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The Brisbane Courier, 14th September 1876 :
“NEWCASTLE.
“September 13, 11.10 a.m.
“Captain J. Walker, of the Albert Williams, which arrived from Adelaide this morning, reports that the Dandenong, s., Captain John Pain, and which is owned by the Melbourne Steam Shipping Company, was totally wrecked off Jervis Bay in the heavy gale on Monday last.”
The Argus, 14th September 1876 :
“TOTAL LOSS
OF THE S. S.
DANDENONG.
“UPWARDS OF FIFTY LIVES LOST.
“The heavy southerly gale which raged with almost hurricane force along the east coast on Sunday has been most disastrous to the shipping which encountered it, and it is probable that we have not yet heard the full result of the damage done. It was only yesterday we had to record the great loss suffered by the racing community in the death of several valuable racehorses aboard the A.S.N. Co.’s steamer City of Melbourne, which ran into the gale, and now we have intelligence of the total loss of the s.s. Dandenong, belonging to Captain W. Howard Smith, which left here on Friday last with a full complement of passengers for Sydney. In addition to the loss of the vessel, it was also announced that at least 17 persons had been drowned, and it was feared that 40 more had met with a like fate. At first the news was disbelieved, but as telegram after telegram was received, the sceptics were forced to believe. The first announcement was made by the posting outside The Argus office of the following telegram from our Sydney correspondent : -
“ ‘Sydney, Wednesday.
“ ‘The Dandenong has broken her shaft, and was full of water, off Jervis Bay. A barque took off 28 persons; 17 were drowned, and 40 were still on board the Dandenong when the barque had to run for it. The Dandenong has not since been heard of, and it is supposed that she has foundered.’
“About the same time a telegram was received by Messrs. W. Howard Smith and Co., and posted at their office, Market-street : - ‘Newcastle, Wednesday. - Barque Albert William arrived here with 28 passengers and 12 crew of the Dandenong. The chief officer of the Dandenong reports that the shaft broke, and the ship was disabled off Jervis Bay. She was last seen at half-past 8 on Monday night. The chief and second officers are saved, but the captain and about 40 passengers and crew are supposed to be lost. The crew go on board the Cheviot as passengers to Sydney to-night.’
“Telegrams kept coming through in rapid succession, and from these it appears that the s.s. Dandenong, under the command of Captain J. Irwin, left Melbourne on Friday afternoon on her usual voyage to Sydney and Newcastle. In addition to her crew of 28 men, she had 27 passengers in the saloon and 28 in the steerage. She had a fine northerly wind down the bay, and it continued so until 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, when it suddenly chopped round to the eastward, and rapidly increased in violence until it was blowing a gale, and was gradually veering to the south, causing a nasty cross sea to run. The wind increased in violence during Sunday and the ship laboured heavily, shipping great quantities of water, but she was making good progress, and no fears were entertained of her not weathering the gale, which was now blowing with hurricane force. At 1 a.m. on Monday, however, when she was off Cape St. George, the headland forming Jervis Bay, the engines suddenly stopped, and almost immediately after the chief engineer reported to the captain - who had never left the deck throughout the gale - that the engines had broken down. Captain Irwin at once hauled his ship to the wind on the starboard tack, and attempted to stand off the land to the eastward. The gale still increased in violence, and it was impossible to show a rag of sail to keep her to the wind, and she consequently laboured heavily in the trough of the sea. To add to the danger the ship began to make water rapidly, and it was then discovered that the shaft of the screw had snapped in two, and had by some means damaged the hull in the after compartment. The pumps were promptly manned, the passengers and crew working in relays, while a party under the chief officer attempted to stop the leak using the mattresses and bedding from the cabins. This attempt, however, proved useless, and then, with a view of lightening the ship, and so cause her to labour less violently, Captain Irwin gave orders to throw overboard some of the cargo from the main hold. The water, however, was still rapidly increasing in the hold, and it was evident that she was fast settling down in the water. The sea was running so high that it was but little use launching the boats - with which the Dandenong was well supplied - as they would most certainly have been swamped. At about 2 p.m. on Monday a vessel hove in sight, and signals of distress having been hoisted, she soon bore down to her assistance, and proved to be the barque Albert William, from Wallaroo bound to Newcastle with copper ore. With great difficulty and danger one of the Dandenong’s boats was lowered, which, under the charge of Mr. Lawson, the chief officer, took several of the passengers on board, and proceeded alongside the barque. As thet neared her, however, they got into the trough of the sea, and the ship striking her heavily at once swamped her, and only the chief officer, two of the crew, and a child were saved. Another boat was lowered from the steamer, and this successfully placed its cargo of passengers on board the barque, but when attempting to complete a second trip she was smashed alongside, and only two of those on board of her were rescued. A third boat was lowered from the Dandenong, and in charge of Mr. M’Ewan, the second officer, assayed the difficult journey, but on going alongside the barque she met with the same fate, but most of those in her succeeded in saving their lives. By this time darkness was setting in, and it became impossible to tranship nay more persons until daylight. The captain of the Albert William, however, promised to keep by her until morning and then attempt to take off the 40 souls remaining on board. He had, however, but little hopes that she would live through the night, as the gale showed no signs of abating, and she was labouring so heavily that he expected her to founder instantly. A good look-out was kept for her during the first watch, but between 8 and 9 o’clock the steamer’s lights suddenly disappeared, and it was then supposed she had gone to the bottom. The Albert William remained hove-to all night, but when daylight came, there was nothing to be seen of the Dandenong, and she stood away on her course for Newcastle. Although she had to pass Sydney Heads on her way, for some unknown reason, the captain contented himself with merely showing his number, and gave no notice of the unfortunate occurrence. Had this been done the disaster would have been known at least 12 hours earlier, and steamers could have been promptly sent from Sydney to the scene of the wreck, in the hopes of yet finding some trace of the unfortunate vessel.
“As soon as the disaster became known, the New South Wales Government despatched the Government steamer Thetis to the scene of the wreck, and also telegraphed to Wollongong, Kiama, Terrara, Marura, and Jervis Bay to send out any assistance available. Commodore Hoskins, commanding the Australian squadron, also gave instructions to H.M.S. Sappho to proceed to the spot and search for the wreck. The steamers Yarra Yarra, from Sydney, and Tasmania, from Wollongong, also proceeded on the same errand during the day; while the manager of the Bulli Coal Company sent similar instructions to despatch their steamer Bulli from Bulli.
“As soon as the first intimation of the disaster was received in Melbourne Mr. Kerford communicated with the Commissioner of Trade and Customs in order to ascertain whether it was advisable to send away the Victoria. Mr. Anderson, however, pointed out that the scene of the wreck was only about 90 miles from Sydney, and that it would take 48 hours before the Victoria could reach the spot. The New South Wales Government were, however, communicated with, and an offer was at once made to send the Victoria if it was considered necessary. The Premier of New South Wales promptly replied, thanking Sir James M’Culloch for his offer, but declining it on the ground that plenty of steamers were available in Sydney.
“It is stated that when the morning broke on the Albert William - and nothing was in sight it was presumed that the Dandenong had found a watery grave - the scenes on board were most heartrending. Parents had been separated from their children, and in one case a little child had lost father, mother, brothers, and sister, and she alone was the surviving one out of a family of eight.
“Mr. M’Ewan, the second officer of the Dandenong, appears to bear a somewhat charmed life, as he was the third officer of the ill-fated ship British Admiral, that was lost on King’s Island in 1873, when nearly all the crew and passengers were drowned. In addition to the valuable general cargo the Dandenong had on board, she was also carrying 160 high-class stud sheep, which had been purchased by New South Wales and Riverina buyers at the recent annual ram sales held by Messrs. Powers, Rutherford, and Co., and Messrs. Ettershank, Eaglestone, and Co.
“The Dandenong was well-known as a regular trader between this port and Sydney, and was purchased at home by the owner, Captain W. Howard Smith, who brought her out here. She was a staunch and strongly constructed iron screw steamer, of 743 tons, builder’s measurement, and was built in 1867 at Palmer’s Ironworks, Jarrow-on-Tyne, the same yard from which were launched the Barrabool and Queensland. She was of the following dimensions : - Length, 291 feet; beam, 28ft. 2in.; and depth of hold, 15ft. 7in.; and her hull was in three water tight compartments. The Dandenong arrived here early in January, 1868, to run in conjunction with the You Yangs to Sydney and Newcastle, and during her career on the coast she proved herself a very handy vessel, and di good service for her owner. She had made 206 trips, and was on her 207th when this disaster occurred. Her engines were of 90-horse power nominal, and she was fitted up on deck with steam appliances for the rapid discharge and taking in of cargo. Like the rest of the boats of her line, she was kept in the most efficient order, and her passenger accommodation had been altered and improved some time ago. The value placed upon her by the owner is L20,000, but she is only covered by insurance to the extent of L14,000. The insurances are with the Adelaide Marine and the Southern, but these companies, it is understood, have divided the risk with other offices.
“The following is a list of the passengers who left here for Sydney in the Dandenong : - Saloon. - Mrs. Whitworth. Mrs. Brodie, Mrs. M’Connachy, Mrs. Wakefield, Miss E. Smith, Miss Hilliard, Miss E. Murray, Miss M. Murray, Miss Agnes Wakefield, Miss Annie Wakefield, Miss Fitzsimmons, Miss Green, Sister St. Joseph, Messrs. Winship, Ash, G. Chambers, M’Dougall, Wakefield, T. J. Malley, H. H. Steele, Wright, W. Murray, Hartley, Master Whitworth, and Masters J. Wakefield, T. Wakefield, and F. Wakefield. Steerage. - Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Grey, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. M. Brown, and Mrs. Edmonds and two children, Messrs. Dare, Ferguson, Davis, Blair, J. M’Ghee, Payne, M’Grath, Golding, W. Barter, M’Dougall, J. Osborn, Honey, E. Walter, R. Walter, Matthews, J. Murray, M. Brown, and W. Langston.
“The following is the list of passengers saved : - Saloon. - Captain M’Dougall, Mr. F. Ash, Mr. J. Hartley, J. Whitworth, Mr. G. Chambers, Sister St. Joseph, Miss E. Murray, Miss Mary Murray, Miss Anne Green, Miss Mary Fitzsimmons, Miss Agnes Wakefield, Miss E. Smith. Steerage. - Mr. E. Walters, Mr. R. Walters, Mr. Samuel Golding, Mr. Wm. Blair, Mr. J. Osborn, Mr. J. Honey, Mr. J. M’Grath, Mrs. M. Brown, Mrs. Blair and child, Mrs. Edmonds and two children, and Mrs. Ward. The following is a list of the crew on board : - J. Irwin, captain; - Lawson, chief officer; C. M’Ewan, second mate; Jas. Forger, chief engineer; John Dykes, second engineer; Robert Hooks, chief steward; Fred. Jewell, second steward; John Wilson, officer’s boy; Thos. Hollson, fore cabin steward; Anna Saul, stewardess; John Wilson, cook; Wm. Young, lamp trimmer; David Mord, Jas. Anderson, John Bruhn, Josh de Franze, John Ekland, Charles Christie, Lawrence Williams, Charles Lingoist, - Alfred, and - Humphreys, able seamen; Jeremiah Bunting, Jogn Johnson, Wm. Lloyd, and Martin Dwyer, firemen; George Habbinder, Wm. Edbrooke, and Francis Hay, trimmers.
“The following are the members of the crew saved. Mr. Lawson, chief officer; Mr. C. M’Ewan, second officer; Mr. John Dykes, second engineer; Anna Saul, stewardess; James Anderson, John Bruhn, John Ekland, Charles Christie, Charles Lingoist, - Alfred, - Humphreys, able seamen; and George Habbinder, trimmer.
“Captain M’Dougall, one of the passengers saved, has had a recent experience of shipwreck, as he was master of the Water Lily that was lost a few months since at Port MacDonnell, S.A. Mr. Wakefield, who has been lost with his wife and his family, is a relation of the accountant of the Melbourne and Hobson’s Bay Railway Company; and Mrs. M’Connachy, who has also been lost, is the wife of the captain of the barque Moneta, which recently arrived here from New York, and was proceeding to Sydney to join her husband. As the Moneta had not yet arrived, it will be sad news for the captain when he reaches port to learn the death of his wife.
“There is still a possibility - though but a slight one - that some more of the passengers and crew have been saved by means of the other boats, but the search which is being made will soon decide the matter.
“Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Howard Smith, the owner of the Dandenong, whose recent losses in connexion with the collision between the Queensland and Barrabool add weight to this fresh disaster.
“(AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS)
“NEWCASTLE, WEDNESDAY MORNING.
“The barque Albert William, laden with copper ore, arrived here this morning with 28 passengers and 12 of the crew of the steamer Dandenong, which was in a disabled condition off Jervis Bay, with her after compartment full of water, and fears were entertained that she would founder, as the captain of the barque had little hope of her living in such a sea. Seventeen persons were drowned in transhipping to the barque, and darkness coming on the barque could not stand by the steamer any longer. Forty of the passengers and crew are said to be left on the wreck. A little girl was saved who has lost father, mother, three brothers, and two sisters, and a boy is saved who has lost his mother. Two Sisters of Mercy are amongst the survivors.
“The following is the report of the voyage of the Dandenong : - She left Port Phillip Heads on Friday evening for Sydney and Newcastle, and experienced fine weather up to Saturday, the 9th inst., but by 5 p.m. on that day the wind suddenly chopped round to the eastward, and rapidly increased to a gale. This weather continued throughout the night, and at 2 a.m. on Sunday the vessel laboured heavily, shipping much water. The gale increased in intensity, and the sea ran mountains high. At 1 a.m. on Monday the engineer reported the engines to have broken down, and the ship was hauled off to the eastward. The gale increasing in violence, the ship commenced to make water rapidly, and the passengers and crew worked hard to stop the leak, which was found to be situated in the afterpart of the ship. Beds and bedding were used in the work, but all to no purpose, and the cargo was then taken out aft, and thrown overboard. The water, however, was still increasing, and the ship was sinking rapidly, when the barque Albert William hove in sight. Signals of distress were made, and as the vessel came close preparations were made for lowering the boats. Three boats were lowered, under the charge of the officers of the ship, and filled with passengers. One of the boats almost immediately swamped alongside, and 17 persons, including a number of women, were drowned, there being no chance of saving them. The other boats reached the barque in safety.
“The boats went backwards and forwards until night set in, and the barque remained alongside the disabled steamer all night’ keeping a good look out, until the Dandenong’s lights suddenly disappeared, when the barque squared away for Newcastle.
“The stern of the Dandenong was smashed , and very little hopes were entertained of the steamer living through the night.
“FURTHER PARTICULARS.
“NEWCASTLE, AFTERNOON.
“The Dandenong’s lights suddenly disappeared between 8 and 9 o’clock on Monday night, at which time she is supposed to have foundered.
“There was only one good boat available on board the Dandenong at the time, the remainder having been sent away with passengers to the barque.
“The barque, which was deeply laden with copper ore, stood by all night, and when daylight came, nothing could be seen of the steamer. The barque there fore squared away at eight o’clock in the morning and made for Newcastle, having passed Sydney Heads yesterday afternoon, but only signaled her number. There was only one boat available and it made two trips. The passengers and crew saved from the Dandenong look in a deplorable condition, and hundreds of people assembled on the wharf to witness their landing.
“A deputation has waited on the mayor, asking him to call a public meeting to afford relief to the sufferers. Immediately on receipt of the news, the Government ordered the pilot steamer Thetis to proceed at once to Jervis Bay, and also telegraphed to Kiama and Wollongong, giving similar instructions to any steamers there. The Commodore will probably be asked to despatch a man-of-war.
“The manager of the Bulli Coal Company telegraphed to Bulli, instructing the master of the steamer Bulli, to proceed at once to Jervis Bay.
“The following are the names of those saved : - Captain M’Dougall, Edward Walters, Frederick Ash, Richard Walters, Samuel Golding, William Blair, T. Osborne, J. Honey, J. Hartley, J. Whitworth, G. Chambers, J. M’Grath, J. Brown, Mrs. Blair and child, Mrs. H. Brown, Mrs. E. Walchman, Mrs. Edmonds and two children, Mrs. Ward, Sisters of St. Joseph, Elizabeth Murray and Mary Murray, Ann Green, Mary Fitzsimmons, Agnes Wakefield, Mary Smith, and two able seamen, J. Anderson and G. Atkinson.
“The chief officer, Mr. Lawson, who is saved, says that the following were drowned : - Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield and five children, Mrs. H. O. Whitworth, Mr. Fergusson, Mrs. Brodie, G. Payne, Laurie, a seaman, and five others.”
The Argus, 14th September 1876 :
“PARLIAMENT.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13.
“THE WRECK OF THE DANDENONG.
“Mr. KERNOT asked whether the Government had co-operated with the New South Wales Government in sending steamers to the assistance of the Dandenong ?
“Sir JAMES M’CULLOCH said the Government had received two telegrams from the New South Wales Government on the subject. The New South Wales Government had arranged to send a steamer from Sydney, and also from some port in New South Wales, and the Victorian Government had ascertained that everything had been done that could be done, in order to save the survivors. The place where the Dandenong was wrecked was within nine hours of Sydney. The telegrams received from Sydney were as follows : -
“ ‘To the Hon. the Chief Secretary.
‘Sydney, Sept. 13.
“ ‘The following telegram has been received by the Herald newspaper from Newcastle : -
‘Barque, Albert William, has arrived from Wallaroo this morning with 28 passengers and 12 of the crew of the Dandenong steamer, which was in a disabled condition off Jervis Bay. The after-compartment was full of water, and fears were entertained that she would founder. Seventeen persons were drowned in transhipping from the steamer to the barque. Forty of the passengers and crew are said to be left on board. Advisable for the Government to send steamer at once to their rescue.’ Every effort is being made for the recovery of passengers. The Thetis was instantly despatched. Also the Government authorities at Wollongong, Kiama, Terrara, Moruya, and Jervis Bay have been telegraphed to to [sic] hire and despatch in search and aid any available steamer. H.M.S. Sappho has also been despatched. Letter by post.
‘COLONIAL SECRETARY.’
“To this the Government replied as follows : -
“ ‘To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney.
‘September 13, 1876
“ ‘Thank you for your telegram in reference to the Dandenong. We understand from your message that you have done everything that can be done in the way of effort to rescue survivors. Let us know.
‘CHIEF SECRETARY OF VICTORIA.’
“The following telegrams were also received : -
“ ‘To the Chief Secretary.
‘Sydney, Sept. 13
“ ‘The Dandenong wrecked off Jervis Bay. 28 passengers and crew just brought into Newcastle by barque.
‘P. B. WALKER, Acting Superintendent.’
“ ‘To the Chief Secretary.
‘Newcastle, Sept. 13
“ ‘Barque Albert William arrived here with 28 passengers and crew of Dandenong. Chief Officer Dandenong reports shaft broke and ship disabled off Jervis Bay.Last seen Monday night at half past 8. The chief and second officers have been saved. The captain and about 40 of the passengers and crew are supposed to be lost. Most of the crew saved go on board the Cheviot, and the passengers go to Sydney to-night.
‘MANAGER, Newcastle.
“It was impossible to do anything more here now, but if the Government could in any way assist, they would be very glad to do so. A steamer despatched from Melbourne would take two days to arrive at the place.”
The Brisbane Courier, 15th September 1876 :
“Sydney.
“September 14.
“The wreck of the Dandenong, s., has caused a profound sensation throughout the city. The Tasmania, s., returned to port this morning, having searched the coast without finding any traces, and steamers Thetis, Bulli, Illalong, and H.M.S. Sappho have been cruising about in the vicinity of the wreck all to-day.”
“The passengers saved from the Dandenong, s., are Captain M’Dougall, Messrs. Edward Walters, Richard Walters, Samuel Golding, Frederick Ash, W. Blair, T. Osborne, J. Honey, J. Hartley, J. Whitworth, J. M’Grath, J. Brown, G. Chambers, Mrs. Blair and child, Miss H. Brown, Miss E. Watchman, Mrs. Edmunds and two children, Mrs. Ward, Sisters of St. Joseph, Elizabeth Murray, Mary Murray, Ann Green, Margaret Fitz Simmons, Agnes Wakefield, and Mary Smythe. Of the crew there were saved James Lawson, chief officer; Charles Williams, William M’Ewan, second officer; John Dyke, second engineer; Anne Saul, stewardess; Martin Alfred, boatswain; James Hampshire, second cook and five A.B.’s.”
The Argus, 15th September 1876 :
“SYDNEY.
“FRIDAY MORNING.
“The steamer Yarra Yarra returned here after midnight, having traversed 100 miles to the S.E. in search of the wreck , but she saw no traces of the Dandenong. When she left the man-of-war Sappho was going north in search of tidings.”
“There is no necessity to enlarge upon the terrible disaster which has occasioned such wide-spread feelings of grief and consternation in this community in the last few days. The mere narrative of the event is so painful and distressing that we would gladly forget some of its more pathetic incidents. But while the dead claim our regret, the living appeal to our sympathies, for the anguish of the bereavement they have sustained is rendered additionally acute by the deprivation in many instances of the means of sustenance. There are women who have been widowed and beggared by a single stroke of misfortune, and fatherless children, who have lost the mainstay of the household. Such sorrow as springs out of a sudden, sharp calamity, like the foundering of the Dandenong, is hard enough to bear when it falls upon those who are in prosperous circumstances, but it becomes tenfold more poignant when it visits the homes of those who cannot tell where to look for even the necessaries of life in the week to come. On their behalf, we earnestly second the appeals made for help through our columns by the Rev. G. W. TORRANCE to the clergy, and by the committee of management of the Victorian Shipwreck Relief Society to the general public. That society has undertaken the distribution of any funds which may be specially raised for the benefit of the sufferers by the loss of the Dandenong, and we shall be happy to receive contributions for that purpose. Mr. TORRANCE’S proposition for a general collection in all churches next Sunday, appears to be a very good one, and we have little doubt that it will be cordially acted upon by ministers of all denominations. The cause is one in which a rivalry of effort will be highly commendable; and we earnestly hope that the liberality of the public will be commensurate with the magnitude of the calamity. As we are reminded by the chairman of the Shipwreck Relief Society, a considerable sum of money will be required to relieve the pressing necessities of the sufferers, to whom it will be some consolation, in the midst of their affliction, to know how deep and general is the feeling of sympathy inspired by this most unhappy event.”
“SHIPWRECKED MARINERS’
RELIEF SOCIETY.
“A special meeting of the committee of the newly-formed Shipwrecked Mariners’ Relief Society was held at the Sailors’ Home yesterday for the purpose of considering what action could be taken to raise a fund for the relief of the sufferers by the wreck of the Dandenong. The members present were : - Jonkheer Ploos van Amstel (in the chair), Messrs. H. R. Reid, Lorimer, W. Siddeley, Holmes, Pigott, and Captain W. H. Smith, together with the hon. secretary, Captain Allbeury.
“THE CHAIRMAN explained that he had called the members of the committee together in consequence of the sad news received relative to the loss of the Dandenong, which would necessitate the raising of a sum of money to relieve the wants of those who had been left destitute by the loss of their bread winners. At present the society had only L34 10s. subscriptions paid. There was also a sum of about L60 to receive from the managers of the recent concert in the Town-hall, so that altogether they had only about L100, which would be totally inadequate for present requirements. Under these circumstances it would be necessary to make a special appeal to the public, and he was quite sure that on this as on previous occasions a liberal response would be made by the people of Victoria.
“Mr. LORIMER said the question to be considered was whether the society should suspend their operations for the present and collect a fund solely for the relief of the Dandenong sufferers, or whether they should proceed to collect subscriptions for the general fund of the society, from which relief would be given to those who had suffered by the wreck of the Dandenong.
“Mr. SIDDELEY was of opinion that a vigorous attempt should be made to collect money for the general fund of the society. If there were persons desirous of subscribing specifically to the Dandenong fund, well and good, but if they were to confine their efforts solely to obtaining money for the present disastrous affair, the result would be that a large sum would be collected, and would be apportioned as on previous occasions, but the society would not have advanced at all, and if another marine disaster occurred, which was quite probable , they would again be without funds to render assistance.
“Mr. H. R. REID, as treasurer of the society, quite agreed with the remarks of Mr. Siddeley. They ought to try and collect several thousands of pounds for the society, and of course the sufferers by the Dandenong would be a first claim on the fund. But there were many other cases that would be brought under their notice, and which they would require funds to relieve. There was the case of the total loss of the Hannah, for instance. It was known that the captain had left a widow and family, as had also the steward, and probably others of her crew. It was therefore desirable that the society should obtain funds as soon as possible, in order to meet the cases that would inevitably be brought before them.
“Mr. LORIMER quite agreed that an attempt should be made to collect funds for the society. At the same time he pointed out that in such a case as the present one the feelings of many people could be greatly worked upon, and their sympathies excited so that considerable amounts would be sent in to the editors of the newspapers solely for the Dandenong fund. he was well aware that that there were many cases of of almost equal hardship that were never made public, and that if their harrowing details were made known they would be found to be quite as bad as the Dandenong. In the present instance he considered that they should not stop the flow of public sympathy, but while trying to raise a general fund for the society, they should also receive special subscriptions for the Dandenong fund.
“The CHAIRMAN pointed out that id special subscriptions were received for the Dandenong fund, of course they would be allotted to that subject.
“Captain W. HOWARD SMITH thought that the appeal to be made to the public should be on behalf of the general fund of the society, and those who like to subscribe specially for the Dandenong could do so. If a large fund was raised for that purpose, it would, of course, reduce the claim on the society’s funds. At the same time he supposed that the money so raised would be restricted to the relief of the widows and orphans of those belonging to Victoria.
“It was explained that this was one of the rules of the society.
“After some further conversational discussion, it was resolved that as the city had already been divided into blocks, and collectors appointed, a vigorous appeal should be made on behalf of the funds of the society, and that at the same time the collectors should take charge of any subscriptions that might be given specially for the Dandenong Relief Fund.
“Mr. LORIMER then called attention to the fact that it was very likely that subscriptions would be sent to the editors of the newspapers in aid of the Dandenong Relief Fund, as was usually the case under such circumstances. he therefore suggested that the co-operation of the editors of the morning papers be invited , and that a letter be sent to them stating that if they desired the committee would take responsibility of inquiring into the circumstances of the sufferers, and apportioning the money in the best possible manner.
“This was agreed to.
“Mr. LORIMER next suggested that a concert should be given in the Town-hall in aid of the Dandenong Relief Fund - not the general fund of the society - and moved that those members of the musical profession who were willing to give their gratuitous services for this object should be requested to communicate with the hon. secretary at the Sailors’ Home.
“This was also agreed to, and the meeting closed, but before separating Captain W. H. Smith headed the subscription list for the Dandenong Relief Fund with L100.”
“THE WRECK OF THE S.S. DAN-
DENONG.
FURTHER PARTICULARS.
“The sad details attending attending the loss of the s.s. Dandenong were the general topic of conversation throughout the city yesterday, and great anxiety was expressed for some fuller particulars of the occurrence, and also for news of the success of the steamers that had been sent out in search of the ill-fated vessel. The telegraph office and also the office of the owner, Captain W. Howard Smith, in Market-street, were frequently visited throughout the day by the relatives of those who were left on board the steamer on Monday night when darkness set in. They were in continual hopes that a telegram might be received announcing the return of one of the searching steamers with the Dandenong in tow, but up to the time of the office closing not a single notification was received. The hopes of those anxious friends who remain in suspense were somewhat bouyed up by the fact that at an early hour in the morning a telegram was received from Mr. Lawson, the chief officer of the Dandenong, in which he said : - ‘When we left the steamer her engine-room was filling with water, but there was only 6in. of water in her main compartment.’ This certainly gave a glimmer of hope that she might yet be heard of, especially as it became known that Captain J. Clarke, who had for several years been in command of the steamer, had expressed his opinion that the bouyancy was such that, with her fore compartment uninjured, it would be impossible for her to founder. Captain W. H. Smith, the owner, also did all in his power to cheer up the anxious inquirers, by still maintaining a hope that the steamer would yet be heard of. It is still possible that she may have lived through that night, but scarcely probable, or something would have been heard of her before now, as, with the fair wind blowing, she could at once have run for Sydney. In the minds of nautical men there remains but little doubt that when the look-out man on board the Albert William lost sight of her lights, between 8 and 9 o’clock, she foundered, and of all those on board not one has been left to tell the sad tale of what took place from the time darkness set in. It may seem possible to some that with her fore-compartment clear of water, and but comparatively little water in her main-hold, she might have weathered the gale, but it must be remember that she was totally unmanageable, labouring like a log in the trough of the sea; that cargo had been taken out of her after-hold in order if possible to stop the leak in the after-compartment, and she would consequently pitch very heavily with the weight in her forward, and that one of the telegrams received stated that when she was last seen her bows were smashed in. Taking all these matters into consideration, there can be but little doubt that when plunging down one of the heavy seas she went to the bottom head first.
“From inquiries it has been ascertained that the whole of the amount for which the Dandenong was insured has not been placed in Melbourne offices, some of it having been re-insured in Sydney and Adelaide, and we are, therefore, unable at present to give a list of the offices on which the loss falls.
“Some slight discrepancies having occurred in the list of those saved as given in The Argus account and the Associated Press telegram we republish to-day the complete list of the passengers and crew taken from Captain W. H. Smith’s books, also the correct list of those who are known to be saved. The following were passengers by the vessel : - Saloon; Mrs. H. R. Whitworth, Mrs. Brodie, Mrs. M’Connachy, Mrs. Wakefiled, Miss E. Smith, Miss Hilliard, Miss M. Murray, Miss Agnes Wakefield, Miss Annie Wakefiled, Miss Fitzsimmons, Miss Green, Sister St. Joseph, Messrs. Winship, Ash, G. Chambers, M’Dougall, Wakefield, T. J. Malley, H. H. Steele, Wright, W. Murray, Hartley, Master J. Whitworth, and Masters J. Wakefield, T. Wakefield, and F. Wakefield. Steerage - Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Grey, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. M. Brown, and Mrs. Edmonds and two children, Messrs. Dare, Ferguson, Davis, Blair, J. M’Ghee, Payne, M’Grath, Golden, W. Barter, M’Dougall, J. Osborn, , Honey, E. Walter, R. Walter, Matthews, J. Murray, M. Brown, and W. Langston.
“Those saved are : - Saloon ; Miss Fitzsimmons, Miss Green, Miss E. Smith, Miss E. Murray, Miss M. Murray, Sister St. Joseph, Miss A. Wakefield, Messrs. Ash, G. Chambers, Hartley, and Master Joseph Whitworth. Steerage ; Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. M. Brown, Mrs. Edmonds and two children, Messrs. Blair, M’Grath, Golden, M’Dougall, J. Osborn, Honey, E. Walter, R. Walter, J. Murray, and M. Brown.
“The following is a list of the crew on board : - J. Irwin, captain; _ Lawson, chief officer; C. M’Ewan, second mate; Jas. Forger, chief engineer; John Dykes, second engineer; Robert Hooks, chief steward; Fred. Jewell, second steward; John Wilson, officer’s boy; Thos. Hollson, fore cabin steward; Anna Saul, stewardess; John Wilson, cook; Wm. Young, lamp trimmer; David Mord, Jas. Anderson, John Bruhn, Jose de Franze, John Ekland, Charles Christie, Lawrence Williams, Charles Lingoist, _ Alfred, and _ Humphreys, able seamen; Jeremiah Bunting, John Johnson, Wm. Lloyd, and Martin Dwyer, firemen; George Habbinder, Wm. Edbrooke, and Francis Hay, trimmers.
“The following are the members of the crew saved : - Mr. Lawson, chief officer; Mr. C. M’Ewan, second officer; Mr. John Dykes, second engineer; Anna Saul, stewardess; James Anderson, John Bruhn, John Ekland, Charles Christie, Charles Lingoist, _ Alfred, _ Humphreys, able seamen; and George Habbinder, trimmer.
“(AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS.)
“SYDNEY, THURSDAY.
“The steamer Tasmania returned this morning from her search along the coast, and reports that she saw no signs of the Dandenong.
“The steamers Thetis, Wollongong, Bulli, and H.M.S. Sappho have been searching off Jervis Bay since early morning, but have found no traces of the wreck up to the present time. The Woniora went as far as Wollongong yesterday afternoon, and keeping 15 miles out saw nothing of any wreckage.
“Some surprise having been expressed that the captain of the barque Albert William did not communicate the news on passing Sydney Heads, the captain was interviewed at Newcastle, and explained that on passing Sydney Heads it was blowing such a gale that he could not possibly do more than fly his own number. Has he stopped or approached nearer the shore, he would have gone into the surf, and when he had passed the port he thought the Dandenong had got into some port of safety or had gone down; he kept into land seeking the steamer or boats. The passengers and crew of the Dandenong are unanimously of opinion that he did all that could be done.
“The subscription for the Dandenong survivors now reaches L180.”
The Argus, 16th September 1876 :
“THE LOSS OF THE DANDENONG.
“NARRATIVES OF SURVIVORS.
(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
“SYDNEY, FRIDAY.
“The following narratives are supplied by Mr. Lawson, chief officer of the Dandenong, Mr. Ash, and other passengers by the ill-fated steamer : -
“Mr. Lawson states - ‘We experienced fair weather till Saturday afternoon. The came on a dull drizzling rain, and at 5 p.m. the wind suddenly shifted to the east and rapidly increased to a gale. At 2 a.m. on Sunday we sighted land, supposed to be Cape Edward. The gale at this time seemed to me increasing, and the ship laboured heavily, taking in a great deal of water on deck. At 1 a.m. on Monday the engineer reported that the engines had broken down, and the captain immediately hauled up N. and by W., the wind shifting S. and E., and increasing in violence. The captain went below to ascertain the extent of the damage, and learned from the engineer that the screw shaft had broken in the stern pipe, and that the ship had commenced making water rapidly. Bedding, blankets, and everything else available were used to stop the leak, but to no purpose. The donkey engine was set to work at once, and the engineer, having partly stopped the leak, proceeded to disconnect the shaft, in order to get the main engines to work on the bilges, but owing to the water gaining so fast they were unable to succeed. By this time the water had gained so fast that the fires were extinguished.’
“Mr. F. Ash, one of the rescued saloon passengers, gives the following version of the disaster. He says - ‘The first intimation we had of any immediate danger was at half-past 7 on Monday, when the captain came forward and called on us to relieve the seamen in baling out the vessel. He said it was a matter of life or death, and almost the whole of the male passengers most readily responded to his call. We were very anxious for our own lives, and the anxious faces of the women gave us additional nerve. We went into the engine-room, and found there was a great quantity of water in it. The pumps could not be worked, , for what reason we did not then know, but afterwards learned that it was on account of the screw shaft having broken. There not being sufficient hose to reach the donkey-engine, we could not obtain any help from that quarter, and we depended altogether on our buckets. We all worked willingly, but were disheartened by the water gaining on us. Notwithstanding our unsuccessful exertions, the captain worked manfully, setting a noble example to his men. At 3 p.m. we knocked off baling, as our efforts were unavailing, and battened down the hatches and coal-hole at the rear of the engine-house to keep the water from getting into the main hold. Shortly afterwards a sail was observed, distant about three miles, and we, for the first time since seeing the water increase, felt a little hope of being saved. Signals of distress were hoisted, and to our great relief no sooner were they up than the barque changed her course, and bore down to us, coming as close as was practicable. The whole of the boats belonging to the steamer had been got ready, and upon the barque heaving-to the lifeboat was lowered, in charge of the chief officer, Mr. Lawson, and she was manned by three seamen and a volunteer named Geo. Payne, a fine young fellow, aged 25 years, who was on his way to Newcastle to join a ship as first mate. The chief office behaved with much coolness while some passengers were getting into the boat. When she started off, there were 15 persons in her altogether, the chief officer, three sailors, Mr. Payne, Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield, and eight children. We very anxiously watched the boat’s progress towards the barque. She was very strong, but she was tossed about like an eggshell by the tremendous seas running, the spray splashing into her, and drenching her occupants. The next moment she down in a trough of waves, and out of sight. At last we saw her go up alongside the barque, but the next minute she was dashed to pieces and her fragments carried away, Mr. Payne being seen on one piece of the wreck. The chief officer and two of the men managed to scramble into the barque, but the father, mother, and seven children found watery graves. We were still more anxious when the next boat, which Captain M’Dougall, a passenger, had volunteered to take charge of, prepared to put off. The boatswain and men were at the oars, and Captain M’Dougall at the helm, and the passengers were one man and a number of women and children. The whole were got on board safely and the boat put back for the steamer. Captain M’Dougall remained on board the barque, and the boatswain took the helm, two men only being at the oars, the third being engaged in baling the boat. A boat-load of women and children were taken from the steamer and placed on the barque, when the boat went adrift and no more trips could be made. The second officer, Mr. M’Ewan, was placed in command of another boat, in which a number of men got. Passengers could have got in, but preferred to wait for the captain’s boat, which was considered to be the most safe. the boat was badly manned. One of the oars was broken, another could not be well worked, as the rowlock was broken, the third was pulled by an invalid passenger, but at the fourth was a sturdy tar. I was in this boat, and can vouch for the determination and pluck displayed by the second officer, Mr. M’Ewan, who, though a young man, was the means of preventing the boat being swamped and capsized. He was very cool, and handled the helm splendidly. When we got alongside the barque our stem struck her heavily three times, but we could not ward her off. One of the men was washed out of the boat and landed upon the barque, and others laid hold of the ropes which were thrown down to us. We all, with the exception of a man named Fergusson, managed to scramble on board, but he, poor fellow, went to the bottom. There were now only two boats left, and those on board the steamer, so we could not put back to render further assistance. The barque kept close to the steamer until her lights disappeared; then we stood away for Newcastle.
“ ‘I have been in many terrific storms on the coast, but never saw a gale to equal that of Monday. The sea was very confused, and the spray flew with such violence that it was painful to get struck with it. We were all treated with the greatest kindness and consideration on board the Albert William, from the captain to the smallest boy on board. All were most attentive and generous, the captain and officers vacated their cabins for the benefit of the females, and put up with great inconvenience. When the barque reached Newcastle we were treated as well as could be desired. We were located in one of the best hotels, where the greatest convenience was afforded, and the kindest treatment given. Those of our number who had lost their clothing were supplied with new, and altogether no greater consideration could have been afforded us.
“There were two boats left on board the steamer, the captain’s and a small dingy, but whether they could be launched was a matter of doubt, unless they were thrown over the side. There was only one female left on board the steamer, as far as I am aware, and she, poor woman, was with an invalid husband and child. Notwithstanding her husband’s entreaties to save herself and child, she would not leave him. The scene on board the steamer quite astonished me. The female passengers were wonderfully calm. No screams were heard, nor were there any demonstrations of grief, except when the barque appeared to be passing away without sighting the steamer. When in the boats the men and women crouched down and did not move. This added much to the success attending the trips made. There were a number of valuable sheep on the steamer, the lot being valued at from L3,000 to L4,000 and some at 600 guineas each.’
“Mr. Hartley, a cabin passenger, says that there were three boats attached to the Dandenong, but that a considerable time elapsed before the first boat could be lowered - half-an-hour he thinks, but the time very likely appeared to him longer than it really was. He also thinks that the ship was not properly supplied with pumping apparatus, which was fitted to be worked by steam. Mr. Hartley is of opinion that Captain Irwin considered their only hope of safety lay in transhipping the passengers from the steamer to the barque, but nearly the whole of the passengers were afraid to trust themselves in the open boat. Mr. Winship, of Newcastle, was among those who refused to get into the boat. This reluctance is to be accounted for partly by the imminent danger of death in the boats, and partly from the hope that they woul be saved in the captain’s boat. When the first boat was smashed to pieces near the vessel, three or four managed to climb up the side by the aid of ropes. Mr. Hartley, like all the others, had a very narrow escape. He was almost unconscious in the water, but held on to a rope that was thrown him with that tenacity that can only spring from desperation. Somehow, he managed to get the rope looped round his arm, and this enabled him to hold on a little longer. The last thing he remembers is being caught by the hair of the head and by the heels, and dragged on to the deck of the barque. He speaks very highly of Captain Walker and the officers and crew of the barque Albert William, who showed the rescued passengers every possible kindness, gave up all their bunks, and remained without themselves. Mr. Hartley has lost all he possessed. he was coming over to Sydney to start in the ironmongery trade. He was in business in the boot and shoe trade opposite the Post-office in Melbourne.
“William Blair, a steerage passenger, says - The first intimation I got that there was anything wrong was at 6 o’clock on Monday morning, but the passengers were not fully aware of the extent of the damage done, but they knew there was a great danger of some sort imminent. There was during the many hours no land in sight, and the distance from the shore was stated to be 20 miles at least, those those on board the barque calculated that they were no more than seven miles from Jervis Bay. The weather was thick and hazy, and it was impossible to see more than a few miles. The engineer was up to his neck in water for a considerable time. After the barque was signaled the captain had no hope, and was very anxious that all the passengers would go on board the barque, and precautions were strictly taken. When the first boat that left the steamer struck, all the passengers with the exception of a child were drowned. The first mate and the two sailors seized ropes hanging over the side of the barque, and the little girl whose mother, father, three brothers, and two sisters were drowned had a rope thrown round her, and she was saved. The second boat returned to the steamer, and took on board myself, wife, and child, two sister of mercy, a few other women, and children - 10 altogether. We soon found the main pin of the boat was gone, and the hole (through which the water was coming fast) was an inch and a quarter in size. I kept my finger in this all the time to stop the water. When we got to the barque all the men remained in the boat until the women and children were safely landed. The fourth passage from steamer to barque was made by the third boat that left the ship. It was in charge of the third mate. It got to the barque safely, and just as the passengers were getting out it was swamped. All that could clung on to the ropes, but two were drowned. A young fellow named Golding was saved, after being in the water half an hour, by having an air life-preserving coat on.
“The following particulars of Mr. James Barrow Winship, of Newcastle, New South Wales, who was drowned through the wreck of the Dandenong, will be read with interest : - For 15 years he was the viewer, or mining engineer, of the Australian Agricultural Company’s coal mines at Newcastle, New South Wales, and also consulting viewer of several other mining companies, and in his official capacity was brought into contact with the most influential personages in the adjoining colony. He was born near Houghton-le-Springs, Durham, England, in 1819. His coal-mining career commenced in the Lambton collieries belonging to the late Earl of Durham and he was next engaged in the Pemberton Deep Mine at Monkwearmouth, near Sunderland. Afterwards he acted in association with his father as viewer at Blythe, Northumberland. The offer of a lucrative office to manage Lord Chesterfield’s coal mines in Derbyshire drew him away from the counties of Durham and Northumberland, and he left Derbyshire to take the management of a colliery near Preston, Lancashire. Whilst at Preston he accepted the appointment as viewer under the A. A. Company. On arrival at Newcastle the company’s mining affairs were at a low ebb, and it has been greatly due to his skillful, faithful, and prudent management that shareholders of the company have for several years received their handsome dividends. he resigned his office in connexion with the A. A. Company to manage a new coal company, of which he furnished two-sevenths of the capital; and his recent visit to Melbourne, with his co-partner (Mr. F. Ash), one of the survivors, was to settle definitively with the Melbourne partners several details connected with the new company. The pit has been sunk; engines, screen, &c., have been erected, and all is in readiness for the successful working of the mine on the arrival of coal-waggons ordered from England. Already moderately prosperous pecuniarily there seemed before him a bright career of opulence, comfort, and usefulness.
“FURTHER PARTICULARS.
(AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS.)
“SYDNEY, FRIDAY.
“Several small pieces of wreckage were seen by the steamer Illalong yesterday, N. N. E. 32 miles from Jervis Bay Light-house. The largest piece was picked up, and has been identified as one of the panels of the chief officer’s cabin of the Dandenong. No other traces have been discovered. All the search steamers have returned except the Thetis, which is still out. A careful search has been made; they stood out to the north and east, burning lights at night and keeping a close look-out in the day.
“Agnes Wakefield, Miss Smythe, Master Whitworth, and several other survivors, including the stewardess and some of the crew, sailed in the Cheviot to-day for Melbourne.
“A public meeting is called for Tuesday next to devise means to relieve the sufferers of the wreck.”
The Argus, 19th September 1876 :
“The following letter of explanation, written by Captain Walker, of the barque Albert William, was published to-day [18th Sept.] in the Sydney Morning Herald : -
“ ‘To the Editor of the Herald.
“ ‘Sir, - Having seen several remarks about the barque Albert William passing Sydney Heads without going in and landing the passengers and crew, and reporting the accident of the s.s. Dandenong, in the first place I lay by the steamer about half a mile from her. When I hove to she had a bright light, which was burning up to half-past 8 p.m. After this, as neither vessel nor light was seen, although we were lying close to her, we came to the conclusion that the vessel had run to Sydney or foundered. The following morning nothing could be seen of this vessel, or any wreckage, therefore I was certain that the vessel had foundered unless she had got into Sydney or Botany Bay. It was a fearful gale at the time, and the sea raging dreadfully. We then hauled the vessel on N. N. W. course to see if we could find anything of the missing vessel’s boats or wreckage. hauled in for Sydney Heads and hoisted the ship’s number, so that they would know the people were safe if the steamer had got in. If she had not, I knew there were no hopes of her ever doing so. I should have hove to off Sydney Heads and signaled ashore if wind and seas would have permitted. I would have had to take the sails off the vessel and laid her to under lower main-topsail, and put her broadside on to the seas, which would have most likely swept the decks, if not have got us in among the surf, and run the risk of losing the lives on board. If I had thought there could have been one life saved I should have run the ship into Sydney at any risk or cost. The steamer was sighted about half-past 3 p.m. on the 11th, and soon after there was a flag made out at her mainmast head. She was then to the south and west of the Albert William. The Albert William was put at once under the two lower topsails and hove to; the steamer then came up, and passed close to our stern. I asked them to take the sail off her, get the boats to sea, and I would pick them up, but the top sail was not lowered down for some time, and the staysail kept up. I then put my ship before the wind, and ran close up to the steamer again, and asked them why they did not get the boats to sea so that we could save the people’s lives before it got dark. They then got two boats out, and despatched them full of passengers. I hove to again to leeward of the steamer. The boats came alongside. The first being badly handled let go several lines that were hove them from amidships of ship. At last she got under the ship’s quarter, and would not slack the line and pull up again alongside therefore the boats stove, and several lives were lost. The next boat came alongside beautifully in charge of Captain M’Dougall, and all got out well, and returned again to the ship for another load. The third boat came nearly stem on, and struck the ship three times, and at last she turned over. All the passengers clung to the ship’s braces, and lines hove to them, although there was one lost out of this boat. The next boat, No. 2, returned again, and came alongside well, and all got out safely. It was now dark, and all the men jumped out of the boat, leaving the boat to go adrift. I offered to the chief officer any of my boats if he could get hands to man them. Now I consider it unfair to be commented upon by the newspapers after I had done all I could to save lives, and done what I thought was for the best. I consider it like having dirty water in one’s face, and instead of encouraging shipmasters, it is enough to make them close their eyes and not see such things. This vessel was some distance from me - nearly out of sight - when the first flag was seen. It is the same with regard to any wreckage. Instead of masters of vessels getting assistance, and being put to as little trouble as possible after doing such actions, it appears they are in the highest degree inconvenienced. I have had, even here, to make out a passenger list of what I picked up, and asked to state whether they were cabin or steerage passengers. I consider it is every shipmaster’s duty to give all assistance in his power to ships in distress, and at all times do his utmost to save life at any cost, but at the same time I consider we ought to have a little encouragement. In the next place, I suppose you would only get one shipmaster in 50 that would lay his vessel as I did so close to shore all night with a heavy sea running. Some of the papers remark about the ship having left the steamer with a live cargo on board. I state it was the other way. The steamer left us, but I am afraid went to the bottom, as I must have seen her if she had not sunk, or had got into Sydney. In hoisting signals at Newcastle saying, ‘Ship indicated is supposed to have foundered,’ the flagstaff hoists up flags, ‘Made out clear but not understood.’ Had they hoisted answering pennant I should then have shown the steamer’s name. If I had commenced to signal at Sydney it might have been the same. As regards going into Sydney without being able to do any good by so doing, I suppose I would have had to pay pilotage, towage, and all other charges, to say nothing about detention.
‘J. WALKER,
Master barque Albert William,
‘Newcastle, Sept. 15.”
The Argus, 20th September 1876 :
“THE WRECK OF THE S.S.
DANDENONG.
RETURN OF THE SURVIVORS TO
MELBOURNE.
“When it was know that the steamer Cheviot had left Sydney on Friday last having board the greater portion of survivors of the ill-fated Dandenong, great interest was evinced in her proceedings, and her arrival was anxiously looked for. Although the Cheviot left on Friday afternoon, the A.S.N. Co.’s steamer City of Melbourne, which did not leave until the following day, arrived here some hours previously, bringing with her, on one of her passengers, Captain McDougall, who was a saloon passenger on board the s.s. Dandenong, and was most successful in piloting a boat full of persons from the sinking steamer to the barque Albert William. It was anticipated that the s.s. Cheviot , which is almost a new boat on this coast, and is under the command of Captain J.R. Clark, would have arrived here some time during Monday afternoon and consequently the telegrams from the Promontory were anxiously scanned, with the view of ascertaining when she would put in an appearance at the Heads. At sunset on Monday, however, it became known that the Cheviot was only then off the Promontory, and could not arrive in the Bay until an early hour in the morning. It was however thought that with the wind blowing from the northward, and consequently with smooth water under the lee of the land, she would creep up at a tolerably rapid pace. Accordingly, at an early hour those who had friends on board the Cheviot were anxiously on the look out for her, and they were therefore much disappointed when the first telegrams at 9 a.m. announced that she had only passed through the Heads three-quarters of an hour previously. As she bad the first of the flood with her, it was thought that she would soon put in an appearance in the Bay, and an anxious watch was kept for her, but it was not until afternoon that she reached the lightship. The first boat to board her was the Customs, having as a passenger Mr. H. R. Whitworth, who was anxious to meet his son, Master Whitworth, who had been so miraculously saved, when his mother and so many others had found a watery grave. The meeting was a most affecting one, and was rendered the more so by the fact that in the immediate proximity of the re-united pair were standing the two little girls all of whose friends had found a resting place many a fathom deep. In addition to these, there were among the passengers Mr. Lawson, the first officer of the s.s. Dandenong, and also Mr. Charles McEwan, the second officer.
“As might naturally have been expected the fortunate survivors from such a disastrous wreck, were the centre of interest as soon as the Cheviot was boarded, but, strange to say, the two officers saved from the Dandenong, who had been so willing to give information respecting the occurrence when the were in the neighbouring colony of New South Wales, were suddenly seized with a fit of extreme reticence as soon as they entered Victorian waters. Their plea, that the Melbourne newspapers have already had a full account of the occurrence, is no doubt a good one, but there are still several small details which people are desirous of learning, and which they could well have furnished without in any way affecting their duty towards their employers. For some reason, however, best known to themselves, they declined to give any information on the subject, which is altogether contrary to the practice pursued on a previous occasion by Mr. McEwan. At the same time it may be said that it would have been only a matter of courtesy on their part to answer the few questions submitted to them. With reference to the passage round, it may be said that when the Cheviot left last Friday afternoon there was an impression abroad in that city that it was possible for some of the remaining passengers or crew of the Dandenong to have taken refuge on Montague Island, as smoke had been seen there and, consequently, the Cheviot made for that island, which is off the coast, near Kiama, and reached it about 10 o’clock next morning. The life-boat was at once lowered by Captain Clark, and under the command of the chief officer, with six men in her, was sent to pull round the island and land there, in order to ascertain whether there was any truth in the rumour afloat in Sydney. After an absence of an hour and a half the boat returned to the steamer, and the chief officer reported that he had landed and found traces of people having been recently on the island. He also brought off a fishing line and half-a-dozen recently skinned rabbits, but stated that he had seen nobody. It did not appear that any of those who had been left on board the Dandedong had been fortunate enough to reach the island, and consequently the boat was hoisted up and the steamer proceeded on her journey.
When the Cheviot was boarded in the bay, the centre of attraction was the group to be seen on the deck of the steamer, consisting of Anna Saul, the stewardess of the Dandeong, and the two little girls, Agnes Wakefield and Ellen Smyth, who had also been saved. The stewardess is a young woman about 21 years of age, about the middle height, and with rather pleasing features; and from the account given by those who had been saved, she showed a great deal of pluck and nerve at the time of the wreck. When first asked to get into the boats she refused, and declared her intention of remaining by the ship to the last, and it was only after considerably persuasion that she was induced to take her place in Captain McDougall’s boat. The two children appear to have taken a great liking to her, for since the sad occurrence they will not her out of their sight for an instant; and while the steamer was in the bay the would not let go her hand, one of them clinging to her on either side. The youngest of the two is Agnes Wakefield, who is between six and seven years of age, The older one, Ellen Smyth, is about two years older. The lad whitworth is still older, and appeared to be none the worse for his narrow escape. The two girls however, who were neatly clad in mourning dresses with white pinafores over them, had a frightened look about them, the elder one especially, and had evidently not forgotten the trying ordeal they went through on that fatal Monday afternoon. They, however, willingly conversed with those who spoke to them, but the whole of the occurrences seemed to be a confused scene, of which they could give no coherent account, but they wept bitterly when the great loss they sustained was brought to their recollection. Miss Agnes Wakefield is a niece of the accountant of the Melbourne and Hobson’s Bay Railway, while Miss Ellen Smyth- who, it is said, is an adopted daughter -has some friends at Duck Ponds. As there was nobody to meet these two children when the steamer anchored in the bay, Captain Clark, who has been empowered by the Relief Committee in Sydney and Newcastle to make inquiries about them, and see that they are safety handed over to those who will look after them, decided upon leaving them on board in charge of the stewardess, Anna Saul. Those who desired to do so left the Cheviot in the steam tender sprightly, and were taken across to the Sandridge Railway, where a large crowd of persons had assembled to greet them. The survivors of this Dandenong had fortunately received a good fit-out in Sydney, and it was with great difficulty that some of them were recognised. When they were, however, they received a hearts welcome from those who in many cases looked upon them as restored from the dead.
“It is to be regretted that the survivors do not speak very flatteringly of the officials at Newcastle, N.S.W. It appears that because Captain Clark at once took the shipwrecked men on board the Cheviot, the shipping master did not consider them to be distressed seamen, and it was only when pressure was brought to bear upon him that he did so. Captain Clark made the facts of the matter publicly known, when the indignation was so great that the shipping-master at once changed his views, and supplied the wrecked seamen with new clothing and necessaries. The survivors are eloquent in their praises of the kindness shown to them by the people of Newcastle and Sydney. Nothing was too good for them, and their wants were at once freely attended to.
“There have already been several statements made respecting the sad disaster, but these have been been by telegram, and therefore at secondhand. As the fullest particulars no doubt desired, an account from Captain McDougall- on of the saloon passengers -who successfully took one boat’s crew of passengers to the barque Albert William, will be read with interest. Captain McDougall states that the Dandenong left Melbourne on Friday, September 8, and all went well until she rounded Wilson’s Promontory at 20 minutes past 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 9. The wind was then north-westerly, but rather variable, and remained so until 6 p.m., when it suddenly veered round to the eastward, and rapidly increased in violence until it was blowing a hard gale. The sea also began to rise, and before daylight next morning there was a nasty chopping sea on. Throughout Sunday the weather remained thick and equally, with heavy showers of rain passing over, and towards night the wind gradually shifted round to the south, which together with the current, caused a nasty cross sea to get up. Although it was blowing so hard, and the ship labouring heavily, no particular alarm was experienced, and there was a general expression of opinion that with such a strong “southerly burster” the Dandenong ought to make a rapid run to Sydney Heads. During the whole of this time Captain Irwin had not been off the deck more than two hours, and in the course of conversation with a friend who was on board he remarked that it was somewhat strange that on his first voyage as master he should be beset with so much severe weather. About half-past 1 on Monday morning those who were sleeping in the officers’ quarters in the after part of the ship were awakened by a sudden shock, beneath them, and this to the initiated at once notified that some accident had happened to the screw shaft. The second engineer, who was below at the time, at once made for the engine-room to see what was the matter; but in the course of a very few minutes he again made his appearance in the cabin, and went down into the run of the ship to ascertain where the shaft was injured. he there found that the water was rushing in through the “stuffing-box,” through which the screw shaft passes, and it was at once evident that the steamer was thoroughly disabled as far as her engines were considered. Captain Irwin having been informed of the mishap, all the available bedding was obtained, and an attempt was made to stop the influx of water. This however, proved unavailing, as the aperture round the shaft was very large, and consequently an immense volume was pouring in, and the attempt to stop it had to be given up. Mr. McEwan, the second officer, however, obtained an axe, and cutting through the lower deck further aft made another attempt to reach the “stuffing-box,” and stop the rush of water; but this endeavour was also unsuccessful. By this time the water had increased to such an extent that the stokehole was flooded, and the fires were put out. The engineers had been endeavouring to disconnect the engines, and get the bilge pumps to work, with a view of decreasing the water but they were compelled to give it up, as they were completely flooded out. The wind was at this time about south, and Captain Irwin at once hauled her in towards the land, heading about N.W. by N., expecting to fetch the land somewhere about Jervis Bay at daylight. the patent log was sent when the course was altered, and it was found that under the foresail and topsail she was making about six and a half or seven knots through the water, with the wind on her per quarter. She continued on this course until 1 p.m., when Captain Irwin made an attempt to haul her up two points and make a N.W. by W. course. The yards were trimmed two points forward; but it was found that the vessel lost her speed through the water, and “sagged” to leeward, consequently she was kept at that until half-past 2 o’clock, when a sail was discovered on the weatherbow, and proved to be the barque Albert William, from Waterloo to Newcastle. She was steering about north, and was running before the wind under her upper and lower maintopsails, lower foretopsail, and foresail. The ensign, union down, was immediately hoisted at the steamer’s main, but for some time it was not noticed, and therefore the code signal (a square flag, with pennant underneath), denoting “In distress; want assistance,” was fastened to the weather maintopmast rigging. It did not blow out clearly but fouled the backstay, and it was therefore shifted to the lee maintopmast rigging, and from thence to the foretopgallantmast head. It was then seen on board the Albert William, and her foresail was at once hauled up, the maintopsail thrown aback, and the barque hove-to, about four miles to the northward, or on the steamer;s lee bow. During all this time the passengers and crew had been hard at work, one gang at the pumps, and the others in trying to decrease the quantity of water below by bailing. There was no confusion or noise, all the men were working with a will, and although it was generally known that unless assistance soon arrived the ship would founder, there was no screaming or disturbance by the female passengers. As soon as the barque had hove to, Captain Irwin bore up, and ran down within bailing distance of her, and asked Captain Walker to remain by him and render assistance, as the steamer was in a sinking condition. Captain Walker at once promised to do so, and sang out to him to shorten sail, heave to, lower his boats, and send as many of his passengers as possible on board. The Dendenong then ran under the barque’s stern, and hove-to to leeward on the starboard tack. As soon as this was done the crew commenced to clear away the port lifeboat, which was then swung inboard, and after some little delay she was lowered, with Mr. Lawson, the chief officer, and four men in her. As soon as she touched the water she was steadied alongside, and about 18 passengers- principally women and children -were safely placed in her. This was so successfully accomplished that those on board became greatly elated, and entertained but little doubt that all would be saved. The women and children behaved in each a plucky manner that as the boat shoved off they were heartily cheered by those who remained behind. While this was being done the barque wore round, and stod towards the boat with the intention of picking her up. There was a nasty sea on at the time, but still the boat lived well in it, and there did not appear to be any doubt about her freight being safely placed on the barque. Unfortunately however, when she got alongside a heavy sea struck her, and throwing her violently against the barque she was smashed, and only four of those in her were rescued, one of them being the little girl Agnes Wakefield. As soon as the first boat had been despatched those who remained on board the steamer turned their attention to launching the cutter on the port-side. This boat was safely lowered with two men in her, and Captain McDougall at once offered to take charge of her. His offer was accepted byu Captain Irwin, and as soon as he had taken on board as many women and children as the boat would safely hold, he called for two more men to make up his crew. The second engineer and boatswain responded to the call, and shoving off from the steamer he took the boat safely alongside the barque. Warned by the unfortunate accident to the first boat, the crew of the Albert William were in readiness with a number of lines, and these having been secured round the passengers, all of them were got safely on board. Captain McDougall went on board the barque, and finding that could be of use there in assisting to work the vessel, he at the request of Captain Walker remained on board while the boat with her crew of four returned to the steamer for another lot of passengers. The two men were pulling and the boatswain was steering her while the second engineer was bisily engaged in baling the water out. While this trip was being made, the starboard quarter boat was cleared away and got over the side under the charge of Mr. McEwan, the second officer, but before she got a load of passengers in the second boat returned, and taking on board another lot, returned to the barque, and they were all got safeuly on board but one, who fell overboard and was drowned. It was now nearly dark, and the boat’s crew got on board the barque, and unfortunately allowed the boat to go adrift, and she was soon lost. At this time the third boat, under the command of Mr. McEwan, got alongside the barque, but it was getting so dark those on board of her became excited, and not withstanding all Mr. McEwan’s endeavours to get them to sit quietly on the boat, they all jumped up together and made a rush for the vessel. This cause the boat to heel over considerably, and a sea catching her at the same moment her gunwale struck the barque’s covering board and she was capsized. Fortunately however, all but two succeeded in getting safely on board. It was no quite dark, and as the three boats had been either smashed or lost, all hopes were given up of getting the remainder of the passengers and crew safely on board that night. Captain Walker, however, offered Mr. Lawson, the chief officer of the Dandenong, the use of his boats to make another trip to the Dandenong if he could find volunteers to man them, but that gentleman was unsuccessful in his appeal. Captain Walker, however, determined to remain by the steamer for the night, and consequently kept the barque hove-to, the Dandenong being at that time hove-to about half a mile astern. A careful lookout was kept for her and when the watch was called at 8 o’clock her light was plainly seen. Soon after 8 o’clock, however, a very heavy squall of rain and sleet passed over the ship, and when it cleared off nothing was to be seen of the steamer’s light. The barque remained hove-to all night, and as soon as daylight set in a man was sent to the masthead, but all trace of the Dandenong had disappeared; and at 9 o’clock the yards were squared, and she barque kept away on her course for Newcastle. When the Dandenong was last seen, her bow was out of the water at an angle of about 30deg, owing to the amount of water in her after part, and also to the fact that a considerable quantity of cargo had been taken out of her main bold. It is therefore supposed that during the heavy squall that passed over her when her lights were last seen one of the “combing” seas poured on board of her, and the extra weight being more than she could bear she went to the bottom stern first. The barque passed within signalling distance of Sydney Heads on her way to Newcastle, and Captain Walker fully intended to notify the sad occurrence, and as a preliminary showed the number of his own ship. The other flags were bent on to the signal halliards ready for hoisting as soon as the first signal was answered, but the signalman appeared to be asleep, and never acknowledged the ship’s number. Captain Walker decided on not losing any more valuable time, but continued on his course to the northward.
“Although it has been stated that the disaster took place off Jervis Bay, it is not be understood that the Dandenong foundered at that part of the coast. She must have drifted considerably to leeward dsuring the six or eight hours she was hove-to, and it may therefore reasonably be calculated that she was somewhere between Shoalhaven and Kiama at the time she foundered. There appears, however, to be some little doubt as to the exact position of the Dandenong, for it appears that at 2 a.,. on Sunday, the weather being very thick, the land was sighted, and supposed to be Cape Everard, only about two miles distant. The steamer was then hauled right off the land, and stood to the eastward for a time, until her course was again shaped to the northward.
‘As showing the desire shown by some women to save their finery, it may be mentioned that when Captain Irwin informed the passengers that they would have to go in the boats to the barque Albert William but could not take any of their clothing with them, one of the women at once went to her cabin and put on three dresses. She was fortunate enough to be saved, and with her clothes, but she did not refuse to take a fresh supply when offered to her at Newcastle.”
The Argus, 23rd September 1876 :
“The services rendered by Captain Walker, of the barque Albert William, have been rcognised by Captain W. H. Smith in a very pleasing manner. Yesterday, by steamer Cheviot a gold chronometer was forwarded to Newcastle, to be presented by Captain Clark to Captain Walker. The chronometer bears the following inscription : - ‘Presented to Captain J. Walker, barque Albert William, by William Howard Smith, Melbourne, for valuable services rendered at the wreck of the s.s. Dandenong, whereby 40 lives were saved, on the 11th September, 1876.’”
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