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White Wings Vol I. Fifty Years Of Sail In The New Zealand Trade, 1850 TO 1900

The Lebu

page 323

The Lebu.

Captain H. McKenzie Loses His Life.

The first time the barque Lebu appeared in New Zealand waters was on a trip to Auckland, which was marked by a tragedy resulting in the death of the captain. She was under the flag of the N.Z. Shipping Co. Leaving London on May 18, 1878, she did not reach Auckland until September 27, 132 days from the Docks, and her exceptionally long passage was accounted for by the terrible weather she met after crossing the Equator. She was in command of Captain Henry McKenzie. All went well until the Line was crossed on July 4. On the 25th of that month she encountered a fearful storm that compelled her to heave-to for 20 hours. Thence to rounding the Cape on August 6 variable winds were experienced, and on the 16th a terrific gale struck the ship.

The storm had been foreseen, and every preparation made to meet its violence. Just after mid-day a tremendous sea was seen coming up astern. Captain McKenzie, who was standing at the wheel, saw it coming, and sang out to the men to look out. The next moment the great sea broke over the stern, and swept the barque from end to end. The cabin was half-filled, and everything that was movable was awash. When the decks were once more clear, after what seemed a terribly long time, it was found that great damage had been done. The companions, skids, some boats, and a lot of railing had been swept away, the two men who had been at the wheel were-both injured the third mate (Mr. William Kennedy) had his leg broken, and a seaman named Yates was badly bruised. Captain McKenzie was no-where to be seen, and it was thought he had been swept overboard, but he was found under the windlass forward with his head split open from the crown to the bridge of the nose. He was quite dead. The burial took place in the evening. Mr. R. F. Wadeson, the chief officer, took command and brought the vessel to Auckland.

The voyages made to New Zealand by the Lebu were:—

To Auckland.
Sailed. Arrived. Captain. Days.
May 18 Sep. 27, '78 Wedeson 132
July 2 Oct. 24, '79 Lindsay 114
To Wellington.
Apr. 25 Aug. 8, '90 Waddell 105
To Dunedin.
* Aug. 27, '90 Waddell
*

* Via Wellington.