WRECK OF THE QUEEN OF THE THAMES.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2605, 23 June 1871, Page 2

WRECK OF THE QUEEN OF THE THAMES.

In Melbourne and Sydney files we have full extracts from the Cape of Good Hope papers, giving details of the wreck of the Queen of the Thames, and the subsequent proceedings. The following extracts are arranged in approximate chronological order : The Cape Standard reports This magnificent steamer, the pioneer of a new lineowned by Messrs Levitt and Moore, so well known in the Australian trade—is another case showing the danger of hugging the land too closely. A full-power steamer, well found in re pect, with nearly 350 souls on board, adds another to the long list of disasters on this coast. From all accounts, the South African Coast was clearly seen on the 26th March, twenty-six days out from Melbourne. On the 17th, land was plainly visible, and daring the night a heavy sea was running. When the passengers retired to their cabins, about 11 p.m., the land could be seen. All were in hopes, from the position of the ship, of being safely anchored ip Table Bay on Saturday afternoon. But about 1.15 on Saturday morning, the 18th, the ship struck to the eastward of Strug’s Bay, Never was daylight more anxiously looked for. What surprised the passengers mopt was the smoothness of the water after the heavy sea running a few hours previously; it appeared as if the steamer, from the course she was steering wh»*n she struck, N. 14 W., had run out of the heavy sea, and got into a tranquil bay. When daylight broke the prospect was not a cheering one. The coast was as dreary as well could be imagined, but fortunately the sea remained smooth, and all the passengers were landed safely. B ( ut w 6 regret to say Mr Cox, the purser, who was highly re; spected, was drowned, as were two sailors, When on shore the passengers had not got over their hardship i. They landed on a desolate beach. They had no provisions whatever, but through the energy and consideration of Mr Danvers, the representative of Messrs Barry and Nephews, those passengers who bad families were at once cenveyed to shelter, and ultimately all the passengers were forwarded to town

The court of enquiry found that.the ves* sel’s loss was brought about—fintly, by the disarrangement or deviation of the compasses on board; secondly—by the unsteadiness and uncertainty of the current in that locality; thirdly—by a bright fixed light and a bush lire that were burning before the accident, and which were calculated to mislead the managers of that vessel; and that there was no reason for cancelling or suspending the certificates of either the ’ aptain or any of the mates. The sailors having been accused of robbery and wanton destruction of luggage, a letter was addressed by a number of them to the Cape Argus , in which .they say : “ We give this statement the most emphatic and complete contradiction. So far from annoying the passengers, we did all in our power to secure the safe custody of thq p^s : senger * and their baggage from the ship to the shore.” Of the couduct of theladies and other passengers during the time when they knew not what fate was .impending, a passenger thus speaks:—“ The shock of the vessel striking, and bumping, and grinding amid the breakers, of course roused all the passengers. The ladies and children all got got up and dressed, awaiting the perils impending over them. The equanimity among them was wonderful, and the officers of the ship were equally prompt and ready, awaiting the break of daylight.” The passengers by the vessel held a meeting, at which they passed resolutions thanking the officers and crew for their co rage, coolness, and bravery in saving lives and goods. A subscription was started to remunerate these brave men for the loss of their baggage while attending to that belonging to the passengers, and within ten minutes LQQ in sovereigns was pajd dowfl. It is hglievod tfyat the subscription list, when it closes, will show twioe that sum. It appears that there were four persons drowned. The particulars of the occurrence are as follows :—On the Sunday morning after the wreck, a boat containing ten men, including the purser, Mr (Jox, put off from the shore with the intention of going on board the wreck for the ship’s papers ; bnt she had not got far when a heavy roller struck her, capsizing the men into the watch Six of them managed to reach the

land, but in a very exhausted state, bo much so that it was only with great care and attention that they were brought round again. The other four, however, were drowned. They were Mr Cox, ship’s purser ; Messrs. Harris and Lacey, stewards ; and one s aman. The examination held by tie magistrate of Bredasdrop proving unsatisfactory, afresh inquiry was held. The magistrate pi ococded to read the evidence given by Captain M‘Donald, before the Resident Magistrate of Bredasdrop, and at its conclusion asked whether he had anyihng further to add? Captain M ‘ Donald : I merely appear here out of respect to your Worship and the Court, and must respectfully decline to say anything. Thomas Maclear : I appeal here as on© of tbe assesors, and L wish to put one or two questions, which no gentleman should refuse to answer. Was your ship put round when you were in Australia? Captain M ‘Donald : With the greatest respect for the Court, and yourself as my senior, 1 must still state most firmly that 1 will not answer any questions whatever. The Magistrate : You refuse to answer questions ? Captain M 'Donald : I do. The purchasers of the wreck will make a fine thing of it. The wool which has reached Cape Town is of very superior quality, and is sure to command good prices in the London market. Some. are sanguine that the vessel will be got off the reel without any great trouble, iler stern is only in 18 feet of water. Even if the Queen of the Thames is doomed to leave her bones in Strug a Bay, it is believed enough will be got out of her to pay a handsome profit to those who have entered into the speculation.