Lily’S End.
pp. 41-42 · Read in the full issue
Wreck of Famous Old B.S.I.
Schooner.
From n Special Correspondent.
THE auxiliary vessel “Lily,” of 15 tons, recently wrecked, had a long and chequered career. Originally engaged in transporting timber on the N.S.W. coast, she was purchased and sailed to the Solomons by Captain A. A. Austin, about 20 years ago.
Refitted for the requirements of her new career, she has since been employed recruiting, trading and freighting in most parts of the group under various owners.
For a period during the war, when a German fleet was active in the Pacific, a naval crew and a wireless installation were placed on board the “Lily," and she served as a sea-scout attached to H.M.A.S. “Brisbane”; but to the dis appointment of her then owner, Mr.
Harold Markham, who acted as pilot throughout the cruise in island waters, and harboured visions of applying the Nelson touch in modern warfare, his vessel failed to make contact with the enemy: which was perhaps fortunate for the “Lily” and her complement.
On giving up trading and settling down on his plantation in the Maravo Lagoon, Mr. Markham disposed of the “Lily" to Mr. E. H. Pybus, and she em barked on fresh adventures, many of which are related in Collinson’s book, “Life and Laughter in the Solomons."
A few years ago the vessel’s doom ap peared to have been sealed, when she ran on a reef off the coast of Vella Lavella —a spot of ill-repute by reason of the strong currents and tempestuous seas which normally break there. The weather, however, proved to be unusu ally calm during the several days oc cupied by the salvage operations, and the “Lily” was eventually refloated and the somewhat extensive damage re paired.
Acquired later by Mr. R. McKerlie, the “Lily” was at anchor at Malasoga, a few miles from the scene of the pre vious stranding, when the unlooked-for cyclonic disturbance in April last swept down upon her. The anchor chain snapped under the sudden, terrific strain imposed upon it, and the vessel was carried bodily on the crest of an im
mense sea and deposited on the rocks ashore.
With the assistance of natives from adjacent villages, Mr. McKerlie suc ceeded, after strenuous efforts, in mov ing the vessel farther up the beach, and there she escaped the pounding of the waves raised by the fierce tempest that raged throughout the following week.
The escape from what seemed certain destruction was little short of miracu lous; and the “Lily” gained the reputa tion of being fortune’s favourite among island vessels.
Repairs occupied a month, and once again the schooner was launched into her natural element, apparently little the worse for her involuntary trip ashore.
There followed a few weeks of un eventful trading among the scattered is lands. Then, on Sunday, July 3, Fate sounded the knell of the adventurous vessel. She was proceeding to an an chorage on the island of Rononga, B.S.I., a roaring sou’-easter behind her, when the engine stalled, and, before it couid be restarted, the strong winds, swirling current and tempestuous seas combined
to sweep the helpless vessel to destruc tion on the rock-bound shore.
Buffeted by wind and sea, nothing could be done to save the staunch old craft, and there she now lies, shattered beyond repair. The sou’-easter gale raged on, and the sea added one more victim to its ever-expanding list of casualties.
Fortunately, although Mr. McKerlie and his crew suffered severely in the crash when the vessel struck the rocks, and in the heavy pounding that fol lowed, they succeeded in reaching the shore in safety.
His friends extend their sympathy to Mr. McKerlie, who took justifiable pride in his ship, and expended considerable sums in refits and alterations to struc ture and rig, which greatly improved her appearance and added to her use fulness.