HMS Buffalo Wreck 175th Anniversary

The 175th commemoration of the wreck of HMS Buffalo in Mercury Bay will be held in Whitianga in July this year, with a week of events marking this historic occasion.

On July 28, 1840 the Buffalo was carrying a cargo of kauri bound for England when it lost steerage in an easterly storm and was driven ashore to save lives, just off the beach which now bears its name. Two crew members died and further deaths were prevented by the quick actions of Captain James Wood, crew and local Maori. Some crew members stayed on and settled in New Zealand.

A week of activities is planned to mark the 175th anniversary, with a focus on recognising the history of the Buffalo; the loss of two of the crew; the historical importance of the ship’s activities to Whitianga; and the many stories linked to the Buffalo’s journeys.

The programme of events, which runs from July 28-August 2, has been put together by a group comprising representatives from a number of organisations led by the Mercury Bay Historical Society and Mercury Bay Museum.

The week features talks at Mercury Bay Museum, activities at Mercury Bay Library, guided walks and activities at schools in Mercury Bay. A commemorative buoy will be installed on the site of the wreck.

On Wednesday, July 29, there will be a screening of the award-winning movie, Song of the Kauri at Mercury Twin Cinemas. Director/producer Mathurin Molgat will attend and violinist Helen Duder (a Buffalo crew member descendant) will play a violin made of kauri.

A special HMS Buffalo Dinner will be held at the Mercury Bay Club on Friday, July 31.

The programme culminates in Homecoming Weekend, with highlights including a ceremony on Saturday, August 1 at the Buffalo Commemoration Site on Buffalo Beach. Navy representatives will attend and wreaths will be laid at the wreck site.

Later there’s a Polar Swim and a Big Dig competition and the charity Shipwreck Ball will be held at Whitianga Waterways in the evening.

On Sunday, August 2, there’s a guided walk from Ferry Landing to Shakespeare Cliff where participants can see the path taken by the Buffalo as it dragged its anchor at Cooks Beach and was beached off Whitianga.

Major sponsors of The 2015 Buffalo Homecoming Week are All About Whitianga, St Andrew’s Church Op Shop, The Informer and Thames Coromandel District Council. Other sponsors are Mercury Bay Museum & Historical Society, Whitianga Fun Zone, Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises, Coromandel FM, Mosaic Gallery, Countdown and Whitianga Waterways.

ends

© Scoop Media