A great ocean race

Bound for London with £78,000 of cargo, 5000 bales of wool, and over 495 casks of tallow, crew, and up to five passengers, the iron clipper Ocean Mail struck French Rock on the north-west side of the Chatham Islands during a heavy gale on 21 March 1877.

Built in 1869–70 in England and chartered to the New Zealand Shipping Company, the Ocean Mail was constructed with stronger plates than Lloyd’s Insurance rules required. Celebrated as a fast sailer, in 1874 she made the passage from London to Otago in 74 days.

A great ocean race was underway. The clippers Crusader and Rangitikei sailed from Lyttelton on 10 March and the Otaki from Port Chalmers the day after. The celebrated ship Avalanche and the Ocean Mail sailed from Wellington on the 16th. The race would be won by the Otaki in 69 days port-to-dock.

Until 20 March, the Ocean Mail was in the company of the Avalanche, which stood away to the south, the Ocean Mail taking a northerly course for Cape Horn.

At daylight on 21 March, the Ocean Mail’s second mate saw land ahead, and although the crew made desperate efforts to get her off the land, they were unavailing.

As the pumps sounded five feet of water in the hold, the boats got out, and all the passengers and crew were landed, and stores were taken into the bush until the surf became too heavy.

Observing the event, Edward Chudleigh, a Chatham Islands station owner, wrote in his diary: “I remained on the spot all day and did my best to keep order. Pattison found the captain drunk or mad from drink, and no order whatsoever on board. I had much trouble to keep the spirits away from the men. However, in the end all hands came ashore alive, the captain drunk.” okainsbaymuseum.co.nz

Nearly a century later, Navy-trained divers found the wreck of the Ocean Mail in 1971, with two others nearby, one a French ship after which the reef was named. The ship’s cannon was presented to Okains Bay Museum by Nelson King on Waitangi Day in 1984.

Southern Woods

Southern Woods has grown millions of quality plants for over a generation. Locally owned and passionate about plants, it prides itself on expert service and the range is second to none. With over fifty staff and an ever-expanding nursery just south of Christchurch, Southern Woods can supply large quantities of plants New Zealand wide. Talk to the knowledgeable team about planting for your next project. Stop in at 1002 Robinsons Road or online anytime. southernwoods.co.nz

Skin Rejuvenation Clinic

Are you sick of people saying you look tired? The area around the eye is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing with fine lines and wrinkles and loose, sagging skin. The Skin Rejuvenation Clinic has several fantastic treatment options that rejuvenate and refresh the skin around the eyes that are non-invasive, have no downtime and can be done in your lunchtime. Go into autumn with newfound confidence by visiting the team at Skin Rejuvenation Clinic.

skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz

The Fitting Room

Travelling this Autumn? Whether in Aotearoa or overseas, you’ll need swimwear you love. The Fitting Room has a fabulous range of swimwear from well-known Australian brands Seafolly, Jets, and Jantzen & Artesands, cup-sized speciality brands, and chlorine-resistant styles. Belgian brand Prima Donna (pictured) brings glamorous European style. Manufacturers are increasingly conscious of sustainability; many brands and styles are now made from recycled fabric. thefittingroom.co.nz

BORN & RAISED

Born and Raised kombucha is brewed in Christchurch and flavoured with unique, organic blends of cold-pressed juice and botanicals. Using ingredients from local growers, they blend the craft of fermentation with food science to ensure delicious but functional beverages. This kombucha is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and probiotics, making it great for hangovers, eczema, arthritis, and mental clarity. Try their Manuka Shots – packed with living goodness. bornandraised.nz