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1820-1839
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Newspapers
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1820-1839.
Introduction.
These extracts
have reports of surf related events including swimming or
bathing, rescues, drownings, and ship wrecks.
There are also
reports of catamarrans, canoes or longboats in the surf zone.
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales
Advertiser
15 May, 1803, page 1.
Yesterday evening arrived the Good Intent, Mr J. Chace, Master, from Bass's
Straits, with 2500 skins, great part of which were
procured at
King's Island.
From Mr. Chase's report, we are
enabled to
give the following detail, which contains a
discovery of a dangerous Reef never before noticed, though not very far distant
from King's
Island.
"About the latter end of March last
we fell in with a Reef of Rocks off the
S. E. extremity
of King's Island, distance about five leagues, and bearing S. E. from Thumb
and Finger
Rock.
It is someway above the surface of the water, but scarcely
visible, though from S. to N. it runs nearly about ten
miles.
"We afterwards overhauled Hunter's Islands, in search of seals, and found
those islands,
12 or 13 in number, well peopled
with natives who bear a strong
resemblance, in manners and appearance, to those of this Colony.
They appeared to be much terrified at our approach, and having no canoes, swam from one island to another with
surprising
facility, against a very strong current.
Note: Hunter's Island is several kilometers
off the north-west coast of Tasmania.
Trove
1803 'Classified
Advertising.', The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales
Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), 15 May, p. 1, viewed 14
June, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625574
The Sydney
Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser
6 February, 1804, page
2.
From
Mr. Chace, Master of the
John, we learn the following fresh
particulars relative to Druce.
He was set on shore, as we before
stated,
upon an island in Bass's Straits called Penguin,
with three of the companions of his rashness,
but
deprived of his boat, as well for the purpose
of securing them as to prevent any hostile
atmosphere upon the Sealing Parties there abouts;
but a few days after Mr. Chace was surprised
at Cape Barren with the appearance of
a canoe composed entirely
of skins; nor was his surprise
lessened when he beheld Druce,
and two of his companions, clad in surtouts (sic) of
the same fabric advancing towards himself and
his party with a musket.
When they had approached as
nearly as they thought proper the John's party ordered them
to surrender themselves,
but this not choosing to do, they uttered
many threats, and retreated to the brush,
whither being pursued one was secured, whose
name we have not learnt, but who was put on
board the Good Intent
to be brought up.
This man informed them that they had left
Penguin in the skin canoe
the day before;
but that the vehicle proved incapable of carrying
more than three, wherefore one of their party
had remained on that island, having at
parting received every consolation they were
capable under their wretched circumstances to
bestow, and he in his lonely and doleful plight
could be susceptible of—Druce attempting
ineffectually to chear him up with the hopes of
his speedy return to the island with a better boat.
Trove
1804 'SYDNEY.', The
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), 26 February, p.
2, viewed 14 June, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626056
Champion
London, January 27, 1822, page 11.
THE LOSS OF THE LADY LUSHINGTON, INDIAMAN
Calcutta,
August 27-
The following melancholy details of the Lady Lushington were
received from one of the surviving sufferers, and we submit it
nearly in his
own language:
"We sailed
from Madras on the 5th, and having four passengers to land
at Coringa, saw the light-house at midnight on the 7th:
tacked about
in hope of landing the four passengers above mentioned in
the morning, but owing to the strong current we were
considerably
to leeward of the said port by daylight.
We
endeavoured two days and a night to regain the windward, but
finding we only lost ground, cast anchor on the northward of
Coringa.
The surf ran
very high for two days so we could have no communication with
shore, so we tried to weigh anchor and drop down
to Penticolla,
but all endeavours were ineffectual when the cable parted and
night had come on.
The Captain
gave orders to stand out to sea until twelve o'clock at and
then tack into the land; the chief mate took the command of the deck at and
thinking we had sailed so far from the land that we could not
possibly reach it before day-break; the ship tacked- a
breeze having
sprung we were alarmed by the ship striking slightly on the
sand about four o'clock in the morning.
Nothing can
paint the distressing scene; the high land was just visible
and every wave driving over the ship added to our horrible
situation.
In half an
hour every mast was over the ship's side (to leeward); the
ship drifted into a tremendous surf, every boat was staved in
the attempt to
lower them, and the land half a mile on our lee, we had
nothing to trust to but the waves, and to place our confidence
in the
Almighty.
The scene of
horror and distress then became indescribable.
The cries of
the females and children were heart-rendering.
It was said
that the bottom had parted from the upper works.
Every person
was naked, and up to the middle in water, and the distress was
increasing every moment.
Three spars of
wood were got over the side, on which six persons, including
myself, providentially reached the shore; but we were so much exhausted;
that had not the natives come to our assistance, the return of
the surf would have carried us out again; we
found on the
shore a sailor who had been washed over-board, to whom the
safety of so many lives is owing: he fortunately spoke
the language
and succeeded in getting four catamarans from the shore to the
assistance of the sufferers, a large boat was got off,
but could get
no nearer than one hundred yards, and with difficulty was kept
above water.
At eleven the
ship parted across the centre, and all the crew and passengers
were obliged to get on the masts to have the ship as
a breakwater,
from which many were washed away being so fatigued as not to
hold on.
The catamarans
kept at work until two o'clock, when the wind increased so
that they could not get near the wreck, and had
afterwards to
desist, finding it impossible to be of further use.
A Frenchman,
his wife and two daughters, with two of the crew, were seen on
the wreck: at four o'clock the stern parted; on which
the French
Lady with her eldest daughter reached shore; the father with
the other daughter perished, as did the two sailors, one of
whom was seen
at dark sticking to the remains of the bows, which were held
by the anchors.
The shore for
six miles was strewed with the ship and cargo.
The number
lost was 22, amongst we regret to were Capt. Hampton, 7th
Madras Native Infanty, Ensign Wright, Mr. Wilson,
formerly purser in the country service, Mr. Rosseau and his
daughter, and Mr. Lester, second officer of the Lady
Lushington.
The ship
started in two at 11 a. m. and before evening scarce a vestige
of her was visible.
Mrs. Rousseau,
who was was on the stern, and her unfortunate husband was on
the stem of the ship, when she parted.Major
Weatherall and
his lady are likewise and Mr. Carpenter only son of Colonel
The situation
of the survivors is said to have been truly deplorable; all
were nearly without clothes.
The Commander
is acquitted of all blame.
- Indian Gazette
Note: The Lady Lushington was lost on 11
August 1821
Champion (1814–1822),
edited
by John Scott. London, January 27, 1822, page 11.
http://newspaperarchive.com/champion
Connecticut
Courier
Bridgeport, Wednesday, 14 August 1822,
Volume 9 Number 429, page
Times
Harfort, Connecticut 3 September 1822, page
Identified by
Joe Tabler in April 2016.
Two
examples of the numerous reprints of Bingham's account from The Missionary Herald, August 1822
Volume XVIII, page 242
It was later expanded in his book, A Residence Of Twenty-one Years In
The Sandwich Islands, published in 1847.
See 1821 Hiram Bingham : Surfriding
on Kaua'i.
Connecticut
Courier
Bridgeport, Wednesday, 18 September 1822, Volume 9
Number 434, page
Notes on the
Sandwich Islands Number VII
Both sexes are surprisingly dexterous in
swimming, and so exceedingly fond of water as very frequently to
continue in it from morning till night.
One method they have to amuse themselves is called ha-a-nah-roo,
swimming with the surf on surf-boards.
These surf-boards are from 6 to 18 or 20 feet in length and
from 10 to 20 or 24 inches in width and from two thirds of the
way forward, back a little slanted, the fore end rounded, the
hind one square ; the sides somewhat oval, and the edges
rounded.
They are made of very light wood and neatly polished.
With these boards the natives run an the highest and most
terrific surf for many rods with the most astonishing
swiftness, steering the board in what direction they please
with their hands and feet.
Great numbers may be seen when the surf is augmented to its
greatest height is passing and re passing each other with the
swiftness of a blrd flying in the air and being as very expert
in managing their boards, it is very seldom any one is injured
; though there has been instances where the body has been cut
in two in the middle, and where arms have been cut off by the
sharp edge of the surf-board, the persons being unable to get
out of its way, or those
on the board were not able to keep it in its proper direction.
Setting out from the shore, they dive under
several of the first wares letting them roll over them, rising
successively beyond each wave till they have arrived
sufficiently far out into the sea.
Having arrived at the smooth water they recline themselves upon
their board, watching a favorable opportunity, they place
themselves on the top of the largest surge, and giving their
board a small inclination and at the same time using both hands
as paddles, they are carried or driven along before the wave
with rapidity towards the shore.
And having arrived near the shore, they make a short tern/turn
(?), dive under the surf still keeping hold of the board with
one hand, then arise at the top of the water and return again to
sea.
Should they be separated from their board it would chance to be
thrown against the rocks and dashed to pieces, or should they,
through miscalculation, approach too near the rocks with which
the shore is lined, if they did not in an instant leave the
board and dive under the water they would be driven against them
and destroyed.
The unparalleled courage and address with which they perform
these manoeuvres are truly astonishing.
They will often dive to the bottom where the water is ten or
fifteen fathoms deep and bring up things of several pounds
weight.
In this manner they dive and obtain several kinds of shell, and
other fish, and even the shark does not always elude the grasp
of these expert divers, but are sometimes taken by a rope with a
slip-knot put over the tail!
Identified by Joe Tabler in April 2016.
Connecticut Courier
Bridgeport, Wednesday, 18 August 1822, page
The
Australian
Sydney, Thursday 23 February 1826, page 4.
On Tuesday
afternoon the 7th instant, a man named Butler was
drowned at Newcastle.
He had gone,
out to bathe, and having ventured into the surf, was swept
away, notwithstanding every effort was made to save him.
Trove
1826 'No
title.', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 23
February, p. 3, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37074596
The
Australian
Sydney, Wednesday 1 October 1828, page 4.
SOCIETY IN INDIA
The first
glimpse of Madras had a striking effect as we anchored in
the roads amongst a grove of masts belonging to ships of
every country in the world, from the British man of war to
the Chinese junk.
The white
arid airy architecture of the row of public buildings along
the beach ; the villas, called garden-houses, scattered over
Choutry-plain and the terrific surf curling his monstrous
waves, and lifting up as if to the clouds the singular, and
apparently frail barks, that were floating over it ; the
catamarans navigated by a single native, and scarcely larger
than a common foot-tub, but laughing to scorn the billowy,
fury of the surf; — the whole was a novel and interesting
scene, and its effect was nearly magical.
Trove
1828 'SOCIETY
IN INDIA.', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 1
October, p. 4, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36864881
The Hobart Town Courier
Friday 14 December 1832, page 2.
A life
boat, on a new plan, suggested by Capt. Atkinson, the Master
Attendant, had been built at the Marine yard of Madras, and
after several trials it was found completely to answer all
the purposes in view.
A boat of
that kind has long been wanted at that port ; many Captains
have been obliged to witness their ships going to sea when
no communication with them could be held from the shore.
In no part
of the known world does the surf run so high as in the road
of Madras.
Hence the
difficulty of landing, which is at all times a dangerous
operation, and often wholly impracticable.
Trove
1832 'TRADE AND
SHIPPING.', The Hobart Town Courier (Tas. : 1827 - 1839), 14
December, p. 2, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4195185
Sydney
Morning
Herald
19 December 1836, page 25.
ILLAWARRA STOCKADE.
To the
Editor of the Sydney Herald
SIR, - This
morning while the Stockade prisoners were bathing, one
unfortunate man perished in the surf; it is lamentable that
a fellow being should be launched into eternity caused by
neglect.
To permit
men (some of them unable to swim) to bathe when the surf is
running so very violent as when the unfortunate man was
lost, particually as there are plenty of safe places within
the harbour, and to risk lives on that open beach is
extremely wrong.
Why not
permit them the privilege of bathing at either of
the beautiful new bathing-houses lately errected by them? -
of course by the directions of their Superintendent
and authority of Government for so doing.
While on the
subject of the Illawarra Stockade, I beg to remark that
several complaints are daily made of many of the men working
for private friends, and making little conveniences
at the Stockade, quite contrary to what they should be doing
for the public.
You may also
see their guard loitering about this Township in a shocking
state in the noon day.
This
generally occurs when their superiors ramble for a few days
in the remote parts of this district.
By inserting
the above facts you will much oblige
A SUBSCRIBER.
Wollongong,
Saturday,
December 10, 1836.
Trove
1836 'ILLAWARRA
STOCKADE.', The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), 19
December, p. 2 Supplement: Supplement to the Sydney Herald,
viewed 15 May, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12855649
The Colonist
Sydney, Wednesday 14 March 1838, page 4.
CATAMARAN-MEN.
VESSELS
approaching the-shore at Madras in the East Indies, often find
a great difficulty in going into port or landing their
cargoes, and passengers, inconsequence of the shallows and the
raiging surf which prevail on the coast.
To assist in
these purposes, and to act in some measure as life-preservers,
there are a number of adventurous natives, who for hire sail
through the surf upon things called catamarans, and are
exceedingly useful in their perilous profession.
Captain Hall
thus describes this class of men, and their fagile machines:-
"These
primitive little life-preservers, the catamarans, which are a
sort of satellites attending upon the passage-boat at Madras,
consists of two or-three logs of light wood fastened together;
and are capable of supporting several persons.
In general,
however, there is but one man upon each, though on many there
are two.
Although the
professed purpose of these rafts is pick up the passengers of
such boats as may be unfortunate enough to get upset in the
surf; new comers from Europe are by no means comforted in
their alarm on passing through the foam, to be assured that,
in the possible event of their boat being capsized, the
catamaran men may probablysucceed in picking them up befored
the sharks can find time to nip off their legs!
It is very
interesting to watch the progress of those: honest
catamaran-fellows, who, live al imost entirely in the surf,
and who, independently of their chief purpose of attending the
masullah boats, are much employed as messengers to the ships,
in the roads,: even in the worst weather.
Strange as it
may seem, they contrive, in all seasons, to carry off letters
quite dry, though, in getting across the surf; they may be
overwhelmed a dozen times.
I remember one
day being sent with a note for tihe commandinig officer of the
flag-ship, which Sir Samuel Hood was very desirous should be
sent on board ; but as the weather was too, tempestuous to
allow even a masullah boat to pass the surf, I was obliged to
give it to a catamaran man.
The poor
fellow drew off his head a small skull-cup made apparently of
some kind of skin, or oil-cloth, or bladder, and haviing
deposited his dispatches therein, proceeded to execute his
task.
We really
thought, at first, that our messenger must have been drowned
even in crossing the innerbar, for we well nigh lost sight of
him in the hissing yeast of the waves in which he and his
catamaran appeared only at invervals; tossing about like a
cork in a pot of'boiling water.
But by far the
most difficult part of his task remained after hehad reached
the comparatively smooth space betweenr the two lines of surf,
where we could observe him paddling to and fro as if in search
of an opening in the moving wall of water raging between him
and the roadstead.
In fact, he
was watching for a favourable moment, when after the dashing
of some high wave, he might hope to make good his transit in
safety.
After allowing
a great many seas to break before he attempted to cross the
outer bar, at length seized the proper moment, and, turning
his little bark to seaward, paddled out as fast as he could.
Just as the
gallant fellow, however, reached the shallowest part of the
bar, and we fancied him safely across, a huge wave, which had
risen with unusual quickness, elevated its foaming crest,
right before. him, curling upwards many feet higher than his
shoulders.
In a moment he
cast away his paddle, and leaping on his feet, he stood erect
on his catamaran, watching with a bold front the advancing
bank of water.
He kept his
position, quite undaunted, till the steep face of the breaker
came within a couple of yardsof him, and then leaping head
foremost, he pierced the wave in a horizontial direction, with
the agility and confidence of a dolphin.
We had
scarcely lostsight of his feet, as he shot through the heart
of the wave, when such a dash took place as must have crushed
him to pieces had he stuck by his catamaran, which was whisked
instantly afterwards by a kind of somerset, completely out of
the water, by its rebounding off the sand-bank.
On casting
oureyes beyond the surf, we felt much relieved by seeing our
ship wrecked friiend merrily dancing on the waves at the back
of the surf, leaping in all directions, first for his
paddle, and then for his catamaran.
Having
recovered his oar, he next swam, as he best could, through the
broken surf, to his raft, mounted it like a hero, and once
more addressed himself to his task.
By this time,
as the current always runs fast along the shore, he had
drifted several hundred yards northward farther from his
point.
At the second
attempt to penetrate the surf, he seemed to have made a small
misdalculation, for the sea broke so very nearly over him,
before he had time to quit his catamaran and dive into still
water, that we thought he must certainly have been drowned.
Not a wit,
however, did he appear to have suffered, for we soon saw him
again swimming to his rude vessel.
Many times in
succession was he thus washed off and sent whirling towards
the beach, and as often obliged to dive head foremost through
the waves.
But at last,
after very nearly an hour of incessant struggling, and the
loss of more than a mile of distance, he succeeded, for the
first time, in reaching the back of the surf, without having
parted company either with his paddle or with his catamaran.
After this it
became all plain sailing; he soon paddled off to the Roads,
and placed the admiral's letter in the first lieutenant's
hands as dry as if it had been borne in a dispatch-box across
the court-yard of the Admiralty, in the careful custody of my
worthy friend Mr. Nutland.
I remember,
one day, when on board the Minden, receiving a note from the
shore by a catamaran-lad, whom I told to wait for an answer.
Upon this he
asked for a rope, with which, as soon as it was given him, he
made his little vessel fast, and lay down to sleep in the full
blaze of a July sun.
One of his
arms and one of his feet hung into the water, though a dozen
sharks had been seen cruising round the ship.
A tacit
contract, indeed, appears to exist between the sharks and
these people, for I never saw, nor can I remember ever having
heard of any injury done by one to the other.
By the time my
answer was written, the sun had dried, up the spray on the
poor fellow's body, leaving such a coating of salt, that he
looked as if he had been dusted with flour.
A few fanamns-
a small copper coin was all his charge, and three or four
broken biscuits in addition, sent him away the happiest of
mortals."
Trove
1838
'CATAMARAN-MEN.', The Colonist (Sydney, NSW : 1835 - 1840), 14
March, p. 4, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31720586
The Sydney Herald
Friday 7 June 1839, page 3.
Hints to
Persons who may be whelmed in a Surf.-
We have been
told by a gentleman who conversed with Mr. Thompson, that,
after the sinking of the boat in which he and some others
attempted to escape from the wreck of the Pennsylvania, he
was driven by the surge against the sands, and was in danger
of being so maimed as to defeat his attempt of swimming to
land.
Preserving
his presence of mind, he, being a good swimmer, turned, and
faced the waves, rising with them, and being by them driven
onwards, without being, every moment as it were, driven, us
he had been when he backed the waves, against the sands,
over which the surf broke with fearful violence.
Liverpool
Albion.
Trove
1839
'EXTRACTS.', The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), 7 June, p.
3, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12855351
surfresearch.com.au
Geoff Cater (2010-2016) :
Newspapers : 1820-1839.
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/1820_Newspapers.html