Wanted: History

of sailing ships

I seek any information (in particular plans, half models, photographs) concerning the following sailing ships known to have plied New Zealand and South Sea Islands waters circa 1870 to 1924 as all were mastered and/or owned by my grandfather the late Captain William Wallace Wilson, Har bourmaster to both the Caka bau and British governments in Fiji. They were: • 1: Cutter WAVE 15 tons previously owned and mas tered by Captain Robinson, probably built in New Zealand; • 2: Schooner ELIZA BETH owned in partnership with A. A. Coubrough of Taveuni. Probably built in New Zealand; • 3: Schooner ZEPHYR built in New Zealand or the UK, of 100 tons plus. Later owned by either Bums Philp Limited or

WR Carpenters said to be ex ceptionally fast and seaworthy. • 4; Hermaphrodite LAURA possibly built by Baley Bros, or Bailey & Lowe, New Zealand. May have been 100 tons plus. Said to have been a very fast vessel. • 5: Schooner HELENA built by either Nicholson & Sons, Suva or in New Zealand, later owned by Burns Philp (SS) Limited, sold post WWII and wrecked in the New Heb rides or Solomons.

No records remain in Fiji because a colonial Comptroller of Customs caused all old ships registers to be destroyed de spite protests.

Any person who may be able to assist please address:

W.W.T. Caldwell,

C/o P.O. Box 769, Lautoka, Fiji