1863: HMS Orpheus
February 7, 2020
By AHNZ
Today in New Zealand history, 7 February 1863, 157 years ago today, HMS Orpheus foundered while attempting Manukau bar. Greatest maritime tragedy in our history in terms of the great loss of life (189.)
On the Orpheus’ military mission, a brilliant 2010 article in NZ Legacy magazine by Bruce Ringer straightens things out if you’re at all interested. Some in the past have protested remembering or mourning the deaths under the false impression some kind of imperialistic genocide was under way against the Maoris.
“In 2007 a group of Mangere Bridge residents organized a heritage festival commemorating the sinking of the steam corvette HMS Orpheus, which sank on the Manukau Bar in February 1863 with the loss of 189 lives. The festival was intended to become an annual event. The following year, however, it attracted unfavourable attention from at least one protester who claimed that, since the Orpheus had been carrying military supplies, it was wrong to commemorate an occasion associated with a military invasion.”- Ringer (2010); Auckland Libraries
The sinking of the Orpheus was one event that led up to the Waikato War. Another was the betrayal of Tamati Ngapora and his people who abandoned their post at Ihumatao and Mangere to join the invaders. This they did openly, having been given the chance to decide what side of the war they would be on.
“Thus the people of Pukaki and Ihumatao abandoned their homes and chapels. But it seems that they had already disposed of much of their moveable property. In a letter dated 7 July – prior to the issue of Governor Grey’s proclamation – Rev. A.G. Purchas noted: “The Manukau Natives are selling off everything they possess in the way of pigs, horses, &c. that they may be able to leave at a moments’ notice if necessary …”- ibid
So, Orpheus coming to New Zealand and then sinking certainly must be considered in the context of this growing tension.
* * *
The one man aboard who properly knew how to navigate the bar, Frederick Butler, was locked below decks in the brig as a disciplinary measure. His yells were not listened to as an out-of-date chart led the ship to its doom!
I visited Mangere Bridge to see this commemorative cannon to the Orpheus (ref images.) I’ve also seen lots of wreckage kept at the Huia Settlers Museum.
Mangere Bridge is a bit of a funny place, partly full of Riff-Raff who must have voted for David Lange but partly filled with a very Dignity Culture and old conservative vibe from ‘back in the day’. According to Nicky Hager Mangere Bridge is a particular Exclusive Brethren stronghold¹ which would confirm this conservative vibe. And, that someone would be daring enough to publicly install an Orpheus monument (seemingly) on their own front lawn.
Look carefully, at the end of the rainbow in the background of my photo. It marks the location Orpheus foundered! Not just in the romantic/poetic sense I appreciate either but also geographically accurately! The dead were saying “Thanks for stopping by and having a think about us, we’re over here,” to me.
—
1 The Hollow Men; Harger (p23, 2006)
Image ref. AHNZ Archive; 2018
Image ref. Painting; Richard Brydges Beechey (1863); Wiki
Like Comment Share
