NEW AUSTRALIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1923, Page 4

NEW AUSTRALIA.

CAREER OF THE RAYOL TAR

(Sydney Herald)

Amongst the records of the early days of Australian shipping there is probably no more interesting story than that of the Royal Tar. Most of our early history is associated with the shipping of other lands manned by seamen generally of British, Dutch, French, or other European tuitions. 'flic Royal Tar was built on the Namhucea River for Engineer William Marshall about I*Bo. She had a register of 597 tons, and was in marine parlance known as the "jack-ass” ly|K* of barque. The builder was Mr J. Stewart, who bad several trading vessels on the coast. The Royal Tar is said to hold the unique record of being the largest colonial built ship in Australia that has vet sailed out of the harbour of Port Jackson. There are others, certainly. built since immensely larger, but so far have not yet left the port. But that is another story!

The Royal Tar was eventually acquired by a syndicate of well-known pioneers in Balmain, consisting of the late John Booth (timber merchant), Henry Perdriau (ferry porprietor), Captain McLean, and .Tames Barr.

For some years she traded with varying success until she was chartered to take a cargo of coal to German' New Guinea, and then proceed to America and load timber for Sydney. This proved an exciting and disastrous trip. The intricate passages of the. Groat Barrier Reef having been successfully negotiated and the coal discharged ill New Guinea, the officers and crow, contrary to advice, went shooting in the

bnsli at a dangerous season of the year. Captain Franklin and Chief-Officer Rodgers were the first to pay the penalty. They both contracted malaria fever, and with a sick crew continued the voyage. Captain Franklin died after a few days, and the second in command Rodgers took charge of the barque. Next Rodgers succumbed, a

victim lo the fell disease, and the unfortunate ship was left with only Third-Officer John McColl and a crew of two available seamen—the rest being victims of the dread disease. DRTFTfNG. One can scarcely imagine the feelings of i hose on board as they practically drifted rather than navigated the tropical seas. Day after day they continued on their miserable journey, scarcely daring to hope ever to escape alive from their terrible predicament. Sickness and death had almost driven them to despair, hut with that indomitable spirit of the British race they persevered until at last they came in sight of the Golden Gate tit San Francisco. Even then their troubles were not ended, for the American marine authorities debarred them from admission and wanted to sink the vessel outside the harbour to prevent the spread of the malarial fever. There was a scare created and feelings of indignation led to charges being made concerning the equipment of the Royal Tar. Correspondence ensued with the Marine Board ot Sydney, who on inquiry found that the owners had liberally provisioned tlie ship sind had taken every precaution for t la- necessities of the voyage. An official letter dated January, 1892, from tin l Marine Board, Sydney, to (lie Board of Trade. London, contains an

interesting list even at this date oi' Ihe provision then nere.-sary for a long voyage. It commend- in a special

manner the action liv the experienced managing owner, Mr John Booth. Alter much delay the Royal Tar was released fro in quarantine, fumigated, and refitted, and under charge of Master John MeC’oll set out on her return voyage with a cargo of timber for Sydney. and on arrival lav lor some t’lne in tie hurhoiii oil I'-dmaiii. The next episode in the career of the Royal I’ar brings to recollection the history of the ill-fated "New Australia'’ expedition to South America. About the year l'-Dlt William Lane aroused much inteiest in his scheme for social revolution. Lam- was a man of Itndoiibtod afiilitv, keenly inlliieiieed by the writings oi Karl Marx, and bv his eai iiestnoss and deep conviction able to influence many who came into eontact with him. The labour troubles and depression of the period also temljtd to the spread of the doctrine of j social reform and equality of mankind j then provident in many European c-on-I trei - LANE AS LEADER. The dream of a modern Utopia, where all would he equal in rank, with no bosses and no .servitude, led to iho formation of the "New Australia” .scheme. The patty was formed with iniii li enthusiasm. Lane being appointed leader, and Paraguay in South America having made a liberal offer of hind for the expedition it liceame necessary to secure a vessel for transport of the party to the new Eldorado. The gallant barque Royal Tar was purchased for the sum of L'ltidO, on Mat I’d, ls();:, and just .‘lt> years ago sailed oil its most historic voyage. Hearts heat high with hope ami nr- ■ dour anticipation as the Royal Tar carried the new pilgrims to the promised laud. What a contrast it was to her previous voyage. Now "all went merry as a marriage hell." and no thought of failure damped the spirit of the expectant adventurers in their quest of a regenerated world. But ttih'is, that fatal but), in a very short lime all were ready, to command and no one willing to obey. Orders tnighl he given hut there was no power in secure obedience, and long ere Ihe Royal Tar reached her destination there was a seething mass of discontent and disorder on hoard. However, ihi' party took possession of the allotted territory, but the spirit that animated tlii- new party in its early ambition failed completely when confronted with, the inevitable hardships and disappointments that over confront the pioneers. Disaster seemed lo follow fast and follow fa si or, and ruin stared them in the face. The scene was changed to another settlement at Cosmo, hut all in vain. The party realised Unit the new Ftopia had eluded their grasp, and that “the host laid schemes of mice and men gang aft a.gloy." Lane ret unit'd to New Zealand a disappointed man. He still maintained the truth of his doctrine, but was forced in admit. however, unwillingly, that ho had failed to allow for the weakness of human nature. After several years’ service as editor of the "New Zealand Herald’’ he died at the age of .111. in Auckland, New Zealand, in the year 1017. The Royal Tar also returned to Australian waters, and after many vicissitudes was finally wrecked on the New Zealand coast, thus ending her eventful career. '