By CPlay Volunteer, Roselyn Fauth

A modern playground design has been inspired by the heroic sea rescue efforts that took place over 160 years ago. The playground, created by the CPlay team in Timaru, aims to connect people to interesting local stories while offering an engaging and educational play experience for children and families.

 

If you were a 19th-century mariner, living in tricky conditions on a sailing ship, at the mercy of wind and weather, your life may have been rife with superstitions. Maybe it gave some feeling of control over your destiny. The last time anybody may ever see you or the ship could be when you disappeared over the horizon. 

So if you were an 1860s sailer you could be forgiven for having sea superstitions. You may have thought, adopting a black "ship's cat" would bring good luck, departing on a Friday brough back luck. You must not bring bananna's or flowers on board, if a sharks were following a ship, it was a sign of death, you always stepped on board with the right foot first, sirens or mermaids could wreck a ship with one song, ships were referred to as "she" due to being the sailor's home and refuge, and it was a good luck to place a coin under the mast for good luck during outfitting, adding an additional coin if the mast is replaced. But maybe the one supersition that was unhelpful, was that you couldn't swim because of your fatalistic views.

If you couldn't swim when your ship was in trouble near the shore at Timaru, then either you believed that the sea had its own will and that drowning was predestined, or you would have been relieved to see help on the way from the local lifeboat and rocket brigade crews.

Timaru was quickly developing a reputation as a ship graveyard. Many ships found themselves in dire situations, especially in and around Caroline Bay, due to their proximity to the shore and unfavorable swells and weather - regardless of how many superstitions you followed.

The rescue teams saved many lives, and their courage, skill, sacrfice has gained respect and admiration for over 160 years. So, drawing inspiration from these storeis, the CPlay team incorporated a Sea Rescue theme into the playground design.

Play equipmment and surfacing design elements were created to reflect the maritime stories of Timaru. Among them, a lighthouse slide tower stands tall, symbolizing the beacons that guided ships to safety or watched them get into trouble. A wrecked ship serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors in the past.

"A themed sea rescue playground offers a fun and educational space where children can learn, play, and develop important life skills. It promotes awareness, teamwork, physical activity, and a sense of responsibility, all while sparking imaginations and creating lasting memories." - Roselyn Fauth, CPlay Volunteer

One of the standout features is a flying fox themed after the rocket brigade sea rescue. This tandem 50m ride pays tribute to the volunteers who used rockets to fire a line over distressed ships, enabling the crew to be broght to shore. Additionally, a double cyclops swing, inspired by the Alexandra lifeboat, and a run-to-the-rescue mouse wheel provide interactive play experiences that immerse children in the history of Timaru's maritime rescues.

Between 1866 and 1886, a total of 28 ships were wrecked or refloated off the Timaru coastline. The efforts of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade and the lifeboat crew saved numerous lives during this period. The brigade, established in 1867, utilized rockets to fire cables to ships in distress and successfully rescued 51 individuals by 1873.

The shipwrecks in Timaru were often caused by factors such as unseaworthy vessels, disregard for instructions from the harbor master, rough seas, ships being too close to the shore, foggy conditions, fires on board, or ballast shifting. Various types of cargo, including whale oil, luggage, timber, coal, wool, and sacks of wheat, were at risk or lost during these incidents.

To alert rescuers to a ship in trouble, distress signals such as upside-down flags, distress flags, ringing bells, distress lights, flares, smoke, and the town's signal gun were used. The rocket brigade would swiftly respond, firing rockets with lines attached to establish a lifeline between the ship and shore. Crew members on the ship would then be transported to safety using a breeches buoy, resembling a "flying fox" ride, suspended from the rope.

The playground design pays tribute to the brave men who served in the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade and the lifeboat crew. It raises awareness and education teaching about maritime safety, team work, resilience and empowerment.

The new playground can inspire imaginative play, preserve the stories of heroism and the importance of community support during times of crisis. The sea rescue playground provides an exciting backdrop for them to immerse themselves in rescue missions and maritime adventures. It encourages role-playing, problem-solving, and teamwork, fostering creativity and imagination.

 

By engaging children and families in imaginative play and exploration, the playground fosters a deep connection to the town's past while creating heaps of fun and lasting memories for generations to come.

 

 

The Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade posed on the rocks below the cliffs at Caroline Bay, circa 1882. Fourteen of the volunteers and their lifesaving equipment are pictured. To the left is the triangle, with the hawser rope basket underneath it. The third man to the left is holding the breeches buoy and in front of him is the whip basket. The rocket line box can be seen at an angle (closest to the water) and the portfire box is to the left rear of the man holding the stave. See David Batchelor's "Lifesaving Rockets of Timaru" (Timaru: South Canterbury Museum, 2006) for more information. Several of the men appear to be wearing medals on their left chest awarded to those involved in the Benvenue and City of Perth wreck rescues in May 1882. - South Canterbury Museum Catalogue Number 0844

A Cry for Help the Life Line from the Shore.  A Cry for Help, the Life-Line from the Shore, Rocket Apparatus used by the Volunteer Life Brigade. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 8 January 1887.

 

Construction of the flying fox, modified to look like a rocket launcher - Photo by Roselyn Fauth June 2022. 

  

Before Timaru's breakwater was built, many ships got into trouble when importing and exporting. They ships were oftern too close to shore, so when a big sea came up it would cause the ship to loose it's anchor. Sometimes a big sea would be running with very little wind to power the ships sails. So the ship was too close to shore and didn't have enough space to tack out of danger. Some of the these wrecks ran aground on the beaches at Timaru. To offer assistance, a lifeboat crew or rocket brigade could run to the rescue.

As many of these wrecks happened in and around Caroline Bay, and Timaru’s port has been an important aspect of the area’s development, the CPlay team decided Sea Rescue would be a good theme to incorporate into the playground. It would offer a lot of play inspiration while helping people to connect to Timaru's maritime stories.

Some of the play elements have been inspired by:

• A lighthouse slide tower,
• A wrecked ship,
• Flying fox themed to a rocket brigade sea rescue,
• Double cyclops swing themed to the Alexandra lifeboat,
• and a run to the rescue mouse wheel.

 

28 Ships were wrecked or refloated between 1866 and 1886. Many of these wrecks took place in and around the bay. Lifesaving equipment was purchased in the 1860s, including a life boat and the 'Rocket Life-saving Boxer'. This would fire a line over a stricken ship. The line had a heavier rope with a tail-block and pulley attached. This was secured to the ship and a breeches buoy could then be hauled between the ship and shore. - teara.govt.nz/timarus-rocket-brigade

1867 Volunteer Timaru Rocket Brigade established about 1867, when a supply of rockets arrived from England. The rockets were initially operated by the lifeboat crew under the command of the Harbourmaster, but when the Provincial Council system was abolished in 1876, a volunteer crew was formed to assist the Harbourmaster. By 1873 the rocket brigade had saved 51 lives using two rocket guns to fire cables to ships in distress, and haul crews to shore.

 

Reasons for some of the shipwrecks in Timaru:

• Not sea worthy. Un sea worth vessles - one was so spongy you could poke your finger through it.
• Ignore instuctions. Some were given instructions to go out to sea and wait for calmer conditions and ignored the harbour master.
• Big waves. Rough seas "parted the ships cables" and the ships lost thier anchoring and drifted into the cliffs or onto beaches.
• Too close. The ships were too close to shore, so when a big sea was running and there was no wind, they couldn't use the sails to manouvre out to sea.
• Fog. Got lost in fog.
• Fire. Had a fire on board.
• On an angle. Ballast on the ship shifted and created a list.

 

Some of the cargo that was at risk was:

• Whale oil
• Luggage
• Wood for the Temuka Bridge
• Sacks of wheat
• Bales of wool
• Coal

 

How you could spot a ship in trouble:

• Could see they lost an anchor and were drifting
• Distress flag, or upside down flag
• Ringing bell in distress
• Green or red distress light on board
• Hearing the towns signal gun summon rescue crew
• Saw a flare
• Saw smoke

 

They would attach a rope to a rocket and fire it, from the shore to the ship. A pair of shorts attached to a life saver (breeches buoy) hung under a rope. They shipwrecked crew took turns getting into the shorts and being pulled to shore by the rocket brigade sea rescue crew - A bit like using a "flying fox".

 

A Cry for Help the Life Line from the Shore.  A Cry for Help, the Life-Line from the Shore, Rocket Apparatus used by the Volunteer Life Brigade. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 8 January 1887.

 

The Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade posed on the rocks below the cliffs at Caroline Bay, circa 1882. Fourteen of the volunteers and their lifesaving equipment are pictured. To the left is the triangle, with the hawser rope basket underneath it. The third man to the left is holding the breeches buoy and in front of him is the whip basket. The rocket line box can be seen at an angle (closest to the water) and the portfire box is to the left rear of the man holding the stave. See David Batchelor's "Lifesaving Rockets of Timaru" (Timaru: South Canterbury Museum, 2006) for more information. Several of the men appear to be wearing medals on their left chest awarded to those involved in the Benvenue and City of Perth wreck rescues in May 1882. - South Canterbury Museum Catalogue Number 0844

 

 

Run to the rescue

1. The Lighthouse in Timaru used to be up on Le Crens Terrace over looking the harbour. The Harbourmaster lived next door and used the lighthouse as a Watch House for the Brigade. Before the lighthouse was a tower for people to keep watch and it was exposed to the elements.
2. Particular flags were hoisted to give instruction to ships in the harbour. And lights was used to communicate. If a ship was in trouble they could raise the alarm with upside down flags, and orange flag, a lantern or gestures.
3. When a ship was in trouble the harbour master would sound the alarm, by firing the signal gun, that looked like a small cannon.
4. A cart was hurried to the nearest accessible point, and rescuing crews work began.
5. The crews uniform was a dark blue guernsey with an arm band showing The initials T.V.R.B for the Timaru, Volunteer Rocket Brigade.
   (Uniform - a blue guernsey jersey, with T.V.R.B. in 1½ inch red worsted letters on the breast, and Scotch cap all with the name of the Brigade on it.)
6. The a stand for the rocket was set up. The frame had to be perfectly level and allowances for wind had to be made to ensure the rocket made it through the rigging on the ship.
7. A thin rocket line was attached to the Boxer Mortar and loaded onto the stand.
8. A tube containing a detonating mixture was set off by a lever-trigger and ignited a fuse on the rocket that took about 5 seconds to burn. It was fired to the crew on the ship.
9. If the line didn't fall within reach of the shipwrecked crew, another rocket had to be immediately laid and fired. The first line was hauled back in in case they needed another attempt.
10. They secured the line to the ship, and a thicker rope was winched over.
11. This was connected to a tripod on the beach, and the ships mast.
12. If the line has been seized by the crew, they used certain signals, with flags during the day and lights at night.
13. The crew on shore connect the other end of the rope to a tripod, and burry an anchor with one fluke in the earth. This helped to keep the rope high and keep the ships crew clearer from the waves, wreckage, and rocks on the way to shore.
14. Next step was for the shipwrecked crew to set up the "Whip". This is a rope led over a pulley or wheel where the ropes ends are connected. A block with a pulley and a rope attached was usually attached to a mast.
15. A breachers buoy hung from the traveller rope. This was like a pair of shorts with a life saver ring. A passenger got inside the breachers buoy and "flying foxed" from ship to shore, some times drenched in the sea on the way.
16. The rocket brigade had regular drills to practice their roles and teamwork.

 
Over 18 years, 28 Ships were wrecked or stranded off the Timaru Coastline.
16 Wrecked, and 7 were re-floated. (4 x Brigantines, 2 x Iron Ships, 6 x Barques, 1 x Iron Clipper, 2 x Steamers, 2 x Schooners, 1 x Ketch, and 2 x Brigs.)

• The T.V.R.B. saved 100 lives.
• The lifeboat crew saved 43.
• 15 people drowned or died from injury resulting from Timaru shipwrecks.
• Some of the cargo that was at risk or lost was, whale oil, luggage, timber for the Temuka bridge, coal, wool, and sacks of wheat.

 

The Timaru Rocket Brigade posed as if practicing on the rocks below the cliffs on Caroline Bay, circa 1883.  Those pictured are (from left to right): Alf Potts, Alf Allan, Arthur H Turnbull (at back), Carl Vogeler (in front), Chris Gruhn, Adamson, Arthur Haylock, George Davies, W Budd, James E S Jackson (First Lieutenant), W Webster (Captain and Harbour Master), John McNab, W J Hughes, and George Shirtcliffe (manning the rocket trough). Note five of the men are wearing what appear to be their Benvenue medals, awarded following that wreck in may 1882. - South Canterbury Museum - Catalogue Number 0847

 

Signal Gun - Gunnard

To summon help a signal gun was fired. Usually a warning was sounded first. Followed by a second firing of the signal gun to summon the rocket brigade.
The day before the Ben Venue disaster, all through the night Captain Mills, the Harbourmaster, kept constant watch on the ships riding in the roadstead. Daylight revealed these "ships riding heavily", so he fired the signal gun, at 8am to summon the rocket brigade. Straight away the brigade assembled. There were huge rollers, for several miles out, "were breaking foam". That sea was one of the heaviest known on the Timaru coastline for many a day. By 1pm the Benvenue was drifting. As a measure of precaution, the rocket brigade hastened to the cliffs at Dashing Rocks, in order to make ready to rescue the crew of the Benvenue with the aid of lifelines.. A boat was lowered from the ship, the crew clambered into the boat and made for the City of Perth. 

This gunnade is believed to have been delivered to Timaru for the use of the Brigade in 1882. Positioned outside the Timaru lighthouse, it probably saw little use. The gun is through to ave remained there for many years. Eventually it passed to the local collector, Keith McFadgen, who had the present gun carriage made to rest the cannon upon. - On display at the South Canterbury Musuem - Photography by Roselyn Fauth

Carl George Vogeler wore this leather armband as a member of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade. It consists of an oval patch, painted on the front with a white background, a red border, and a blue anchor with a brown rope. Above the anchor are the letters ‘T.V.R.B’ in blue with red highlights. A brown leather strap with a buckle is sewn across the back of the patch. Handwritten on the back in black is ‘Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade – C. G. Vogeler – 1882. nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/3359/objects/86233/armband

 

Drone Photo showing the flying fox "ship masts and crows nests being installed - Jack Rushton May 2023

 

Preparation and construction of the flying fox mound and equipment. Photo Roselyn Fauth June 2023

 

 Volunteer Roselyn Fauth with her children Annabelle (4) and Medinella (8) and the Mayor of Timaru Nigel Bowan.

 

CPlay Volunteers, John Rushton and Chris Fauth check out the taniwha on the flying fox. The black is the shock layer and will be covered up by a colourful layer representing the sea and a harbour jetty. The taniwha was designed and gifted to CPlay by Francine Spencer.

 

 

Sea Rescue Timeline

 

1807. Captain Manby, F.R.S. when stationed at Yarmouth, England, devised the "Manby mortar launching device". It helped save lives, but had limited range and the violent nature of the initial blast often caused the life line to break.

1807. After witnessing a disaster where 100 drowed, Henry Trengrouse came up with the idea of a rocket launching apparatus with a line attached. Like the Manby device,  the Trengrouse device could be launched from shore across the wrecked vessel whereby a line could be drawn from shore to the stricken vessel, upon which a chair was attached for transporting survivors,  could be pulled back to shore. The line didn't snap and the rocket travelled a greater distance than the mortar.

1818. The government ordered 20 Trengrouse sets and then make their own, giving Trengrouse a small compensation. The rocket design was improved by Colonel Boxer who devised a double rocket combined in a single case, increasing the range considerably. 

1861 Timaru declaired a Port. Beach Master, Lt Woollcombe , applied for a supply of rockets for sending lines out to vessels in distress

1862 The Provincial Council authorised the expenditure of 100 pounds on a 'Manby's Apparatus'. This was not actually a rocket but a mortar which propelled a shell with a rope attached. Five years later, tthe Emigrtion Agency wrote that the Manby's Appartus was no longer supplied for public use, having been replaced by the Boxer's rocket - a mortar, shell and propulsion all in one. Two of these were sent in May 1867. A voluntary organisation the Rocket Brigade was establised in 1867 bu the Provincial Government, which purchased the two rocket guns top fire lines to ships in distress. In stormy weather they kept watch on ships near the shore, ready to answer a signal of distress or to help a ship in trouble. The Alexandra life boat was equipped to help, the signal gun was kept at the old lighthouse which had a crows nest to watch the shipping.  The rockets were initially operated by the lifeboat crew under the command of the Harbourmaster, but when the Provincial Council system was abolished in 1876, a volunteer crew was formed to assist the Harbourmaster.

1863 In the early days a tar barrel was set a light at shore. Perminant lights were set up on Le Crens Terrace. One red, one green. they were not very effective. The mayor, Henry Cain, described them as "an old woman's farthing rushlight".

1867 Trial of Boxer's life-saving apparatus took place 
On the 28th ultimo, a trial of Boxer's life-saving apparatus took place at the Government landing shed, before, a considerable number of spectators. The Wainui was anchored a little over a quarter mile from the shore, and three attempts were made to throw a line over her. The first, two attempts failed, owing to some slight mismanagement in placing the rope for running but the last was a most decided success, the line going a very considerably distance over the steamer. Boxer's apparatus is a compound rocket so arranged that when the first rocket has expended its force, and the solid portion of the composition is burnt through, the second rocket is ignited, and gives an addition impulse to the projectile. In the Boxer, rocket the line is attached by passing it through a hold at the bottom of the stick, along the outer edge and through a, hole at the top of the stick, two washers of india rubber, and then a brass washer is next placed upon the end of the rope which is then secured with a knot. The india rubber washers have the effect of diminishing the intensity of the jerk which comes upon the line, when the rocket starts from the stand. The stick is secured to the rocket by an iron pin. The rocket is fired with a detonating tube in the usual way, but it also be lighted by means of a port fire. There can be no doubt of the extreme usefulness of the apparatus in this port, but we can only hope that few occasions will happen to bring it into use. The total cost of the apparatus, including a supply of rockets is £160. - Timaru Herald, 2 November 1867, Page 6

1869 Harbour master is burned during a rescue
Harbor Master, Captain Mills severely burned his face and right hand, when the rocket went off so suddenly that he had not time to get to a safe distance.
"A second rocket was fired under the direction of Capt. Crawford, and it was well directed, passing right over the vessel. The line having been seized by the men on board, a large rope was quickly passed to the vessel, and preparations made for rescuing the crew. A life buoy, with a species of sack attached underneath wasspeedilyroveon to the rope, and being pulled by a smaller line backwards and forwards from the vessel to the shore, every man on board was soon landed. The men thus landed were the first and second officers, the crew of ten men, three men who were working their passage, and four men who were taken on board at Timaru for stowing cargo — seventeen souls in all." - WRECK OF THE BARQUES COLLINGWOOD AND SUSAN JANE. TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME X, ISSUE 417, 26 MAY 1869, PAGE 2

1872. Rocket brigades were established right along the British coast and many ships carried their own portable device and the British Marine Department of the board of trade issued instructions and illustrations of the official use of the apparatus,  to all masters and seamen, including how women, children, passengers,  and helpless persons should be landed before the crew of the ship. The device proved it’s worth and was responsible for saving thousands of lives. Over time, many coastal communities like Timaru, New Zealand had their own Rocket Brigades, these men did regular training in the use of the apparatus.

1873.  The Timaru brigade was disbanded after the construction of the breakwater. August 1873. By August 1873 a rocket brigade, all volunteers, had saved fifty- one lives. Members of this brigade watched the beach during storms and when ships were in danger. Their life-saving apparatus consisted of two rocket guns which fired lines to ships in distress and so 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.

1877. Call for volunteers for the Brigade 
Volunteer Rocket Brigade.— A meeting of persons desirous of forming a Volunteer Rocket Brigade was held at the lighthouse on Monday. Present Captain Mills, harbormaster (in the chair) Messrs Jackson, Smith, J. Hall, Stuart, Waite, H. Green, Simpson, Sinclair, Brett, Hill, and Edgar H. Pavitt. Captain Mills read a letter from the Harbor Board, requesting him to call for volunteers for the Brigade, and stated that any expenses would be borne by the Board. He had now over thirty names on the list. Proposed by Mr Hall, seconded by Mr Green, and carried That it is desirable that a Volunteer Rocket Brigade be formed in Timaru, and that those persons who have sent in their names to Captain Mills as being willing to become members of the Brigade be enrolled as first members." Proposed by Mr Stuart, seconded by Mr Green and carried that Mr Pavitt be appointed hon. Secretary to the Brigade." Proposed by Mr Green, seconded by Mr Stuart, and carried That a committee consisting of Captain Mills and Messrs D. Stuart, J. Hall, A. Smith, J. Hill and the mover be appointed to draw up rules to be submitted to a general meeting to be held during the last week in November, and that officers be appointed at such meeting Proposed by Mr Green, seconded by Mr Hall, and carried That Captain Mills be requested to call three practices of the Brigade prior to the general meeting." Proposed by Mr Green, seconded by Mr Jackson, and carried That the Timaru Harbor Board be requested to place a small sum at the disposal of the Brigade to meet incidental expenses, such as advertising meetings, practices, etc."  - Timaru Herald, 13 November 1877, Page 8

1878.  Work began on the construction of the 700m southern breakwater. In the late 1880s, the northern breakwater was built to keep sand shoals out of the harbour. Between 1899 and 1906 the eastern extension of the main breakwater was completed, preventing shingle drifting north into the harbour. During the 20th century the breakwaters were extended, realigned and raised.

1877-8. The Timaru Rocket Brigade’s headquarters were in a tower on the site of the old lighthouse in Timaru, where they were asked to keep watch in bad weather. The Blackett lighthouse is constructed at Le Crens Terrace to the designs of notable engineer, John Blackett. It was fitted with a kerosene light, replaced by gas in 1890, then by an electric light in 1920. In 1948 a flashing light was installed, guiding ships entering the port until March 1970 when new port lights were erected above Dashing Rocks. After ten years of disuse Blackett’s Lighthouse was moved to a new site at Maori Park in 1980. When it was moved to Maori Park it became the rear lead beacon for a navigational system which had been erected above the Benvenue Cliffs in 1907. In November 2010 the Blackett’s Lighthouse was again moved, this time several hundred metres away, down the street, across the rail track and closer to the sea at a site on the Benvenue Cliffs. Blackett’s Lighthouse is one of only a small number of remaining timber lighthouses in New Zealand. It has historical value from its associations with the early development of Timaru Harbour and its close connection with notable marine engineer, John Blackett. As a structure, the lighthouse illustrates the pivotal function lighthouses have played in the history of New Zealand.

1877. Within a few months of the new volunteer brigade holding its first meeting, it proved itself by saving the entire crew of the 'Craig Ellachie.' The Brigade went on to assist numerous other ships in distress.  Captain Mills noticed a cable part on the ship and fired the signal gun to summon the Rocket Brigade. They kept watch but were not required. The Rocket, Brigade had already assembled, and when the vessel beached a rocket was fired through its foresail, setting it alight.  Timaru Rocket Brigade witnessed the Craig Ellachie Went come ashore Timaru on December 22nd after parting her cables in a gale.  https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18771224.2.14

1878. Timaru Rocket Brigade attended the Melrose wreck that was described as "unseaworthy". The Captain was washed overboard while attempting to seize a rocket line and Judge Ward helped rescue the captain from drowning.

1878. The night the ‘Akbar’ was wrecked in 1878 the ship couldn’t signal with a rocket or flare as they had got wet, which he feels was negligence from the captain as he didn’t keep them in a watertight box. It wasn’t until the morning that the ship was spotted on the rocks and five lives were lost including the captain and his wife.

1878. The Harbour Board purchased ‘badges’ for Brigade members. 

1879. Annual meeting held at Lighthouse.
"The first annual general meeting of the above Brigade was held at the Lighthouse last evening. Capt. Mills occupied the chair, and between fifteen and twenty members were present. The Secretary then read the annual report as follows "To the members of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade: The Brigade has been twice on actual service (i.e.) actually engaged in saving life, 1st, in the case of the Craig Ellachie and, 2nd, in that of the Melrose, and attended other wrecks on the last occasion (2nd September). Their services were not required in the latter instances, but the Brigade were held in readiness, and were on duty that day 15 hours. On numerous other occasions a watch has been kept at the lighthouse when any danger to shipping was apprehended. The monthly drills appointed have been held as far as practible to inclemency of the weather and other causes..." - Timaru Herald, 26 February 1879, Page 3

"The annual meeting of the members the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade was held at the Brigade Station last evening. Present — Captain Mills (in the chair), Mr Tennent (Secretary), and ten members. The Secretary read the following, report : Gentlemen.- Your Committee regret the Services of the Brigade were required on Sunday, the 29th June and more especially that the brigantine Akbar should have come ashore on the morning of that day without the knowledge of the Brigade, although watch was kept by the Harbor Master, the reason being that the night light was pitch dark and no lights were shown by the ill-fated vessel, five out of the eleven souls drowned.
The only other vessel which came to grief was, the schooner Pelican, which washed well up on the beach, the crew being landed by means of one of the hand lines. The Brigade was on duly on the Sunday for nine hours in all, being dismissed at 3.3 p.m., a change of wind. having placed the remaining ships in the roadstead out danger.
    A cart made especially to hold the rocket apparatus, which the Committee is confident would soon pay for itself, by saving expense now incurred for cartage at every wreck, and also more uniforms are urgently needed, and funds will be required for this purpose. The want of energetic members who will sacrifice a little of their time for the good of the public, and attend drill with regularity, has been much felt during the, past, but your Committee would compliment some dozen of the existing members on their seadfastness to the Brigade, and their laudable punctuality". - Timaru Herald, 24 October 1879, Page 2

 

1881. Rocket Brigade keep watch
"Sailed. May 1 - Mercia, barque, 787 tons, Mosey, for London. The barque Mercia set sail for London about 6 o'clock yesterday morning, and favored with a strong breeze, was soon out of sight of land.
The brigantine Circe dragged her anchors during the whole of yesterday, and in the early part of the evening was reported to be still losing way. She was then a good distance from the Breakwater and nearly in line to the west of Dashing Rocks. The members of the Rocket Brigade were on duty all night, prepared to render assistance to those on board should it be required. The vessels lying inside the Breakwater were no way inconvenienced by the weather. At the time of our going to press the Circe had ceased to drag and was considered in no immediate danger, both wind and sea having lulled considerably". - Timaru Herald, 2 May 1881, Page 2

1882 - Loss of a Grain Ship 'Duke of 'Sutherland' in Timaru Harbour.  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. The Rocket Brigade answered the signals by firing a gun from the lighthouse, and an attempt was made to launch the lifeboat but the captain and his crew were able to come ashore in the ship's boat.

1882 Benvenue and City of Perth disaster
"...The Rocket Brigade kept watch at their station, and that a volunteer party organised by Mr E. Waters, provided with lanterns and lifelines from the Rocket Brigade station, watched the beach to the northwards, in hopes of being able to assist and bring to shore alive some of those who were capsized in the boats and who were believed to be provided with lifebelts. As daylight dawned yesterday the watchman of the Rocket Brigade observed that the lifeboat had got adrift, and that she was kicking about on the reef immediately inside the approach to the Breakwater. Lieutenant Jackson lost no time in sending down a party of the Brigade, and they succeeded in getting the "Alexandra" out of danger and remooring her, the only observable damage which she had sustained being two broken gunwales. The Brigade had now been twenty-four hours on duty, but they seemed as fit as ever. However, as there seemed to be no prospect of their services being required again, they were dismissed, after bringing back from the cliff near Woollcombe's Lagoon, the rocket apparatus which had been left there in readiness to save the crew of the C. F. Funch if she parted." - Timaru Herald, 16 May 1882, Page 2

 

1884.  7th Annual Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade Meeting
"The seventh annual general meeting of the members of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade was held at the Station, LeCren's Terrace, on May 29, about fourteen members being present. Captain Webster occupied the chair. The Hon. Secretary (Mr Shirtcliffe) read the Annual report as follows "Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade's Report for the year ended 28th May, 1884.— Your Committee beg to report— That since the date of the last annual meeting, the active services of the Brigade have not been required, no casualties having occurred during the year. Although not required on active service, the usual fortnightly drills have been held, and on the whole been well attended, a considerable improvement in the attendance on the previous year being noticeable. The total number of drills held during the year was 24, of which two were wet practices. The Brigade has been on night watch duty on two occasions, when danger was apprehended, and the members have attended one funeral parade. The Harbor Board, in response to an application, granted the Brigade the sum of £30 for the purchase of uniforms, which were urgently required; These were procured, and have given general satisfaction. The Harbor Board also agreed to subsidise £ for £ any public subscriptions to the funds of the Brigade, the subsidy not to exceed £20 in any one year. Your Committee cannot close its report without expressing their regret for the loss of the late Captain of the Brigade, Captain Bascand, who died in June of 1883. Although not long connected with the Brigade, he always displayed great interest in it. It was resolved "That Mr Shirtcliffe be re-elected Hon. Sec. and Treasurer." The following were elected a Committee for the ensuing year: Lieut. Jackson, Messrs Hall, McNab, Hughes, O. Jackson, and Haylock. Captain Webster intimated he confirmed the appointment of Mr Shirtcliffe as Senior Petty Officer". - Timaru Herald, 19 June 1884, Page 8

 

 

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

When the next "big-sea" is running, with long billows breaking half a mile or more from the shore, people whose memories cannot carry them back to pre-harbour days may be able to understand how Timaru, in the Seventies and Eighties had a bad name among skippers and at Lloyd's as an unsafe port. Imagine a sailing vessel, large or small, anchored within, the range of those big curling billows, and it will be easy to understand how between thirty and forty vessels were wrecked or stranded in less than twenty years before a sheltering harbour was made. No ordinary ship's tackle could hold a vessel against the propulsive force of such huge waves. Sometimes these exceptional seas arrive during calm weather here—ripples from a distant storm at sea; sometimes they are accompanied by a gale. In either case a sailer had little chance of being able to obey the Harbourmaster's flagstaff signal-—''Stand out to sea." Unable to obey, the common consequence of disobedience was a snapping of cables or a dragging of anchors, smaller vessels thrown high up on the beach (in many cases to be refloated on the return of fine weather), larger vessels to be pounded to pieces by the breakers. The risk to life was obvious.
    A large self-righting life-boat had been presented to the New Zealand Association by Bareness Burdett-Coutts. It was first taken to a North Island port, and not being needed there it was sent to Timaru about 1870. It was christened "Alexandra," after the then young find popular Consort of the Prince of Wales. The Alexandra was not often used as a life-saver—it is said that she was only thrice manned for such duty, but she did good service on one memorable occasion in 1882, since when she has only left her shed to take part in spectacular street processions.
    Much more frequent were the calls for the services of the Timaru Rocket Brigade, a volunteer, well equipped organisation, established about 1867, when a supply of rockets arrived from England. There are some still amongst us who, as members of the brigade, responded to the calls of the harbourmaster's signal gun, as the Fire Brigade hasten to-day at the clang of their bell. And as people to-day rush to see where and what the fire is, in the old days on hearing the Rocket Brigade summons they rushed to the sea front to learn what vessel was in danger The Rocket Brigade were many a time summoned to "stand by" in a time of danger, and not seldom hurried to some point of the coast, usually to the, northward, where a drifting vessel seemed destined to reach the land. The Harbourmaster was ex.offico captain of the Brigade. His first lieutenants were at different times J. E. S. Jackson and A. Shirtcliffe, possibly others whose names are not recalled and his second lieutenants F. Clarkson and C. G. Vogeler.
    The Brigade's equipment was a supply of powerful rockets, capable of carrying high and far not only a formidable stick, but also a light line attached, to the stick. This line, thrown from the shore to a vessel in the breakers or near them enabled a strong rope to be pulled either to or from the vessel, and the rope being made fast to ship and shore— on the shore with suitable standards and anchor belonging to the Brigade—a "breeches buoy" was dragged to and fro, bringing the crew one at a time safely ashore. On at least two occasions the Brigade made long journeys. A vessel named the Hudson was reported to be in difficulties near Opihi mouth, and the Rocket Brigade went thither. On another occasion they journeyed to St. Andrews, to assist if necessary a schooner named John Watson, which touched Patiti reef in going out southwards, sprang a leak and sank four miles from land off St. Andrews. The crew took their, boat and rowed to Timaru.
    The two most disastrous wrecks, as far as loss of life is concerned, happened under circumstances that prevented the Rocket Brigade playing their useful part in either of them. The first of these was the wreck in June, 1879, of the brigantine Akbar, just arrived with a load of coal. The Akbar went ashore in the middle of a dark night, unknown to the people on shore until daylight next morning, when the vessel was missed from the anchorage and seen as a brown hummock on the Washdyke spit. All on board were washed overboard when the vessel got into the breakers, and the captain, his wife, and three seamen were drowned. The rest of the crew made their way in rain, gale and darkness along the spit, and to the first house they-saw—Judge Ward's, on Belfield Hill.
    The second of the great loss of life disasters occurred on May 14,1882. On land it was a beautiful May day, sunny and bright, and even warm with a light nor'-west air, but the heaviest sea ever known here was running. The 1000 ton iron ships Benvenue and City of Perth were anchored in working range. The former began to drift slowly about 11 a.m. At 1 p.m. the Rocket Brigade, who had been since daylight, so dangerous was the sea, took their gear to Benvenue Cliff (as it is now known) as the ship was drifting in that direction, Their services were not however required, as before the ship reached the shore (to become a total wreck, some fragments of which may still be seen at low tide) the crew left her, and went aboard the ship City of Perth. A crowd of people stood on the cliff and watched the fine ship Benvenue come to the beach and turn broadside on to the sea, all spars standing.
    By the time though Benvenue had reached the land, the City of Perth had begun to drift, and at 2 p.m. the two crews left her, in four boats, the captain of the City of Perth unwell and the first mate with a log broken by an accident shortly before leaving. The boats reached, the shelter of the partly made breakwater safely, and all hands were now ashore, safe from the dangers of the sea had they been content to remain ashore. The City of Perth drifted shoreward very slowly, then for a time hung in one place. There was promise of a westerly wind. It was thought that there was a chance of her holding out, and the harbour master, Captain Mills, undertook to circumvent any salvage proceedings. He got a crew and went off to the ship in a whaleboat. The captain, McDonald, apparently heard of the salvage talk, and he also went off, with his second officer Gardner and five shore men, in the ship's gig. A third party of four in whaleboat, followed them. The three boats reached the ship safely. They had not been long aboard when the cable broke, the westerly wind had not come, and the men all left her, in the three boats. Had they remained on board they would have been perfectly safe, and there would have been no need to erect a wreck monument. For though the City of Perth drifted to the beach, she merely backed into the side of the Benvenue, and lay there quietly till towed off some weeks later.
    Two of the three boats had reached or nearly reached the shelter of the breakwater when a big curling wave swamped the third boat, which had lagged behind. The two boats turned back to rescue the men in the water and had nearly reached them—when they shared the same fate, and nineteen men were struggling in the water. Half the townspeople occupied points of vantage to watch the dangerous exploit of the boatmen, and were horrified at the triple catastrophe. 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, but the men were reached, and most of them were picked up when over went the lifeboat. Again, and a third time, the Alexandra was rolled over by huge curling waves. The crew stuck to their work, however, and when all had been picked up that were to be seen, the Alexandra made for the breakwater and reached it without further mishap. While the lifeboat was being got ready some courageous spirits started to the relief of the men in the water in an iron surf boat, but they could not make head against the big seas in the clumsy craft, and therefore anchored, and three men were saved by swimming to her. The lifeboat with a fresh crew went off to fetch the men from the surf boat, and had not got all on board. When she was once more capsized, and one life was lost on this occasion. She returned when refloated, and another crew fetched off the remaining, men from the surf boat, which sank before morning. The horrors and the heroisms of that fatal afternoon are commemorated by the Wreck Monument near the Post Office, in which are recorded the names of nine men who lost their lives in that tremendous sea, and of forty three who heroically - jeopardised their lives in the work of rescue, among the latter being several members of the Rocket Brigade, who formed part of the second and third lifeboat crews. The graceful monument and the scraps of relics of the Benvenue beneath the cliff recall to those who witnessed it the most distressing accident that has happened in the history of Timaru. as a port.

 

 1932 - Crowds assembled around the Benvenue Memorial, in Sophia Street Timaru, for a service commemorating the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Benvenue, 14th May 1932. The event included lifeboat Alexandra and the rocket launcher, as well as surviving veterans.

 

The South Canterbury Museum has an exhibit that includes the Benvenue Ship Bell and rescue medals, the rocket brigade lifesaving launch and the signal gun canon that summoned the rocket brigade. Photograpy courtesy of Roselyn Fauth. 

 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEF: The Rocket brigade badge from SC Museum Display; Timaru Ben Venue Stranded (Timaru, "Ben Venue" stranded, stern, circa 1882, Dunedin, by Burton Brothers studio. Te Papa (C.025205). Bravery Medal from SC Museum Display; Benvenue Cliffs where the ship lies below; Section of mural at Caroline Bay by J. Nilson depicting shipwreck; Looking up Benvenue Cliffs to the Blackett Lighthouse. Photography courtesy of Roselyn Fauth. Learn more here

 

This photograph shows the Ben Venue wreck in the distance wrecked on the basalt rock apron below the cliff c1880s. Curtosey of Te Papa; Timaru, 1880s, Timaru, by Burton Brothers studio. Purchased 1991. Te Papa (O.034179)

 

 

Perils of the Coast—The Life-Saving Service 1881. After Milton J. Burns (American, 1853–1933) Published by Harper's Weekly, New York. As a teenager, Milton J. Burns voyaged with explorer and artist William Bradford to the Arctic. Familiar with peril at sea, Burns later became the main chronicler of the US Life-Saving Service in the illustrated press, bringing the image of the hardworking surfman to a wide audience. Traveling to Atlantic stations on assignment in 1879, he made a visual record of the increasingly professionalized brigades. In his spread for Harper’s Weekly, Burns shows a life line rescue, a manned life boat, a surfman with ignited signal flare, and a crew firing a Lyle gun to send a rope out to an offshore wreck.  - philamuseum.org/321639

 

Sources

 

South Canterbury Museum, timdc.pastperfectonline.com

thessvlbhistory.co.uk

jervisbaymaritimemuseum.com/rocket-apparatus-from-ship-to-shore

https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/2044/Blackett's%20Lighthouse

A Century of Carnivals, The Caroline Bay Story - John Button 2010

P. Barnett, “The Lifesaving Guns of David Lyle,” Nautical Research Journal, Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring, 1972, pp. 21–26.

Austin M. Knight, Modern Seamanship, 7th ed. New York: D. Van Nostrand Co., 1977, pp. 629, 633–636, plate 147.

Raymond J. Lamont (Ed.), Gloucester: America’s Oldest Seaport. Gloucester, MA: Pediment Publishing, 2015, pp. 100–101. (Photo in Cape Ann Museum Collection, image no. 16506).

Images of America series. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing.

Paul St. Germain, Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations on Cape Ann (2003), p. 25.

Carolyn and Jim Thompson, Cape Ann in Stereo Views (2000), p. 92.

www.oldsaltblog.com

www.boaterexam.com

Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2006) I.C.B. Dear & P. Kemp, Oxford University Press