaru and stored at the Government landing services at the foot of Strathallan Street.

 

"We find the following in the Home News: On the 8th of December some interesting and satisfactory trials were made at the Regent's Canal Dock, with a new life-boat, on the plan of those of the National Life-boat Institution, for New Zealand. The boat is 35ft. long and 6ft. wide, and seems to be admirably adapted for the special purpose for which she is required, namely to land passengers at Timaru, in the Canterbury province, from the ships and steamers which call there, when the surf would be too heavy for ordinary boats to venture off. Her self-righting properties answered extremely well and when full of water the boat self-ejected it in 15 seconds. She possesses all the qualities of the single-banked boats of the Life-boat Institution. She was shipped on board the emigrant ship Huntress, which has sailed for New Zealand with 200 or 300 emigrants. The boat was built by the Messrs, Forrest, of Limehouse, under the direction of Mr. John Marshman, [Marshall] the intelligent emigration agent for the province of Canterbury in this country.

Lyttelton Times, 28 February 1863, Page 4

On May 24th, 1869, tragedy struck when a crew member named Duncan Cameron drowned after the Alexandra capsized. Mr. Mills, the Harbour Master, was unable to assist due to an injury sustained during a rocket brigade rescue. Following this incident, the Alexandra lifeboat was taken out of service and not used for thirteen years until the Benvenue Disaster. 

 

"I am a mariner, employed on the surf boats at Timaru. I identify the body lying here as the body of Duncan Cameron. I last saw him alive on the 24th May. Between one and two o'clock deceased got into the lifeboat with me and others. He took the steer-oar and took the stroke-oar. I here were three attempts made to launch the lifeboat while we were in it. The drawback or undertoe [sic] took her off at last with only four oars in the boat. I thought we were clear of the surf, when a heavy sea came up and ran the boat astern and capsized her." 

Edward Newton (Timaru Herald, 5 June 1869, Page 5)

 

Government Landing Service at the foot of Strathallan Street, Timaru, 1860s. Shows buildings by the waterfront and possibly the shed where the lifeboat was stored. - tiaki.natlib.govt.nz/366331

 

A meeting of the Timaru lifeboat crew was held last evening. Chief-Coxwain in the chair. Captain Webster, the newly-appointed harbour Master was present, and elected Captain of the crew. A meeting will be held every three months.

(Timaru Herald 17 August 1873)

 

In 1877, due to financial constraints, Harbourmaster Captain Alexander Mills (1833-1882) was instructed to dismiss his lifeboat crew. However, the Harbour Board responded by forming a volunteer rocket brigade, inspired by Captain Mills' inquiry about operating the rocket apparatus. The brigade proved its effectiveness by swiftly rescuing the crew of the 'Craig Ellachie' and went on to assist numerous other ships in distress.

The rocket brigade was able to rise to most occasions, until the "Black Sunday" disaster of the Benvenue and the City of Perth. When no other boat could handle the sea conditions, the Alexandra lifeboat was pulled out of storage and raced into action on May 14, 1882. During the rescue attempts the vessel capsized four times, resulting in the loss of ten lives. 43 people were saved. A memorial was erected in Perth Street 1932 to honor the heroic rescue attempts associated with the Alexandra lifeboat.

 

"Life Boat. This boat and equipment have been thoroughly overhauled and painted inside and out this year. The boat is in good working order if required."

TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLIII, ISSUE 3960, 17 JUNE 1887, PAGE 3  paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/THD18870617.2.19

 

The boat was retired after the event and later placed on Caroline Bay, on the 50th anniversary of "Black Sunday. In 1997, the vessel was moved to the Landing Service Building  and a $40,000 restoration was completed. It was shifted to a shed at the council's service centre in the Botanic Gardens to make way for the Ngai Tahu Te Ana Rock Art Centre, which opened in 2010. Today, the vessel itself is stored away, inaccessible to the public. However, its remarkable history continues to inspire and remind us of the countless lives saved and the unwavering dedication of its crew members. It is one of the oldest vessels of its type in the world.

While the original Alexandra lifeboat rests in storage, inaccessible to the public, its spirit lives on through the Caroline Bay Playground. The vessel, remains a symbol of courage and selflessness. Its tale serves as a reminder of the countless lives saved and the unwavering dedication of the brave crew members who risked everything to protect others.

 

Curle Contracting team pouring foundations for the Cyclops Swing in June 2023 - Photo by Roselyn Fauth

 

The Caroline Bay Playground not only commemorates the past but also provides a space for children to engage in active play and exploration. It encourages them to embrace their imaginations, learn about their town's history, and foster a sense of unity and resilience.

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 life boat named City of Perth. . Wood engraving by Ashton, Julian Rossi, 1851-1942 slv.vic.gov.au/permalink/f/1cl35st/SLV_ROSETTAIE670476

 

"A crowd rushed, for the lifeboat, dragged the Alexandra off her carriage to the water, and a crew of seven was soon pulling for the scene of the disaster. It was a task demanding great skill..."

- Timaru Herald, 11 June 1914, Page 9 Supplement LIFE-SAVERS. WHOSE OCCUPATION'S GONE.  TIMARU ROCKET BRIGADE.

 

 

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

 

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". 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" - an indication of the harbour works undertaken at the harbour. South Canterbury Museum 1543

 

1909. South Canterbury Jubilee procession : lifeboat 'Alexandra' and crew. Past members of the 'Alexandra' lifeboat crew, posed on the boat, outside the Timaru Harbour Board Offices, prior to the South Canterbury Jubilee Parade on 14 January 1909. Depicts eleven crew members in the lifeboat, decorated with flags. Behind the boat is the Harbour Board offices, while on the left (obscured) is the John Edmonds store. Handwritten on the verso is: "Lifeboat at Jubilee" and "Presented June 10th 1943 to Historical Society". Ferrier, William, photographer, Timaru.  timdc.pastperfectonline.com/1553

 

Royal National Life Boat Institution of Great Britain Plans for lifeboat.  None of the original Alexandra Lifeboat plans are known to exist.

 

 

 

Cyclops Swing supplied by The Playground Centre for the new playground at Caroline Bay 

 

Creo's Construction Plan specifying the Pour and Play Colours for the Cyclops Swing surfacing.

 

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.

 

The Alexandra on display at Caroline Bay 1997 - Photograph by Philip Brownie

 

The Alexandra can justafiably be regarded as one New Zealand's most historic sailing vessels. There are few vessels older, perhaps only the Edwin Fox (1856). -  Lifeboat Alexandra Conservation Plan Draft July 1997, Mariotime and Transportation Trust.

 

The carriage had the axle straightened and the wheels were retracked. Here is the Alexandra Lifeboat on it's original carrage outside the Timaru Landing Services Building - Photograph by Philip Brownie

 

The Alexandra on it's way to a a parade, moved on the original wagon, pulled by four clydesdale horses - Photograph by Philip Brownie

 

 The Alexandra in storage away from public view 2023 - Photograph by Roselyn Fauth

 

 

 

Timaru's Caroline Bay used to be known as the Riviera of the South. A wide, sandy beach, it was where Cantabrians would flock (by train) to swim, sunbathe and attend carnivals and concerts. Though it doesn't quite draw the crowds of "Riviera" times these days, it's still a beautiful bay, enjoyed by Timaru locals.
But it wasn't always a place of peace, nor of fine golden sand. Rather, Caroline Bay was a place of heaving southerly swells and many a shipwreck. According to Timaru researcher Roselyn Fauth, the story is a good one - and she's helping plan a new playground to pay tribute to it.
"The natural basin of the area provided some shelter for ships," Roselyn tells Frank Film of Caroline Bay, referring back to the 1800s. "So they could come here, and they could import and export."
When a big southerly swell roared to life, though, the place became a nightmare for ships.
"I think over about 16 years we saw 28 shipwrecks here," says Roselyn, a Timaru local and passionate historian. Mooring became a point of contention: to move the ships closer for more efficient handling of goods? Or to keep them further out, at a safer distance?
At the centre of all this, caught in the politics, was Captain Mills, who'd been harbourmaster for 16 years. He had a big job, especially when the sea rose up. Captain Mills bore the responsibility for the lives of all those aboard the ships, as well as the rescue Rocket Brigade and lifeboat crew.

Learn more here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/frank-film-timarus-caroline-bay-remembering-a-stormy-history/FMMQNCYSLP5X4RNPZ4PZNUEE2A/

 

 

Timeline 

 

1835-1842 - Whaling based in an around what would become Timaru

1851 - First Shipment of wool leaves Timaru. Timaru's port story began in 1851 when George Rhodes used what little natural shelter its headland offered to land stores and materials for his house. Soon he was landing goods for others.

1852 - 11 Bales of wool were exported on the Agnes and Anna Ship from Timaru. The first boatmen were Māori from Arowhenua who used two whale boats to transport goods to and from ships.

1858 - First emigrants arrive.George Rhodes negotiated with Henry J. Le Cren of the firm Longden and Le Cren of Lyttelton to operate the first commercial landing and shipping service and promised Le Cren a quarter-acre section to erect a store at the foot of Strathallan St., Timaru.  

1858 - Le Cren started to operate a landing service at the foot of Strathallan St. The service and a store were run by Captain Henry Cain (he came with his wife to Timaru in 1857, with a small cargo of goods to open a store. He lived in a cob house. There were five homes in Timaru by 1858.). The service later became the Government Landing Service in 1866.

1859 - Le Cren took on the professional Deal Boatmen; John Wilds, Morris Cory, Robert Bowbyes, Henry Clayson, William John Roberts and John J. Bowles. The six boatmen with their families from Deal, Kent, the UK sailed to New Zealand on the Mystery for an 80 day voyage. The pay was low and the risk was high. Less than a year after they arrived, Henry Clayson drowned. His position was replaced by Phillip Foster. When a ship was in trouble, the Deal Boatmen would go to the rescue. - Page 149 Oliver A. Gillespie's book South Canterbury A Record of Settlement.

1859 - Boats were rowed by men, from one of the landing services, transported goods from the sailing ships to the beach and vice versa. The outer moorings for large vessels were a mile off shore and the inner moorings for coasters was ⅓ mile out.  Note the three double doorways for drawing the boats inside. The crews worked under Strongwork Morrison, beach master and coxswain. 

1860 - Timaru's first life boat from Sydney is landed but is rarely, if ever used. 

1860  - The Deal boatmen crew thought a schooner Wellington was in distress during a gale. The sea was too rough for a life boat, so they boarded a small two oar boat. A wave capsized the boat and two boatmen drowned, Morris Cory and Robert Bowbyes. Their burials were the first recorded at the Timaru Cemetery.

1861 - Timaru was gazetted a port. A life boat was brought down, and left on the beach for two years. And in 1862 a new lifeboat was requested.

1862  - Provincial Council orders lifeboat, later to be called the Alexandra from England for use at Timaru for 300 pounds. In the January the same year Timaru was given permission to purchase a rocket - the Manby's apparatus - at a cost of 100 pounds. It did not take up the offer until 1867 when the Boxers mortar was bought.

1863 - The Boat was built by the Messrs, Forrest, of Limehouse, under the direction of Mr. John Marshman, [Marshall] the intelligent emigration agent for the province of Canterbury in this country.

1863 - 1863 Alexandra is launched 10 July. Alexandra Lifeboat leaves London for a 130 day journey to Timaru on the Huntress with 300 emigrants. Ship was diverted to Lyttelton because of sea conditions. It was named after the wife of King Edward VII, Alexandra of Denmark. Many of the boatmen became the crew of the life boat. They were employed to man it. A public holiday was declaired to mark the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra. A boatshed was built for the lifeboat next to Le Crens landing service shed. And later stored in the Government Landing Service shed at the foot of Strathallan Street. The lifeboats horse drawn carriage would be used to move the boat around. A celebration took place on 10 July 1863 and the Alexandra was christened about 4pm by a Miss Chisholm. launced rowed around the outer mooorings in the bay, hauled back up on to the beach and then house. There was no regular crew for the lifeboat and having asked for one, it was suggested that a duty be applied to visiting vessels to pay for their expenses. 

1863 - "One great drawback to this place [Timaru] is there is no harbour for ships, otherwise, no doubt, it would become an important place." wrote Henry Shepherd in 1863 on arriving in Timaru on the Lancashire Witch.  New residents and their belongings had to be loaded on small boats and brought to shore from the vessels. It was a process Mr Shepherd recorded as taking all day.

1864 - A shed is built for lifeboat, but it soon attracts criticism for its positioning. The provisional council was pressured to provide a new building and service and eventually agreed. Incorporated in the new building, which opened in September 1865, was a shed for the lifeboat.

1866 - Captain Mills was appointed as the Beachmaster (later Harbourmaster) at Timaru. (Also the lighthouse keeper and pilot). 

1866 - The Government Landing Service was later run by the Timaru Harbour Board in 1889. "The Government to take charge of the landing service at Timaru and place it under the management of Captain Beswick, the Harbour Master. Captain Gibson, the Port Office for the Province is at present in Timaru for the object, formally taking possession of the service on behalf of the Government." - Timaru Herald. Friday March 30 1866

1866 - Prince Consort, Schooner. 35 tons. When lying at anchor at Timaru on 20 Dec dragged anchor and wrecked. Capsized when her ballast shifted. Washed over the reef, broke up in the night, and was sold for £73. Three men were on board, and two of them, with the efficient aid rendered by the Alexandra life-boat, were rescued. John Passmore was stranded after the wreck and stayed on in Timaru  to work at the Government Landing Service. Alexandra lifeboat crew launched to help the Prince Corsort crew. An account of the event - paperspast/THD18670116 "three men were on board, and two of them, with the efficient aid rendered by the Alexandra life-boat, were fortunately rescued." - Oamaru Times December 25th 1866

1867 - Boxer's Mortar bought and rocket crew formed.

1868 - Timaru Landing and Shipping Company was set up further along the beach at George Street and leased a two-storeyed, hip-roofed building from Peter McRae a publican. Timaru Landing and Shipping Company ran 1868-1884. In 1875 McRae sold it to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, which made additions at the rear. The directors were G.G. Russell, Fredric Le Cren, Richard Turnbull and J. Mendelson.  When Cain returned from England he became manager of the Timaru Landing and Shipping Service at the foot of George St.

1869 - Trading Vessels the Susan Jane and Collingwood get into troublew entering Timaru Harbour. While going to the aid of the Susan Jane, one member of the lifeboat crew, Duncan Cameron is lost overboard and drowned. He was on board the Alexandra lifeboat when it capcized on the way to help when the ships Collingwood and Susan Jane were in distress. 17 Colingwood, and Susan Jane 9  saved by the Rocket Brigade.

"The fine barque, commandeered by Captain John Lewis, is a wreck at Timaru. This vessel cleared customs on the 10th inst., with a cargo of 1900 bags wheat, shipped by Messrs Cox and Baber; she sailed for Timaru to complete her loading. The Port Officer received a telegram this morning to the following effect; "Collingwood ashore on the beach; all lives saved by the rocket apparatus. Mills badly burnt by rockets. Susan Jane in great danger of going ashore." - Star Monday 24 May 1869
"The barques Collingwood and Susan Jane came ashore to-day. The Twilight is still riding safely in the roadstead.  The cause of the wreck of the two barques is thought to be through attempting to put to sea last night, with scarcely any wind, and a heavy sea in shore.  The gradually drifted in shore, and the Collingwood was beached about 4 o'clock this morning.  The  Susan Jane put down anchors when in the breakers, and drifted until two o'clock to-day, when she beached.  The life-boat put off to answer a signal of distress from the Twilight.  She made several unsuccessful efforts to leave the beach, and at length got away with six men in her.  She got near a reef, when heavy breakers upset the boat, all the men being thrown into the water, one man was drowned. - Star 25 May 1869
Subscription lists have been opened in Lyttelton, for the wife and children (4) of Duncan Cameron, late coxswain of the pilot boat at Timaru, who was drowned on Monday, through the capsizing of the life-boat, whilst proceeding to render assistance to the crew of the schooner Twilight. The deceased was well known on the coast, more particularly at Taranaki. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by Captain Gibson, Port Officer; or at the Banks and Custom House." -  Star May 27, 1869. The schooner Twilight arrived in Lyttelton harbour this morning from Timaru.

1870 - The brig Layard, Captain Worledge, lying at anchor off Timaru, went ashore this morning between Mr Le Cren's office and the Landing-shed. All nine hands were saved by the rocket apparatus. A very heavy sea was running - The Star Wednesday June 8 & 9 1870. 9 on the Layard saved by the Rocket Brigade.

1872 - George Street Service ran 1872-1884.

1873 -  9 on the Fairy Queen saved by the Rocket Brigade. The brig Fairy Queen had parted her cable. The signal had the effect of attracting a large number of people to the beach.  In addition to the rocket-apparatus being placed in readiness to be conveyed to any place it might be needed, the lifeboat crew were ordered to be ready for action. Later that day the Duke of Edinburgh, parted and drifted towards shore, passing close to the ketch Wanderer. A blue light was burned on shore indicating a good position to strike the beach.  The rocket apparatus was again got ready to help the ketch Wanderer.
The brig Silver Lining was almost in trouble and had the captain's wife and two children on board. Another bluelight was exhibited from the vessel, and this was answered by a gun from the lighthouse. Fortunately, just as she reached the outer breakers a land breeze sprang up and carried her away.  - The Star  August 30 1873 page 3

1873 - "The Timaru" New Whale Boat arrived as the new passenger boat for the use of the Landing und Shipping Company's Service took place. The boat having been placed at the water's edge, and her crew stationed at each side with oars erect, the sprinkling was performed in the orthodox fashion, the name given her being the "Timaru." She was then launched, crew and passengers numbering eleven, pulled out as far us the barque Sylphide, back to the Beautiful Star, und thence to the starting point. Although the waves were not high there was just sufficient unevenness of water to test the capabilities of the boat, and the whole of the party were unanimous m the opinion that she behaved admirably. She bridged the seas in fine style and proved herself to be the fastest and perhaps the most comfortable boat for passenger purposes in use at Timaru. The boat is built of cedar, copper fastened, in thirty-one feet in length, six feet beam, two feet two inches in depth, and curries six oars. She is strongly put together, well finished, and a credit her builder, Mr Sutherland. -Timaru Herald 10 November 1873 Page 3

1873 - The boatmen go on strike over wages. The ringleaders of the strike were dismissed. and men from Dunedin and Lyttleton were brought in. A dinner was held for the boatmen from all three landing services with management.

1875 - 11 on the Princess Alice, 10 Isabella Ridley, 9 Craig Ellachie saved by the Rocket Brigade.

1877 - Harbourmaster Captain Alexander Mills (1833-1882) was instructed to dismiss his lifeboat crew. He was one of the founders of the first Masonic Lodge in Timaru (and was Worshipful Master of the Caledonian Lodge S.C when he died). - paperspast/THD18820516.2.22

1877 - Calm, sunny day, with a tremendous sea. The barque Isabella Ridley came ashore in front of the Government landing services. flying a signal of distress. The rocket crew had been summoned by a gun from the Harbour master's Station, and as soon as the barque beached they threw a rocket through the foresail, setting it on fire for a time. The line held, and the crew of 10 were soon safely landed. About two thousand people witnessed the whole affair. Had two thousand sacks of grain on board - The Star April 20th 1877 

1873 - By this year, the volunteer rocket brigade, saved 51 lives. Two rocket guns fired lines to ships in distress and enabled crews to be hauled ashore. This brigade was disbanded when the breakwater was completed. Eight men had also been rescued in the lifeboat Alexandra which was purchased in 1864, but was never a success.

1879 - 5 on the Pelican Layard saved by the Rocket Brigade.

1871 - 21saved from the City of Cashmere by the Rocket Brigade.

1881 - The two George Street services closed. Was the end of the surf boat era. This was after the breakwater was completed at the pport. The structure deflected the waves towards the beach making it harder and more dangerous for the boatmen. It also banked up the shingle.

1882 -  The Duke of Sutherland wrecked. Built of wood, had about 1000 tons of grain onboard, 10,550 sacks of wheat, shipped by the New Zealand Grain Agency and Mercantile Company. The vessel and cargo are fully insured by Adelaide offices. The Rocket Brigade answered the signals by firing a gun from the lighthouse, an attempt was made to launch the lifeboat, but the order was countermanded, as the sea was comparatively smooth. 

"A good deal of excitement was caused in Timaru to-night by the barque Duke of Sutherland making distress signals in the roadstead. Shortly after seven o'clock a gun was fired on board, and, after waiting about half an hour, two rockets were fired from the vessel, and blue lights were burned on deck as signals of distress. It was at first imagined that the vessel must have parted her moorings, but as she still remained at her anchorage such an idea was abandoned. The Rocket Brigade answered the signals by firing a gun from the lighthouse, and an attempt was made to launch the lifeboat, but the order was countermanded, as the sea was comparatively smooth. The captain and his crew came ashore in the ship's boat about nine o'clock, and reported that the vessel had sprung a leak and was filling with water, there being then fully six feet of water in her hold. The vessel is grain laden, and she had nearly completed her loading, and was expected to sail for London to-morrow with a full cargo." - The Star May 3 1882

1882 - After not being used for nearly 13 years, the Alexandra is called on to save the lives of crew fro two stricken vessels. Nine people die. There were five ships in Port.. A violent sea was running. The sky was clear, there was no wind. The Benvenue ran up a signal of distress, signal gun was fired to summon the Rocket Brigade. "Black Sunday" disaster of the Benvenue and the City of Perth. Captain Mills attempted to save the City of Perth. Several boats were launched including, eventually, the lifeboat Alexandra. The Alexandra had not been used for many years. Nine men, including Captain Mills died. 43 people were saved by crews using the Alexandra lifeboat. Benvenue medals were awarded. The lifeboat was later used in civic parades. The Alexandra capcised three times on its first trip, once on the second trip and one man drowned. And the third trip was successful in rescuing men from surfboats.

The Proposed Monument. The tender of Mr McBride, stonemason, in the sum of 275pounds, has been accepted for the erection of the monument to the memory of those who lost their lives on May 14th last. The Government have given permission for it to be placed on the vacant part, of the Post Office section in front of Church Terrace. 200 pounds towards its cost has already been subscribed, and the trustees intend to make up the balance without trenching upon the Relief Fund. - Timaru Herald, 2 November 1882, Page 7

From the monument at corner of Sophia and Church Street, opposite St. Mary's Church, Timaru. An annual Seafarers' Service is held the third Sunday in October with a parade lead by the Timaru Municipal Brass Band including ex-naval men, crews from one or two HMNZS vessels, the Endeavour Sea Scouts and representatives from other armed services Timaru, a wreath-laying at the Benvenue monument then on to St Mary's for a service. 

This tablet contains the names of those who perished in the endeavour to save life 14th May 1882.

Captain Alexander Mills, Harbour master. Timaru. (Made it back to shore, but died on his way home from exhaustion) buried with Masonic honours.
John Blacklock, First Mate / Chief Officer  "City of Perth" (Broke his legs and died in hospital after they were amputated). left a widow and family unprovided for, keeps a lodging-house in the East India Dock road, London.
Robert Gardiner, of Alloa (Allour?), Second Mate of the City of Perth, single, aged 25. (he declined to be first attended to, and directed the rescuers to another man who was drowning, but after all was himself lost.)
Donald McLean, (David?) of Prince Edward's Island, carpenter, "City of Perth, left a wife and family.
William McLern, (also refferred to as Olaren) Waterman, Timaru. washed ashore at Dashing Rock
Emanuel Nielson, Boatman, Timaru. From Sweden
Martin Beach, Boatman, Timaru.
Harry (harry?) McDonald, Boatman, Timaru. Left a wife and family.
George Falgar, Boatman, Timaru (bricklayer's labourer, Timaru. Left a wife and family in Timaru)

 

This tablet contains the names of those who survived the endeavour to save life 14th May 1882:

Budd, W.  Balsom, R.H.   Bradley, D.  Bradley, I.J.  Bradley, P.  Collins, Robert  Collis, W.  Cracknell, James  Crocome, J.  Davis. George  Findlay, G.   Graham, Christopher   Harford, W.   Hart, T.  Haylock, A. L.  Henneker, J.  Houlihon, J.  Isherwood, J.  Ivey, E.J.  Le Roy, M   McDonald, C.  McIntosh, J.  McKenzie, Francis  McKenzie, W.R.  Martin, T.  Mentac, G.   Moore, Charles   Morgan, T.  Oxby, W.  Passmore, S.J.  Paterson, J.A.  Reid, J.  Shaab, Andrew   Shirtcliffe, G.  Smith, W.S.  Sunnaway, George  Thompson, M.  Thomson, J.  Turnbull, A.B.  Trousselot, Henry  Vogeler, C.  Walls, W.H.

 

1885 - Its longest trip was to Milford Lagoon when the Barque Hudson was stranded, but not called on to save life. The barque Hudson on the Ninety Mile Beach near Milford Haven, Temuka - Timaru Herald, 27 November 1885, Page 3.

1885 - The crew disbanded in September.

1875  - The largest cargo landed by Cains company at George Street was the railway locomotive, four trucks,  and six tonnes of steel fastenings. 

1901 - The Government landing services building was demolished to make room for the railway.

1909 - Alexandra features in a procession for the commermoration of the Timaru's 50th anniversary.

1932 - The Harbour boatd gifts the Alexandra to the brorough council which puts it on display in Caroline Bay, as a commemoration of the tragedy of 1882. A memorial was erected on Perth Street to honour the heroic rescue attempts associated with the Alexandra lifeboat. The boat was retired after the event and later placed on Caroline Bay, on the 50th anniversary of "Black Sunday. The boat was painted.

1997 - Alexandra  os removoed from its shelter prior to restoration. The boat was moved to the Landing Service Building and a $40,000 restoration was completed. (The Timaru Civic Trust was formed in 1987 to save the historic Landing Services Building. It purchased the building from the council for $1 to save it from demolition.)

2010 - The boat was moved to a shed at the council's yard in the Timaru Botanic Gardens to make way for the Ngai Tahu Te Ana Rock Art Centre.