100 Years at Sea

November, 1962, marked another milestone in the history of Nelson, and an important one. Just 100 years earlier, the little 78-ton paddle steamer Lyttelton sailed through the old entrance at Nelson after a 462-day crossing from London. She was the first of an unbroken line of steam and motor vessels owned by the Anchor Steam Shipping Co. We cannot hope to adequately cover the history of the line in this issue. That has already been done by the "Evening Mail". We can but endeavour to trace part of the development of the company to its present position today in photographic form. For 100 years the company has served Nelson province faithfully, and no small thanks for the progress of the province is due to it.

On this page is the company's headquarters at Port Nelson and its present office staff.

Present chairman of directors Mr S. Cannington, and general manager, Mr K. J. Chappell.

The S. S. Wallabi aground at Greymouth in 1886. She was the company's second vessel, bought in 1864.

A view of the Nelson wharves about 1880. At far right the Kennedy and the Charles Edward (bought in 1885 and 1867 respectively) can barely be seen.

If it looks like a News Photo don't delay -.ring Photo News right away!-7574!

The m. v. Totara which came into service in 1957. She is a sister ship to the Titoki (right), the company's latest vessel.

The launching of the S. S. Koi, July 20, 1906. She was sent out to Nelson from a Clyde ship-building firm to sections and assembled at the company foundry. Four years later while carrying a cargo of sheep she foundered just outside the new entrance and sank. After several unsuccessful attempts she was towed toto Nelson harbour and beached, reconditioned, and lengthened to the extent of 12 ft.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 26 : December 8, 1962

100 Years at Sea