Famous for it's shipwrecks, The L'Alcemene perhaps is one of the best known of the ships to have wrecked on the Northland west coast. Built in 1834 L'Alcmene was a French Corvette. She was a three masted vessel carrying 36 guns on board. Her Commander was Captain le Compte d'Harcourt.
According to a report in the Southern Cross dated 17th June 1851 L'Alcmene was on her passage from Hobart to Hokianga. On June 3rd 1851 the L'Alcmene became becalmed thirty miles from shore. For four days she had drifted nearer and nearer to land. On the fourth day a westerly blew up and despite all efforts, she ended up entangled in the breakers, just off Bayly's Beach south of the notorious Monganui Bluff( itself a noted graveyard for many an unfortunate ship) and north of the equally dangerous Kaipara Harbour entrance.
With no hope to break free of the pounding west coast waves the Captain made a decision to beach her as a last alternative. In the doing twelve lives were lost.
The Courier (Hobart, Tasmania) Wednesday 16 July 1851 Reports"
LOSS OF THE FRENCH CORVETTE L'ALCMENE, ON HER VOYAGE FROM THIS PORT TO NEW ZEALAND.
We deeply regret to state that the French corvette L'AIcmène, thirty-six guns, Mons le Compte d'Harcourt, commander, »as wrecked on the West const,between the Kalpara heads and Hokianga heads, on the 3d Instant. She was on her passage from Hobart Town (where she hud recently been refitted ut an outlay of three or four thousand pounds,) to Hokiunga, when the disastrous event took place.
The particulars of the occurrence ure variously stated-but the distressing fact, unhappily, is only too certain, that notpplylhe fine vessel, but twelve lives were lost. The survivors, numbering about two hundred, having got ashore from the wreck, which remained fixed in the land, proceeded along the beach until they met with, the Ngatiapa natives, by whom, especially their chief, Matiu, they were most hospitably received, the Maories rendering them every assistance and kindness that their scanty resources could supply.
A few of the officers and men made their way to Auckland on Monday, and so soon al the case came lo the knowledge of the Lieut Governor, His Excellency caused the most prompt and active measures to be adopted for affording aid to the sufferers. Through the influence and exertions of the resident Magistrate, about thirty natives were induced to engage in the service, and were, with the least possible delay, sent forward in boats laden with provisions of all kinds, blankets and rugs, from the Commissariat Storsi, together with shoes, etc. from the stores of the 68th regiment. Lieut. Balneavlia, with several non commissioned officers, proceeded in charge of these supplies, which it was intended to lodge In a depot at the bead of the Waitemata, and to send forward in portions by natives to the locality in which the objects of this commiseration still remain, but from which they are to be conducted as speedily as practicable to Auckland.
We should mention that Captain Oliver, or U.M. S, Fly, took part also in this work of benevolence, sending aFix this text boat with preserved meats and other supplies ; and that Dr. Thompson volunteered to accompany the military party, with the humane view of affording any professional assistance that may be required. We understand that the gallant 58tb regiment has not only made tha efforts adverted to, but has followed them up by arrangements for the hospitable reception of these distressed Frenchmen, which are not less honourable to the character of the British army than its prowess in the Held. The houses of the officers-we need scarcely add not excepting that of its kind-hearted and hospitable Lieut Colonel,are to be made their homes on their arrival in town, which may be anticipated on Sunday or Monday next; and the soldiers'mess will in a corresponding; spirit be opened to the shipwrecked crew. This spirit will also, we cannot doubt, be practically manifested by our townsmen at large. We learn with pleasure, that the Lieut.-Governor has directed that the sum of £10 be given to the native chief Matiu, as a token of His Excellency's approbation of his conduct on this occasion.
-New Zealander, June 18th.