The last days of the Janie Seddon

In 1900, the New Zealand government ordered the Janie Seddon for use as a mine laying vessel to defend against the Russians. Built in Scotland, she was delivered in 1902 and served in the First World War. Her role was limited, though, as she carried very little coal and so had a short range. In 1936, Talley’s purchased the Janie Seddon, their first fishing vessel, which didn’t work out too well, again due to her short range. During World War II, she was requisitioned back to the navy, and after the war, she was sold to the Motueka Trawling Company. By 1947, she was being operated by Talley’s once again, which only lasted for three years. In 1953, she sank at her mooring off the Motueka sandspit, possibly after coming to rest on her own anchor as the tide went out. Today the wreck of the Janie Seddon lies on the Motueka beach just off the old Motueka Quay. There’s been talk of removing the wreck from the foreshore due to safety and environmental concerns. She continues to deteriorate: Compare the state of her above, taken early in 2018, to the photo from the 2014 Stuff.co.nz article.