V«SV*.t ' r^ %jL *** QrVl , vtj\* wrw ** o***. a L m (A*< Uu.#t •«»*, (s*^U CsLA/J i C* <«*»-* i *- |* JJ *-<* o. a^*/l jr~~U* ****"*& c>~A*'V** A * ee^~ d l - THE PEARLING DISASTER. 1899. A MEMORIAL PEARLING SCENE. OPENING AND CLEAN ING SHELL ON [?] OLIVE THE Pearling Disaster, 1899. A Memorial. fl?::censlanii: OUTRIDQK PRINTING Co., 39S QUEEN STREET, BRISBANE. 1 8 9 9. CONTENTS. Preface ... ... ... ... ... 6 Pearling Industry—General Description ... 7 Tabulated Statement —Vessels Wrecked and Lives Lost ... ... ... ... ... 10 Weather Report and Charts ... ... 11 The Hurricane —Vessels under its influence— Description—Experience of Constable Kenny 15 Experiences of the Different Schooners 20-31 Tarawa—Meg Merrilees—Wai Weer—Olive—^Aladdin— Admiral Silvery Wave Sagitta—The Lightship— Crest of the Wave —General Observations. Some Statements of Survivors ... ... 31 Assistance to the Wrecked ... ... ... 30 Salvage Operations... ... ... ... 42 Goode Island ... ... ... ... 45 Biographical Sketches ... ... 46-64 A. J. Outridge—H. A. Outridge—E. C. Atthow—E. Jefferson —J. H. Nicholas—R. B. Murray—R. Cameron —W. Powell—G. 0. Fuhrman—D. Lee—H. Karr—D. Crowley. Sympathy with Bereaved ... ... ... 64 Monument ... ... ... ... ... 68 Conclusion... ... ... ... ... 71 PREFACE. “ One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” “ A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.” The nearest relatives of the late Alfred St. John Outridge and Harold Arthur Outridge, being desirous of having in a convenient form the information obtainable of the recent Pearling Fleets' Disaster, with some account of the Europeans wlm were lost therein, have decided to print this volume and to issue it to the immediate relatives of the deceased and to others interested. The information has been compiled from Press and official reports, and from the testimony of survivors. We take this opportunity of thanking all who have assisted us in the work. We also, on* behalf of the bereaved families and the distressed pearlers, thank most heartily the Government, the shipping com- panies, and the numerous private friends who so readily and promptly assisted in the search for and relief of the distressed. The Government lost no time in doing all that lay in their power to search for the missing vessels, to assist the needy, and to inter the dead. Our thanks are also due and are hereby recorded for the wide sympathy expressed for the bereaved by all classes of the community. Pearling Industry. So much has been written about the general conditions of the pearling industry that readers must have a fairly accurate idea of how operations are carried on. A short description of the fishery, written by one engaged in the industry, may not be out of place in this brochure. The modus operand I of pearl- shelling has altered considerably since its inception some forty years ago in Torres Straits by a fisherman from Sydney. Search- ing for beche-de-mer (holothuria) on the Warrior Reefs (a long line of coral formations extending about forty miles across Torres Straits towards New Guinea) the fisherman picked up at low water a large number of splendid pearl-shell. The shell w 7 ere opened, and found to contain pearls ; a quantity of these, besides a trial lot of shell were sent to Sydney to ascertain what com- mercial value they possessed. Information was sent back from Sydney that quite altered the original object of the beche-de-mer fisherman, for instructions were given to get as much pearl-shell as possible, instead of obtaining fish, and bring it' to Sydney. This was a comparatively easy matter, for the shell was so plenti- ful that it was picked up at low water in hundreds. Soon the schooner was filled to the hatches, and she sailed for Sydney with a very valuable cargo. Other vessels were fitted out, and had such success that records of the voyages read like old-time sea romances, when the ships of old England sailed for the Indies and China, and returned with valuable cargoes. The pearl-shell on Warrior Reef was worked by so l many vessels that it- began to get scarce, rendering it necessary that search be made for further beds just off the reef. This was done by swimming divers, men from the South Seas, and natives of the islands in Torres Straits. As time went on shell in the shallower water got scarce, the swimmers then got further and further away from the reefs and the shore, till the water got so deep that diving apparatus had to be used. The more intelligent of the South Sea Islanders donned the diving dress, became expert divers, and secured large quantities of shell. The new men were called divers; the others swimmers. Divers and swimmers never work in the same locality, or at any rate, close to one another. The swimmers assert that sharks always follow the diving boats, being attracted by the fat from the salt beef, which is thrown overboard from the boats. If a swimming boat be working and a diving boat comes near, the captain always sails away till he considers he is at a safe distance. Sharks do cause loss of life among the swimmers, but not to any great extent. The divers being entirely encased, except the hands, are not troubled by the voracious monsters, and if a shark ap- proaches too close, a sudden release of air from tne escape value always frightens the undesirable visitor away. Divers occasionally spear fish, crawfish and turtle on the bottom of the sea, but before attempting to secure any of these delicacies he carefully looks round to ascertain if any sharks are near, for it is a well-known fact that these cowardly brutes always attack anything in trouble; and the diver would, in all probability, get bitten by the shark as it attempted to secure a meal. The divers, as a body of men, do not fear sharks, but they are dreadfully frightened of groper. These fish are found on rocky bottoms, and in tropical waters attain a large size. If a diver suddenly comes near a groper, the fish opens its immense round mouth as wide as possible, and puffs its head up to an unnatural size, in a defensive attitude. This is magnified by the face glass in the diver’s helmet, the spectacle presented to the man being like a horrible apparition. The diver immediately ascends to the surface, and b}' signals to other boats that may be working near, advises them that he has seen a dangerous sea monster. The whole fleet will sail away, and nothing will induce a diver, who knows of the marine ghost, to work in the vicinity again. Probably the groper is more frightened than the diver at the strange intrusion into his domain. The diving gear dealt a blow to swimming diving, but did not do away with it entirely. Quite a number of men go out in small boats, and swim for shells in the shallower waters surrounding the islands and reefs. They are as a rule very successful, and are able to see shell better than a diver, being assisted by a pair of goggle-shaped glasses fitting tightly round the eyes to prevent the water from reaching the organs of sight and interfering with the vision. So much for the Torres Straits diving. In West Australia the method was somewhat different. In the early days of pearling there, a schooner was fitted out with six or eight dingies, and as many men as could be engaged, for swimming PEARLING SCHOONER, ALADDIN, Beating into Badu. PEARLING SCENE. Boats cleaning copper at Flinders Island. The schooner anchored on the beds ; at sunrise the dingies with the swimmers on board were sculled by the boat-steerers over the banks, when the swimmers dived for shell, bringing it when found to the dingies, which were sculled all day backwards and forwards over the banks. At sundown the dingies returned to the schooner, transferred their catch and were hoisted up in the davits for the night. The rivalry between the various boats, and indeed between the schooners, was conducive to very profitable results for the owners. In 1885 pearling in Torres Straits was very unsatisfactory to those engaged therein, a general exodus, therefore, taking place to Western Australia. The Queenslanders introduced the system of apparatus diving, and at the same time adopted the plan of having a schooner as the centre from which operations were directed. The combination proved most successful, and it is by this method that pearling is worked at the present time. Various fleets were working in West Australia in 1890, but shell getting scarce there, Mr. James Clark left that colony and introduced the schooner plan of working into Torres Straits, where up to that time the boats had been worked from shore stations. The ad- vantages of floating stations are obvious. By this method the scene of pearling operations is practically unlimited, for if shell become scarce in one vicinity, all the vessels can be moved off hundreds of miles with the necessary stores and material for carrying on operations for a lengthened period. It was in follow- ing this plan that so many schooners with their fleets of luggers were together in Bathurst Bay on the 4th of March last, and which led to such disastrous loss of life and vessels. The schooners and their working boats had sailed from Thursday Island for grounds 250 miles away towards Cooktown, and while on that voyage were overtaken by the fearful hurricane and its consequent loss which we commemorate. On the 4th and sth of March, 1899, the East coast of Queens- land, in the neighbourhood of Princess Charlotte Bay, between ISdeg. SOmin. and 14deg. SOmin. S.L. was visited by a terrific hurricane, which destroyed vegetation on the shore, wrecked a lightship, schooners, and caused the loss of over 300 lives. The tabulated statement shown will give some idea of the loss of life and property, and enable the reader to more fully compre- hend the descriptions which follow. ■ B Large Vessels. Whites Lost. Luggers Totally Lost. Luggers Wrecked, rut liE - FLOA TED. Colored Men Lost. “ Sagitta,” believed to have 4 Kathleen, Estelle, Zanoni, Zoe .. 5 Zephyr, Here’s Luck, Sea- foundered in Bathurst Bay .. 4 breeze, Nellie, Sybil 51 “ Silvery Wave,” foundered at 11 Pearl King, Narellen, Kirkham, Vailele, 4 Boomerang, Lily, Johnny, En- anchorage off Cape Melville .. 3 Ehime, Flora, Gipsy, Endeavour, terprise 108 Clara Merriman, Daisy, Jessamine.. “ Admiral,” foundered in Bath- urst Bay.. 0 5 “Crest of the Wave,” dismasted, 10 Little Bill, Pearl Queen, Maggie, Gitana, 2 Vera, G. P. 88 but kept afloat .. 0 Leopold, Endymion, Vision, Pert, North Star, Carrie “ Meg Merrilees,” totally wrecked 0 4 Givarra Peres, Sprig, Jenny, Yamota .. 9 1 Pegasus, belonging to “ Aladdin ” fleet. 1 Waratah — to “ Olive ” fleet .. 0 “ Tarawa,” wrecked, but re-floated 0 4 Xarifa, Pmsa, Martha, Two Brothers. “ Wai-Weer” (tender), re-floated 0 “ Channel Bock ” Lightship 4 1 1 North Wales 4 Summary: — 5 large vessels totally lost. 2 wrecked, but re-floated. 19 Swimming boats, cutters, and small 1 dismasted. luggers .. about 80 85 diving boats totally lost. 19 swimming ,, ,, — — — 12 diving boats, re-floated. 12 54 12 295 807 lives loSo> TABULATED STATEMENT OF VESSELS WRECKED, AND LIVES LOST IN HURRICANE Op 4th and sth MARCH, 1899. Weather Reports. Clement L. Weagge, Esq., E.R.G.S., F.R.M.S., Queensland Government Meteorologist, issued on March. 3rd the following 1 advice in his “ General Remarks " ; “ Conditions are again becoming suspicious between the Louisiades and the North of New Caledonia, and although no new danger yet threatens the Queensland coast, we must needs keep a bright look out. Mr. Wragge, whose forecasts have been the means of putting so many mariners on their guard, and whose weather charts are so anxiously studied throughout the Australian colonies, was onlv able, no doubt through deficient information, to refer in the above somewhat indefinite manner to the disturbance afterwards named “Mahina, which in conjunction with “Nachon,’’ produced the hurricane whose fatal effects we chronicle. But even if a more definite forecast had been possible it could not, under existing means of communication, have reached the scene of the subsequent disaster in time to be of service. After the hurricane, but before the information had reached Brisbane, the following report was issued from the Chief Weather Bureau on March 6th ; “ A new tropical disturbance, which we have named ‘Mahina,' is about 350 miles south-east from Sudest, and as it is not improbable that it will make south-westing, shipping along- our coast will do well to be on the alert. Now, ‘ Mahina ’ is a girl's name, culled from fair Tahiti with its coral strand, waving palm-groves and mountain peaks, the loveliest of all the lovely islands in the wide Pacific, and mothers will agree that no infant daughter can bear a softer or prettier name What is evidently a new monsoon has made its appearance over the Gulf of Carpentaria. This we have named ‘ Nachon,’ and further squalls and heavy rains are almost certain toi occur over the peninsula and Gulf districts generally, extending north-westward to Port Darwin; and we have sent special warnings to Thursday Island and Gulf ports accordingly.’' Again on Bth March ; “Generally over the Northern Division this morning the weather is unsettled with rain falling. Strong south-east to east winds are still being experienced in the Gulf districts under the influence of the monsoon ‘ Nachon. Our chart to-day, so far as the north-east of Australia is concerned, has a very ominous aspect. First, we have the monsoon ‘ Nachon, possessing very considerable energy, and reaching from Cambridge Gulf across the Territory and Gulf of Carpentaria to the base of Cape York Peninsula. Then there is the tropical disturbance ‘Mahina,’ the centre of which is about 300 miles South from the Louisiades, while its western edge very nearly touches the Queensland coast between Bowen and Princess Charlotte Bay. We fear that ‘ Mahina ’ will not prove so soft and gentle as the Tahitian maiden of that name, for it is likely to give us some trouble. Special warnings have been sent to all coast towns, and the storm signals have been hoisted for the benefit of shipping Conditions, so far as Queensland is concerned, have a more serious aspect than when we wrote yesterday. The tropical disturbance is about 400 miles east-north-east from Townsville, and is making southing; hence gradients are steepening for bad weather from between south-south-east and east with rain between the Tweed and Cape Cleveland, and again we have despatched special warnings to the coast towns, and to our friends in New Caledonia. The south-eastern edge of ‘ Mahina’ has already made itself felt in ‘La Nouvelle,’ for fierce squalls are reported from Noumea and heavy rain at Gomen. The monsoon ‘Nachon’ still overlaps the Northern territory and stretches over the Gulf of Carpentaria into north-west Queensland The threatening aspect of ‘ Nachon '" and ‘ Mahina," like most other things, including the minor events of life, are due to the inflexible laws of the Great Master, Energy. Thus our Northern friends must make the best of existing con- ditions, and since it is a fact that ‘ talk and thought create force,’ far more potent than many are aware of, we trust that they will take heed to our remarks and forecasts and not be caught napping should ‘Mahina’ on the one hand or ‘Nachon" on the other cause ugly cyclonic squalls in our fair tropics.” And again on March 10th: “ The tropical disturbance ‘ Mahina is still north-west from Gomen, and conditions between New Caledonia, the Louisiades and Sandy Cape are exceedingly suspicious, so that shipping- bound to Northern ports cannot be too' careful. Let captains bear in mind that if the barometer falls 0.05 in half an hour, especially if the wind be from between south-south-east and north-north-east, it will be a sure warning of the approach of ‘ Mahina,’ and we cannot be too emphatic in shipping interests in making this statement. Let it not be supposed that we wish in any way to frighten intending passengers by sea, for it is yet possible that the threatening disturbance may pass away nearer to New Caledonia than the Queensland coast; and although it is an undeniable fact that by depending upon the Supreme Power increased serenity and repose to mind are certain to accrue, yet must we be guided by the laws of science (and hence the fore- casts), which that Power has enabled mankind to formulate, and not forget the terse remark of Cromwell, “ To keep the powder dry.” The extreme western edge of ‘ Mahina’ it was, when the centre was nearer the Louisiades, that evidently caused the disaster off our north-eastern coast,, and the eastern side of the moonsoon ‘ Nachon ’ was also a factor. Much indeed do' we regret that we have no means of advising the lightships and pearling fleets of the approach of storms between Cooktown and Torres Straits. The monsoon £ Nachon ’ still covers the Northern Territory and Gulf district, but has somewhat decreased in energy.” Note. —Reference to the Chart (kindly supplied by the Meteorological Department) will enable readers to better understand the above remarks. Again on March 15th:-—■ “At last with thankful hearts the inhabitants of our sea- board districts can breathe freely, for the long-sought relief has come and all danger from the threatening disturbance ‘ Mahina' appears to have passed away. Hence our storm signals have been hauled down. Truly we are grateful since, had ‘Mahina" continued to make southing, weary hours of worry would have awaited us.” Mr. H. P. Beach, postmaster at Thursday Island, and an amateur meteorologist of considerable ability, writes : “I remember the nights of the 2nd and 3rd of March very well. They were uncommonly hot and generally oppressive. The Eastern part of the horizon was terribly lit up with distant lightning, which disclosed a black, leaden, fierce-looking sky or background. The lightning was singularly severe, and an almost continuous electrical discharge, although not the slightest sound of thunder reached the ear. I concluded New Guinea was in for heavy weather, and thought no more of the matter. The next night, however, the 4th, whilst sitting on the verandah facing the East, I remarked a similar uncanny appearance of the previous evenings, and stated, ‘ Something tells me we will have a heavy storm. I will go down and see to- the moorings of my boat.' I re-moored the craft, which was riding quietly on an almost dead calm sea. I returned to the verandah, and admired the- beautiful display of the distant lightning, similar to that of the two previous nights, but certainly nearer on this occasion. The night was even closer, and more oppressive than on the 2nd and 3rd, and a monotonously quiet night it was. At about midnight I turned in—the night still beautifully calm, hot, and illuminated to- the Eastward. Next morning, the sth, a strong S.E. wind set in, and at 9 a.m. Cape York reported, ‘No communication South of the Coen/ To be brief, we heard nothing of the cyclone until some days after, when news reached us that the islands about Cape Melville had been devastated by a cyclone, and that the Lightship and pearling fleet had suffered severely. “I am convinced that the terrific display of lightning on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th March had something to do with or bore some near relation to the approach of the cyclone.” The above is a reliable description of the aspect of the heavens and the weather at Thursday Island, some 250 miles away from the centre of the cyclone. At midnight on the 4th at Thursday Island it was calm; at the same time at the scene of the disaster it was blowing a fierce gale from the S.W. On the morning of the sth it was blowing strong from the S.E. at Thurs- day Island, while at Cape Melville it was blowing a hurricane from quite the contrary direction, the N.W. The Hurricane. VESSELS UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. On the 4th of March, 1899, there were anchored at the north-west end of Princess Charlotte’s Bay the following pearling vessels and their fleets of luggers : The schooner “Tarawa,’’ 124 tons, Captain D. Jones, with the tender “AVai Weer ’’ and 18 luggers, belonging to the Queens- land Pearl Pishing Co. The schooner “ Meg Merrilees, ' 143 tons, Captain W. N. Thompson, with a fleet of 14 luggers, Bowden and Doyle, owners. The schooner “Olive,’’ 92 tons, Captain Steve Clark, with 14 luggers, James Clark and Co., owners. And the schooner “Aladdin," 102 tons, Mr. E. Munro hi charge, Munro, Outridge and Co,, owners, with 14 luggers. In Bathurst Bay, some 45 miles distant from the above, there were :—• The schooner “Sagitta," 84 tons, James Clark, Outridge Bros., and other owners, Captain R. B. Murray, Alfred St. John Outridge, managing partner, Harold Arthur Outridge and Robert Cameron also on board, with a crew of 14 coloured men. Of the fleet of 10 luggers, 9 were anchored near —viz., Here's Luck, Kath- leen, Estelle, Zoe, Zanoni, Zephyr, Sea Breeze, Nellie, and Sybil, manned by 55 coloured men. The Mabel, another lugger belong- ing to this fleet, was not in the hurricane, having been under- going repairs at Goode Island, and being at the time just on the northern edge of the cyclone. The schooner “Silvery Wave.’’ 98 tons, owners, James Clark, E. Jefferson, and others. Captain, E. Jefferson, manager; John Nicholas and Edward Charles Atthow being on board with a crew of 14 coloured men. The fleet of 15 luggers anchored near consisted of:—The Pearl King, Kirkham, Narel- lan, Enterprise, Ehime, Flora, Gipsy, Endeavour, Lily, Johnny, Yailelo, Clara Merriman, Boomerang, Jessamine, and Daisy, manned by 90 coloured men. The schooner “Crest of the Wave," 112 tons, Geo. Smith, J. Clark, and others, owners. Captain W. F. Porter in charge, with Mrs. Porter, infant, and T. de Lange on board, with a crew of 16 coloured men. This schooner's luggers anchored near were: —G.P., Vera, Kate, Carrie, Little Bill, Pearl Queen, Maggie, Ghana, Leopold, Endymion, Vision, Pert, and North Star, the whole manned by 78 coloured men. The small schooner, “ Admiral,” 25 tons, tender to the Clark Combination, was also anchored near the above three schooners, having just arrived that morning with a full cargo, and a number of passengers from Thursday Island. The Channel Rock Light-ship belonging to the Queensland Government was anchored about two miles north-west of Cape Melville, there being on board ; Gustaf Oscar Fuhrman, master. Douglas Lee, mate. Henry Karr and Daniel Crowley, seamen. .The lugger, “North Wales," Aplin, Brown and Co., owners, Captain W. Powell with a crew of Manilla men, was anchored at Noble Island, near Barrow Point. The cutters Spray, Jamaica, Caledonia, La France, Dackle, and Yunyo were anchored near Howick Islands. Other cutters were anchored in various places within the hurri- cane area. The schooner “Wanetta,” with 11 luggers, was further North, quite out of the storm belt. The 4th of March was a Saturday, and as usual on this day the luggers had collected near their respective schooners for the purpose of renewing stores, getting water and fuel, repairing damaged gear, delivering shell, and for the divers to report to the managers of their success, and to receive orders for the ensuing week. It was a time of joviality, rest, and companionship. The prevailing wind for the previous three weeks had been from the south-east, and consequently most of the vessels, especially those in Bathurst Bay, were close in to the land for shelter, and for convenience in getting wood and water. This Saturday after- noon and Sunday’s sociality is almost the only break in the some- what monotonous life of the pearlers attached to floating stations. The consequence is that when the coloured men thus meet after a week's or a fortnight’s hard work, they give free and full ex- pression to then 1 delight, gaiety, and frolicsome dispositions, and the noise, laughter, music (instrumental and vocal), dancing, and conversation shouted from one vessel to another must be seen and heard to be thoroughly understood. Most of the coloured men are but “ children of a larger growth,’’ and they enjoy their holi- day with just such abandon as children let loose from school. The officers take care that liberty does not degenerate into license At 7 p.m. there was a moderate breeze from the east-south- east, and it gradually increased in force till about 11 p.m., when it suddenly changed, blowing with hurricane force from the south- west, and working round to west, and then north-west, it finally died away about 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. It was accompanied by torrents of rain, vivid lightning, reverberating thunder, which could scarcely be heard amidst the noise of the wind, the swish of the spray, the dashing of the waves against the doomed vessels, the groaning of the planks and the straining of the cordage and spars. Between the hours of 3to 5 a.m. a tidal wave swept along the coast, in many instances com- pleting the ruin the hurricane had begun. The thick, murky, lowering clouds obscured the sky, and nothing could be seen except when the lightning flashes lit up with a sickly glare the angry foaming, resistless billows that in never ending succession seemed to hurry with cruel impetuosity on their death-dealing career. And it was during this warring of the elements that hundreds of valued lives were lost and bereavement brought home to thousands. When we think of the lives lost and the homes bereft we are lost in awe and wonder. The Almighty’s methods are inscrutable :—“ For My thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord; for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” We can only bow our heads and say, “Thy will be done.” From what we can gather, all the Europeans lost had had a religious training; they knew the storm was coming on, they experienced its gradually increasing force for some hours before they were overwhelmed, and we have no doubt, in their terrible trouble they called upon God for help, and we feel assured that Our Father, who has said, “ Call upon me in the day of trouble. and. I will deliver thee,” and again, “ When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee,” heard and answered them, and was with them in the dark hours of their terrible struggle “ through the waters,” and finally took them to Himself. We take comfort then looking forward to meeting our loved ones in Heaven, where there shall be “no more sea,” and where all that is now incomprehensible shall be made clear. “ God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform, He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.” God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.” EXPERIENCES OF CONSTABLE KENNY. Constable J. M. Kenny, constable in charge of the Eight- mile Police Station, Cooktown, relates the following ; —Left the Eight-mile on 28th February, with four native troopers and ten horses. Proceeded to the Munburra goldfield, on the Starcke River, and then struck the coast and went searching for the mate of a South Sea Islander. These two islanders (the survivor said) landed in a dingey near Barrow Point (supposed to have deserted from the pearl fleet). The blacks speared his mate, and he escaped, reaching the Munburra in an exhausted state. Kenny reached Barron Point on Saturday, 4th March, and camped about 6 p.m., on a ridge fully 40ft. above sea level, and about half-a-mile from the beach, with scrub and a high sand ridge between the camp and beach. On Saturday afternoon a light south-east breeze prevailed, with a drizzling rain. About half- past 11 p.m. it came on to blow very stiff from the south-south- east, increasing every minute. At 12 p.m. the troopers' tent was carried away, and they came into Kenny's tent; and about ten minutes after this was demolished by a limb falling right across it, and smashing through Kenny's hammock. Luckily he had left his hammock, as the rain was pouring on it, caused by a tent peg pulling up. When the tent collapsed all hands made for the biggest open space near, guided by very vivid lightning which occurred at intervals. Here it was necessary to cover up face and hands in a blanket to keep off the pelting rain, which seemed to hit as hard as hail. About 2 a.m. the wind veered a couple of points, and blew with hurricane force. At 5 a.m. it shifted to north-east, and, if possible, blew harder than ever, with torrents of rain. Shortly after the wind shifted to the north-east an immense tidal wave swept in shore, and reached waist deep on the ridge with the camp on it, completing the misery of the constable and troopers, also spoiling Kenny’s watch. Here the wave stretched between two and three miles inland. Judging from the appearance of the sun, it was not properly daylight till about 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, the sth. Spent Sunday looking round and picking up fragments of camp gear, and putting same in a place of safety, as it was found impossible to travel with the horses on account of the rivers. On mustering the horses, four were found to have been killed by trees. On Monday morning a start was made for Munburra on foot. Saw no boats, and very little wreckage, but saw a dingey on the beach. Dead fish of all kinds were piled up, including porpoises, sharks, dugong, sea- snakes, also sea birds, land birds, and wallabies. When these animals and fish began to decay the stench was pretty con- siderable. Reached Munburra on Friday, 10 March, having only native tucker (including yams, wallabies, iguana, carpet snake, and sugar-bag) for four days. Horses were procured at Mun- burra, and Eight-mile was reached on Monday, after an experi- ence that Constable Kenny says he would not like to have re- peated. The force of wind was so terrific that the trees had leaves, twigs, branches, and bark stripped clean off, and tne country presents a brown and desolate appearance. On Monday the party had to swim thirteen rivers, creeks, and gullies, next day six, next two, and next four, swims which in themselves were a pretty tidy day’s work.” Experiences of the different Schooners. The schooner “Tarawa,” Captain Jones, was anchored It, miles on the east side of Pelican Island, some 30 miles from Capo Melville, on Saturday, March 4th. After withstanding the hurricane for some time with two anchors down, both cables parted at 3 a.m. on Sunday, and the schooner was driven ashore on the only sandy patch on the island. With great labour she was floated on the following Thursday, her bottom having been considerably damaged. She was subsequently sailed to Thursday Island and repaired. Out of the “Tarawa's” fleet of 15 diving boats or luggers, four—Xarifa, Rosa, Martha, and Two Brothers —were totally wrecked, and the others more or less damaged; but fortunately no lives were lost. THE “MEG MERRILEES.” This schooner was anchored about a mile to the east of Pelican Island on the Saturday afternoon. She experi- enced a moderate breeze from the east, commencing at 7 p.m., which, changing to the south-east, increased in force, work- ing to the south-west at midnight, and from then till daylight working from west to northwest, blowing with hurricane force all the time. About 3 a.m. several large waves struck the vessel, washing away the whale-boat (since picked up). Tire schooner dragged her anchors for ten miles—the masts were cut away to try to save the vessel, but she still dragged as if she had no anchors down until 6 a.m. on Sunday when she grounded on a high reef and filled with water. All hands were saved, and subsequently many of the stores. Attempts were made to float her, but they were unsuccessful. Out of 14 luggers belonging to this schooner, four—Giavarra Peres, The Sprig, The Jenny, and Yamota —were totallv lost, and nine coloured men drowned. The small schooner “Wai Weer,” belonging to the “Tarawa” fleet, was wrecked close to the “ Meg Merrilees,” but was subse- quently re-floated. SALVAGE OPERATIONS. OLIVE RAISING WARATAH.—No. 1, Hooked on. SALVAGE OPERATIONS.-OLIVE RAISING WARATAH.—No. 3, Waratah afloat. SALVAGE OPERATIONS.- OLIVE RAISING WARATAH.—No. 2, Deck just awash. [?]ER ALADDIN OFF BADU. One Shell Collecting Boat hanging astern. Another under sail. THE SCHOONER “ OLIVE.” The “ Olive,” Captain Steve Clark, was anchored at 6 p.m. on Saturday, 4th March, to the north of No-. 1 Claremont Island. (Burkitt Island.) The gale started from the south-east, and at 10 p.m. the ship’s glass was 29.60, and fell rapidly to 29.10. The wind then changed and blew with hurricane force from the south-west, and at daylight veered round to* the west, still blowing stiffly, and finally died away at 10 a.m. on Sunday from the north-west. The schooner dragged with both anchors down from her original anchorage right round to the south-east side of the island, then holding. The “ Olive ” fleet had no boats totally wrecked, although the “Waratah” was sunk by one of her companion boats. During the night she drifted down on to the “ Edith,” the latter giving the “ Waratah” several heavy bumps under the quarter. A large hole was knocked in her, in fact the counter was almost entirely carried away. The “Edith” rescued the crew of the sunken boat, and although her treatment of the “Waratah” was very rough, she escaped without a scratch. Less than a week after- wards the “Waratah” was raised and taken to Flinders Island, where she was repaired. A series of three pictures illustrates the “Waratah” being raised by the schooner “Olive.” The first where the diver of the “Isabel” has arranged the slings and hooked on the “ Olive’s ” tackles. The second, viewed from astern, shows the “Waratah” just awash. The third shows the boat out of the water, partially afloat, and exhibits the large hole made by the “Waratah” colliding with the “Ethel.” The opera- tions were successfully carried out under the direction of Captain Steve Clark. Remarkably fine weather prevailed, and from the appearance of the sea in the pictures it would seem that pearling must be carried on under very calm conditions. Appearances, however, are deceptive in this case, for, but a few days before the pictures were taken, the violent hurricane was blowing, the results of which we chronicle. The “Waratah” was built in Brisbane in 1891 by Mr. H. Anderson, and was used by Mr. James Clark as a pleasure yacht for some months. THE “ALADDIN.” The “ Aladdin ” was anchored near the “ Olive,” and dragged towards the reef, but slipping her chains she missed the island, dropping another anchor sire still drifted towards D reef. She also escaped this danger, and her anchor gripping, she held on till daylight, when the hurricane abated. Only one lugger from this fleet was lost, the “ Pegasus," an old boat. THE “ADMIRAL." This little vessel was a fore and aft schooner yacht of 25 tons register. As pretty and shapely a little vessel as ever floated. She was designed and built in 1892 by Mr. Walter Reeks, the naval architect of Sydney. She was used by the pearling fleets controlled by Mr. James Clark and his partners as a tender. The “Admiral’’ had very fine lines, was of deep draft, with several tons of lead on the outside of her keel. She had just been overhauled at Goode Island Slip, and had only arrived at Bathurst Bay on the morning of the hurricane, 4th March, 1899. She had a full cargo, and a number of passengers for the fleets, who. with her crew of five, were all lost. She was in charge of Marcos Peres, an excellent sailor and an old diver—he with his crew were lost, and their names go to swell the numbers of un- fortunate working pearlers lost. The “ Admiral’s" name will disappear from the Register of British Shipping. THE “SILVERY WAVE." The “ Silvery Wave " was a brigantine of 98 tons, built at Port Stephens, New South Wales, in 1876. She was a hardwood vessel, and was particularly strong, well built, and well preserved. She was caulked and re-coppered in 1897 at the Goode Island Slip. For many years she was owned by Messrs. James Camp- bell and Sons, Brisbane, and had the reputation of being a fast sailer, a reputation upheld by the very smart passages made when sailing between Brisbane and North Queensland ports. In 1895 she was purchased by Mr. James Clark for the pearling - business, and was fitted up to make her as comfortable as possible for her new employment. She was always a favourite vessel, and was admirably adapted for pearl-shelling work. On the day of the hurricane she was anchored in Bathurst Bay, off Cape Melville, and there her bones now lie. The experience she went through 22 LARGE VESSEL IS SCHOONER SILVERY WAVE (Totally Wrecked). Three Boats of Aladdin Fleet. must have been very trying for the crew. She possessed excellent ground tackle, and this appears to have been the cause of her loss. Had she drifted with the south or south-westerly wind out into deep water it is possible that she would be afloat at the present time, but the anchors held. When the wind changed to north- west with a sweep of about 20 miles of clear sea, the waves rolled in with greatly increased size. Anchored in three fathoms of water the vessel had no chance, she was just overwhelmed, and probably bumped herself to pieces on the bottom. Sugimoto, the only one of the crew saved, gives a graphic account of the vessel foundering. From an examination of the wreck, made a few weeks afterwards, it appears that both chains had parted, one just outside the hawsepipe, and the other about five fathoms further out. It is impossible to say when they carried away. The wreck is lying on the bottom heading north-east, the bow- sprit, stem, and a few of the forward timbers are standing, besides a little forward planking; the windlass is a few feet away from the vessel, and the tanks are fully fifty feet away almost em- bedded in mud. Above the water the bowsprit just shows, also the stumps of the fore and main masts; the cargo derrick is half afloat, being held by some gear which prevents it drifting away. The stumps of the masts show no signs of being cut. It does not follow that the rigging was not cut, probably the lanyards were severed, and the masts went by the board. The mainmast has become unshipped, and is lying at opposite angles to the foremast. Both appear to be held down by some portion of the rigging. At the wreck the depth is two and a half fathoms at low water. A diver examined the wreck on several occasions with a view to recovering anything of value. Nothing whatever was seen of any of the six or seven tons of shell which were on board. It must have become embedded in the mud. A coil of coir rope and a case of jam were recovered, but nothing else. Amongst the wreckage which went ashore at Bathurst Bay were a number of diving dresses, and most of the books of the company, with the latter was a file of Captain Jefferson's private letters and papers. One of the schooner’s whaleboats was picked up on the beach to the southard of Bay Hill, in Bathurst Bay. It was almost com- pletely broken up. And so ends the career of the “ Silvery Wave.'’ “SAGITTA'S” HISTORY AND EXPERIENCES. The “ Sagitta ” was a taut little topsail schooner of 84 tons, built at Gosford, Brisbane Water, N.S.W., in 1887, and was never engaged in any other trade but pearling, although not specially built for it. She was purchased by Captain W. R. Mogg for pearling in West Australia, before her sails had been bent for the first time, and was engaged on that coast for two years under the command of the purchaser, trading as Mogg and Co. In 1890, Messrs. James Clark and P. P. Outridge were admitted -into partnership, and the firm was then called Mogg, Outridge and Co. In 1891, the “Sagitta” and her fleet arrived at Thursday Island from West Australia to try their fortune in Queensland waters. In 1894, Mr. P. P. Outridge being in charge of the “ Olive ” fleet, Mr. Edwin Munro became managing partner of the firm, which has since been styled Munro, Outridge and Co. The “ Sagitta ” did excellent Work, all the time engaged, and was particularly adapted for pearling. In 1897 it was decided to replace her by a larger vessel, and the “ Sagitta ” was sent down to Brisbane for sale, the firm meanwhile having purchased the schooner “Aladdin,” a larger vessel—a picture of her appears among the illustrations. The “ Sagitta ” was moored in the Bris- bane River for some months, till the Outridge Bros, and Mr. James Clark took her over, and started a fleet under the title of The Sagitta Pearling Co. She had been engaged for about nine months under the new ownership, when the hurricane totally wrecked her. How she foundered no one knows, for not one of her crew of nearly twenty was saved. Pieces of her deck, one of her spars, and several portions of her deck fittings have been seen on the beach near Cape Melville. Comparatively very little wreckage drifted ashore from the “ Sagitta.” It is believed that she sank in deep water. Probably a collision took place between the “Silvery Wave” and “Sagitta,” and Captain Porter's state- ment tends to support this theory. Whatever the cause, the effect is there, and the favourite “ Sagitta ” is no more afloat, and her name has been struck off the Register of British Shipping. THE LIGHTSHIP. The Channel Rock Lightship, Captain Fuhrman. was last seen by Captain Porter at 11 p.m. on the 4th; in the morning she was not to be seen. In all probability she had been over- SKITTY BELLE. SAGITTA. OLIVE. THE SCHOONERS OLIVE, SAGITTA, AND SKITTY BELLE. whelmed by the enormous waves, and had sunk at her moorings, and all on board drowned. Portions of her cabins and deck fittings were found strewn on the beach by the relief parties which subsequently searched the shore. The bodies of Captain Fuhrman and Douglas Lee were found and buried near Cape Melville—a photo being subsequently taken of the graves by Dr. Roth. Opinions differ as to the direct cause of the loss of the Light- ship. The vessel was particularly well found. Some mariners, well qualified to give an opinion, say that the wind got under the wooden awnings of the ship and threw her on her beam ends; others again assert their belief that the vessel was riding with too little chain, and when the hurricane wave struck her she was overwhelmed, and could not recover. Whatever the cause, the loss of the vessel emphasizes what has been written about the terrific force of the wind. A patent fact which has to be faced is the unsuitability of a lightship at that particular spot, and although a relieving vessel has been sent to Channel Rock, steps are being taken with a view to the erection of a lights house on Pipon Island. Such intention will be commended by all, for a recurrence of such a disaster as the loss of the Light- ship and the valuable lives of her crew, must be prevented. SCHOONER “CREST OF THE WAVE.” The following account is from information supplied by Captain Porter:—The schooner “Crest of the Wave, 7 ’ Captain W. Field Porter, having on board Mrs. Porter and daughter (some eighteen months old), T. de Lange, and a crew of 16 coloured men was anchored in Bathurst Bay on the lee side of Cape Melville, on Saturday, March 4th, 1899, with a south-east wind blowing. Cape Melville is on the east coast of Northern Queensland in latitude 14° 10' S., and 144° 32' east longitude The schooners “ Sagitta, 77 “Silvery Wave, 77 and “Admiral 7 ’ (a tender) were anchored near by, and some forty luggers were anchored nearer the shore. This was a convenient place to anchor on account of the fresh water on shore, which could be procured for their tanks, and on account of the shelter from the prevailing south-east winds. As night came on a light rain set. in, the barometer at sunset registering 29.60. c Between 11 and 12 p.m. the wind began to increase, and the barometer to fall. So powerful was the wind that the “ Silvery Wave” dragged her anchors and drifted down close to the “ Sagitta.” It was difficult to see the positions of the different schooners on account of the intense darkness, only lightened by the occasional flashes of lightning, and there was very great danger of collisions, so gun shots were interchanged to give some idea of their relative situations. The “Silvery Wave” still continuing to drag, the “ Sagitta ” moved, it is believed slipping her cable to do so, and took up a position nearer the Cape, Cap- tain Jefferson on the “ Silvery Wave ” letting go another anchor about the same time. The wind continuing rapidly to increase in force from the south-east, the “ Crest of the Wave's " anchor began to drag. The full length of chain was given out, still she dragged, drifting out into the open channel. When six fathoms of water was reached, the lead being kept going, the other anchor was let go, but even with all the ground tackle out the vessel continued to drive before the increasing gale. The intense dark- ness and driving rain prevented anything being seen of the other boats or the land. The sea by this time was very rough and enormous waves broke time after time on board. The stern dingey and port whale boat went over the side, and the bulwarks were washed away. The glass continued to fall until 4.30 a.m. on Sunday, the sth March, when it reached 27 inches; then there was a lull for about ten or fifteen minutes, when the wind suddenly came from the north-west with such terrific force that the schooner was thrown on her beam ends and almost buried in the raging sea. The cabin windows were smashed in, and the cabins began to fill with water. To prevent the vessel foundering the masts were cut away, a matter of no small difficulty as she was lying on her beam ends, and with enormous waves washing over her. She then righted, losing the starboard whale boat, which left the schooner without a boat. It was noticed that the vessel was getting deep in the water, which was but six inches below the deck, so the pump was set going, and two gangs of men were also told off to bail out with buckets, while others searched for the leak. The water was found coming in from the rudder tmnk, and the leak was soon stopped up with blankets, bags of flour and other things that came handy. Pumping and bailing were continued until the vessel was out of immediate danger. The wind and sea took off as the day went on, although it was The Lightship sent to replace the vessel lost at Channel Rock. SCHOONER CREST OF THE WAVE, DIDMASTED IN HURRICANE. The only Vessel out of 45 anchored near Cape Melville which weathered the hurricane. still very rough, and the exhausted men were able to get some food of which they stood much in need after battling against such fear- ful odds for some ten or twelve hours. At 7 p.m. on the same day (Sunday), the “ Duke of Nor- folk,’’ from London, rounded up alongside in answer to the signals of distress, and sent a boat. Mrs. Porter and child were taken on board the steamer, where they were well cared for and made comfortable. Captain Jenkins very kindly lent Captain Porter a boat, and anchored near him all night. So far nothing had been seen of the other vessels or luggers, and it was also noticed that the lightship had disappeared. The days that fol- lowed were sad ones. Thirty men were picked up off the beach ; these had saved their lives by swimming. Thirty-two bodies had been buried, and others were seen floating in the sea. Mr. Alf. Outridge’s body was buried and two white men from the light- ship. In all about eighty bodies were accounted for out of 280 men drowned. All the luggers were sunk, as well as the schooners “ Sagitta,” “Silvery Wave,” and “Admiral.” The “Crest of the Wave” was towed into the Flinders by the s.s. “Victory,” and later on taken to Thursday Island by the s.s. “ Parua ” to be repaired at the Goode Island slip, belonging to James Clark and Co. Too much praise cannot be given to Captain Porter for his indomitable pluck and ready seamanship under the' extraordi- narily trying circumstances in which he was placed. He has well upheld the character of the British sailor for endurance, fearless- ness, readiness of resource and attention to duty in a time of the greatest peril. He not only kept up his own courage, and would not give up hope or relax his endeavours to keep the vessel afloat, even when he told his wife that they were sinking fast, but he infused his own brave spirit into his coloured crew, and would not let them give way to despondency, as they are so prone to do, and infecting them with his own activity, he kept them at work, commanding, directing and assisting until the danger was past. And in the midst of it all he was able to rush in occasionally to cheer his distressed wife. Truly his six foot of body covers a manly soul. Undoubtedly the safety of the “Crest of the Wave,” and all on board is due, under Providence, to the' splendid sea- manship of the Captain and to the drift to deeper water. William Field Porter was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 25th, 1865, his father hailing from Liverpool, and his mother from Nova Scotia. He early evinced a fondness for the sea, which no doubt was hereditary, his father and grandfather being sailors. He has now been twice nearly drowned—the first time while sailing a toy boat from a floating tub. As the Captain quaintly remarks, “It would take a large tub to hold him now,” as he stands 6ft. lin. in his stockings and weighs 15 stone. Eventually he took to the sea as a profession, trading on the New Zealand coast and among the South Sea Islands. He came to Queensland in 1892, and has been pearlshelling ever since. The recent hurricane was the first he had experienced, and he hopes it will be the last. Still he means to profit by the experience, will still follow the sea life, and should he be in another hurricane the knowledge recently gained will be of great value to him. Captain Porter was married in 1896, at Thursday Island. Mrs. Porter and her young daughter dwell on the schooner with him, and their experience is narrated in the following account from Mrs. Porter's pen : “ It is difficult to describe in words what a terribly anxious time we put in on board the “ Crest of the Wave ” on the night of the late severe hurricane. I often think now of how thankful we should be to have been saved so miraculously. We had gone through the usual routine that evening, and I had devoted a quiet hour to letter writing, although the schooner began to toss too much to allow me to finish. We were not anxious at all, as we had so often experienced a rough sea before, and I retired for the night at about 9.30 p.m. I could see my husband was watch- ing the barometer more closely than usual, which made me ask him if he anticipated anything unusual. He said it looked as if we were going to have a rough night, but that as long as the wind did not change we were quite safe. At about 10 p.m. I began to feel uneasy, and could not lie comfortably in my berth on account of the dreadful rolling of the schooner, so got up and put on a gown. My husband was out on deck then with all the men doing what they could to try and save the boats, and to keep things as well as possible. It began to sound very dreadful, and Ito feel anxious. I stood beside the berth all the time to save baby from rolling out. She had wakened several times, but fell asleep again when finding I was with her. By that time the water was coming into the cabin very quickly through every little opening, and soon the bed and we were all very wet. While standing in my cabin trying to- hold myself up and baby from falling, dreadful things seemed to be happening on deck, and I was always thankful if my husband made his appearance for only a second. My cabin got so full of water, and everything into such disorder, that with Tommy de Lange’s help, baby and I got into the next cabin, where we were much drier for a time. My poor little girl was very frightened, but did not cry much, she clung to me and hid her face under my arm. fehe and I both got sea-sick, as the storm grew worse, and it was almost more than I could do to help her while being ill myself. Things were washing against my feet and nearly carrying me away I don’t know how often. The worst of all for us in the cabins was when the windows were washed in with one sweep, and the cabins filled with water. Baby was washed away from me, and I groped in the dark until I found her dripping wet and gasping for breath. My heart ached for her. I couldn’t stand with her in my arms, and was just falling when my husband rushed in just in time to help us to a seat in the dining cabin, where we remained until morning, clinging on to whatever would help us, the seas washing over us all the time. We had all given up hope long before daylight, as my husband had told me we were sinking fast, and in great danger. All the boats had gone, and the sea and storm were too fierce to allow of anything struggling long in them. I tried to feel resigned, but couldn’t, to the thought of my little one being tossed into that dreadful sea. I clung to hope all through, and was rewarded when daylight came and we were still afloat. The leak was patched up and the water bailed out until we were out of danger, although all that day too was terribly rough. The ‘Duke of Norfolk’ passing, saw our signals of distress, and anchored near us for that night. I don’t think any steamer ever looked so grand to us as she did with all her lights alongside of our poor disabled schooner. They got baby and me on board, and were very kind indeed to us, lending us clothes, and doing all they could for our comfort. I was very stiff and ill through being in the water, although I had managed to change for a blanket and singlet, the only dry garments we could find; baby's attire being the same. I put on wet clothes to go on to the steamer in. The steamer seemed so comfortable after all we had gone through, hut I couldn’t sleep thinking of my husband and the others on board, and hoping for their safety. The next morning when leaving for Cooldown we met the ‘ Duke of Portland ’ coming to Thursday Island, so I transhipped into her, and arrived here the following afternoon. “ I shall never in all my life forget the experience, and lam glad my little girl is too young to remember it for long. Her little nerves were upset for some time afterwards. We lost a great deal in the way of clothes and other belongings, but this is nothing since we ourselves were spared such a fate as befell so many others.” What a sad commentary on our pride in improved appliances and scientific knowledge does this disaster supply. Here were a number of vessels, well found with all that was thought necessary to render them secure from the assaults of wind and wave. Yet the most modern barometers gave no indication (beforehand) of the severity of the coming storm, and the very soundness and sufficiency of the ground tackle proved a calamity instead of a blessing. Had the “ Sagitta,” “Silvery Wave,” and “Admiral” dragged their anchors (as the “Crest of the Wave'’ and other schooners did) during the early hours of the storm, they would have drifted to deeper water, and probably have been saved; had the anchors dragged or the cables parted when the wind changed, blowing with extreme force from the north-west, the schooners would have drifted on shore, where there was a wide sandy beach, and most of the crew, if not the vessels also, would, in all pro- bability, have been saved. Truly at the best our apparent safety is but insecurity, and our boasted power is but impotence. We speak at times as though we were conquering Nature, and point to our telegraph instruments, electric motors, and dynamos, claiming in grandiloquent language to have enchained the light- ning, and made it subservient to our will; to our steamers and railway systems, which enable us almost to annihilate distance and to rob time of half its restrictive force; to our nautical instru- ments, of such delicate construction that they register the slightest change of weight, moisture, or movement in the atmosphere, and enable us to take precautionary measures, which rob storms of their terrors. But the God of Nature speaks, and what is the result ? Our safety proves to be our greatest danger, and our scientific knowledge of no avail to enable us to escape the gathering storm. We have to come to the same conclusion as Cardinal Wiseman ; —“ The more we study the laws of Nature, the more we see how powerful it is, how superior to man, how it is the exponent and exhibitor of magnificent wisdom, of might with which we cannot cope. We must not pretend to too much; but in spite of boasts that Nature has been overcome by man, let us ever keep this in mind, that she will always in the end, if it should come to a conflict, vanquish; and that her laws and powers, illimitable and irresistible, represent to us a Higher Power than that of man—the Power that gives us our own moral strength, and lays down our moral laws.” SOME STATEMENTS OF SURVIVORS. AN ACCOUNT OF INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES. Willie Tanna was one of seven, the crew of the “ Zoe," his boat had been working off Barrow Point on Friday, 3rd March. On the evening of that day they anchored near the “ Sagitta,” about one and a half miles off the watering place at Cape Melville. On Saturday morning they went ashore for water, coming out again in the afternoon, and getting the usual fort- nightly supply of provisions and stores. While on the schooner he saw and spoke to Mr. Alfred Outridge, Captain Murray, Mr, Harold Outridge, and Robert Cameron. The schooner had plenty of shell on deck, the week just finished having been a good one. About 6 o'clock the diver gave orders to take the boat close in to shore; there was not much wind, but it was raining. About 9 or 10 o’clock a south-west wind came; they slacked 45 fathoms of chain, and had more on deck, but allowed the boat to drift, hoping to clear the rocks. They drifted for some time, the boat twice hitting the bottom; about 12 o’clock the boat hit Boulder Rocks close to the Point. All hands, except one, jumped on to the rocks. The waves were very high, and one man, Charley, a Malay, was frightened to jump, being unable to swim, although we urged him to come. As soon as the six men got on to the rocks a big sea came and knocked everybody oft. All scrambled back again, but Waller had to be assisted. Everyone sat down close with their heads together. Daylight came, and they remained all day and that night on the rocks. On Monday morning they swam ashore to Cape Melville. One Manilla man, belonging to a “ Silvery Wave” boat, came on to the same Boulder Bocks during the night. Willie, who is a big powerful man, was uninjured, but his mate Waller, who hurt his thigh, would undoubtedly have perished, but for Willie’s assistance. In Willie’s opinion the body of Mr. Alfred Outridge came ashore on Wednesday, the Bth, or Thursday, the 9th of March. Sugimoto, a Japanese sailor, who was the only man saved from the schooner “ Silvery Wave,” made a statement as follows :—“ I was on the sick list, and was in my bunk in the forecastle all day Saturday, the 4th March. I did not go up on deck as I was too sick. About midnight Captain Jefferson gave orders for another anchor to be dropped, as the schooner was dragging with the gale which was blowing. The anchor was dropped, but I could not assist, being sick. About half-past seven on Sunday morning I went on deck as the schooner was filling fast, and I expected her to sink at any moment. I saw some of the crew, but the masts had gone, and the bulwarks were all broken. The house aft, where the Captain and officers had their quarters, was also carried away. Just then a big sea struck the vessel, and I was washed overboard, but succeeded in getting on to a plank, with which I supported myself. Im- mediately after I had been washed overboard I saw the schooner sink; the big sea had swept right over her and filled her up. I was blown and driven by the wind and sea mther and thither, and at last landed on the mainland at Bathurst Bay.” It was reported that a. Malay was also saved from this vessel. Investigation showed that the man certainly was one of the crew of the schooner, but had not been on the vessel at all during the night of the 4th March; he had gone ashore on the oaturday afternoon, and had not returned, spending the night with the Binghis under the shelter of the hills. It is strange that Sugimoto should have been the only man saved from the “ Silvery Wave.” He was a sick man, and was not of a very powerful constitution. Other members of the crew were fine big, strong men, quite at home in the water. The brave fellows must have been worn out with the fatigue and exposure of the trying night. After battling so hard to save the ship, when she sank from beneath them, they had not sufficient strength left to reach the shore, a distance of about two miles. Sugimoto suffered considerably from his exposure; he was sent to the Hospital at Thursday Island, but two months after had not quite recovered from the trying ordeal through which he had passed. Glentaro was a Japanese diver employed on the “Zanoni.” Three of the crew were drowned, but he and two others were saved, a comparatively large number, due to the fact that the lugger was wrecked close to Boulder Rocks, Cape Melville. Dur- ing the storm, when the waves were found to be breaking over the boat, the crew shut all the hatches, but one was incomplete, and the water got down below, and swamped the boat. She sank in three fathoms about 3.30 a.m., the mainmast breaking at the time. The big waves afterwards drove the boat on to the rocks, where she broke up. The illustrations, from photos taken three months afterwards, show the rocks off the cape where the boat broke up, the sweep of the north-west sea had driven the wreck up on the sand beach. Seto was a Japanese diver of the “Estelle.' He reports that about midnight on Saturday an extra strong gust of wind struck his boat, and the foremast went over the side. No sail was set at the time, the wind was fierce and powerful enough to blow the mast away. The boat dragged her anchor, and was drifted about in different directions, according to the varying winds. The diver steered all through the dreadful night, endeavouring to keep the boat’s head to the big seas that frequently broke aboard and threatened to overwhelm her. The boat was in a sinking con- dition, when between 5 and 6 o’clock there was about ten minutes’ calm, advantage of which was taken to pump out the water. Then the wind started from north-west, the opposite direction, blowing directly on shore, and appeared quite hot. It was much stronger than when from the south-east or south-west, and caused a very heavy confused sea. The boat sank in about half an hour after the change of wind. Seto was the only man saved; sometimes he had a plank and sometimes not, being fre- quently washed away from his support by the tempestuous sea ; then he would be driven against other wreckage, and held on as long as possible. Eventually he was washed ashore on the sandy beach to the west of the watering-place in Bathurst Bay, about noon on Sunday, having been six hours battling with the waves. No wonder that when he reached the shore his over-wrought nerves gave way, and he became unconscious; he was found in this state by other survivors. Albert and Moses, natives of Ware Island, in the South Seas, two strong young fellows, had a hard struggle for their lives. They have fine physiques, and most exceptional powers of endurance. Their boat, the “Little Bill,” was wrecked about 12 o'clock; they swam from Boulder Rocks, and in attempting to reach the mainland were driven by the wind and sea to Pipon Island. They stayed on the Island on Sunday and Monday, and then swam to Cape Melville on the Tuesday. They had existed on plum pudding, a case of which had gone ashore on the beach. These two men buried a number of bodies, some being recognized, amongst them being two Manilla divers, belonging to the “Crest of the Wave " fleet, and a large number of the crew. Douglas Pitt, June;, with a Murray Island native and their wives, swam from No. 8 Howick, where their boat was wrecked, to the mainland off Mount Bowen, a distance of 11 to 12 miles. They landed at Noble Island on the way, and had a spell, but the performance was wonderful, and it is remarkable that the two native women were able to swim with the men, but no doubt the latter assisted their wives. The women of Murray Island, in Torres Straits, are tall and well formed. They differ from the natives of the mainland in this respect, and appear to' possess great stamina. The four wrecked people walked North along the beach to Cape Melville, where the other survivors had congre- gated, subsisting on provisions that had been washed ashore in large quantities from the wrecked vessels. A pathetic incident is that of two women, also natives of the Torres Straits Islands, who, with their husbands, were thrown into the water, when their small swimming boat sank and left them struggling for their lives. Each woman had a child on her back hanging on to her hair, and all through the night, the devoted mothers were swimming trying to reach land. In the morning they reached Flinders Island, but alas, the children had died from exposure during the night, and the mothers landed with the dead bodies. Readers can picture the anguish of the poor mothers, how during the long hours of the night loving little messages were exchanged between mother and child, how the responses of the latter would become fainter and fainter, and how, when no answering pressure was received, what the feelings of the mother would be. The skin of the mothers was black, but their hearts were filled with maternal love and solicitude ; and no white mother could have done more to preserve her offspring than these brave- tender-hearted women. Captain D. Jones, of the schooner “Tarawa,’ picked up a man and woman, natives of Darnley Island, in Torres Straits, who had been in the water almost continuously from Sunday to Thursday. They were picked up near F Reef, in Princess Charlotte Bay, and had been swimming from reef to reef, living- on what they could pick up. They belonged to a swimming boat. The woman showed less signs of fatigue than the man. Five Murray Islanders swam from outside Flinders Island towards Cape Melville, a distance of 12 miles. The sea and current drove them past the islands, and compelled them to make for Cape Melville. They were expert swimmers, and had been engaged collecting black lip pearl-shell off the reefs. Numbers of other cases are known where men were in the water from the time their boats sank, between midnight Saturday and daylight Sunday morning, till Sunday night floating about on pieces of wreckage. Of the sufferings of the poor fellows, who floated about for hours, but were not rescued, nothing will ever be known. Some aboriginals from a camp near Cape Melville were assisting shipwrecked men out of the water. A change of wind or a sudden gust swept round the hills and blew the natives into the water. They struggled hard, but were unable to reach land again, and were driven out to sea and drowned. Assistance to the Wrecked. On the sth the British-India Coy.'s steamer “ Duke of Nor- folk,” Captain Jenkins in charge, from London to Brisbane, passed the scene of the disaster. She did not stop to assist those wrecked near Burkitt Island, as there were several sailing vessels under way near by, and no distress signals were shown; but about dusk the dismasted scnooner, “Crest of the Wave,” was seen two and one-third miles north-west from the Channel Rock, flying distress signals, so Captain Jenkins anchored near and sent a boat to the wreck. Captain Porter reported the hurricane and its effects upon his and other vessels, and asked for assistance. Mrs. Porter and child were taken on board the steamer, and a boat was lent to the Captain of the dismasted vessel, but the request to be towed to the Flinders could not be complied with on account of the tempestuous weather. The steamer remained at anchor all night, and proceeded on her way early next morn- ing. Meeting the steamer “ Duke of Portland ” shortly after- wards, Mrs. Porter and her child were transferred to her for conveyance to Thursday Island. Captain Jenkins, on arrival off Cooktown the same evening - , the 6th, signalled the loss of the Lightship to the signalman at Grassy Hill, but was unable to do more on account of the prevailing thick weather and increasing darkness as night set in. The news was wired to Brisbane to' Captain Almond, who immediately instructed the harbour-master at Cairns to despatch a steamer as soon as possible to search for the Lightship. Thereupon the small steamer “ Victory ” was provisioned and sent out, reaching the “Crest of the Wave” on the 10th. Captain Jenkins proceeded with all speed to Townsville, arriving there on the Bth, when he immediately reported to' the harbour-master what he had seen and heard from Captain Porter, and thle alarming news was wired to the authorities in Brisbane. It is a great pity that relief parties in boats were not sent from this steamer to search for survivors, as there is evidence to show that at the very time the steamer was anchored near the “ Crest of the Wave,” men, women, and children were floating on wreckage, some of whom subsequently got safe to land, but others (the children) were brought ashore dead from exposure, and there may have been, and in all probability were, others floating at the time but subsequently drowned, who would have been saved had search parties been immediately despatched. The Japanese steamer “ Kasuga Maru,” Captain Haswell, next arrived at the locality of the wrecks on Wednesday, the Bth March, stopping to communicate with the dismasted “ Crest of the Wave,” at 7 a.m. Captain Porter re-affirmed his previous statement to the Captain of the “ Duke of Norfolk,” and reported further that the schooners “ Sagitta ” and “Silvery Wave” and “ Admiral ” and three fleets of luggers were lost. The “ Kasuga Maru ” then proceeded on her way south with all speed, passing Cooktown at 4 p.m. the same day, but being unable to report fully owing to the thick weather. The steamer reached Towns- ville on the 10th, when a full report was given and wired to Brisbane. Thus it happened that the “ Warrego’s” report, wired from Cooktown the previous day (9th), conveying the first definite news of the great loss of life, was received and read by the anxious relatives of the pearlers a day before the “ Kasuga Mam’s,” although the latter vessel passed the wrecks some hours before the former. On Wednesday, the Bth, the A.U.S.N. Coy.’s steamer “ Warrego,” Captain King, arrived at the Claremonts from Thursday Island, and being signalled from the “Tarawa,” stopped and was boarded by Captain Jones of that schooner and Captain Thompson of the “ Meg Merrilees.” They reported the loss of the schooners and luggers and eleven lives, and brought telegrams to be wired on arrival at Cooktown. Proceeding on her way the “Warrego” passed the “Crest of the Wave,” totally dismasted, near the Channel Rock. The steamer passed close to her, but no signals being shown, did not stop, the vessel appearing to ride easily. Anchoring off Howick Island all night on account of the thick weather, and proceeding next morning she arrived at Cooktown on the 9th, and immediately reporting the serious news, it was wired to the portmaster at Brisbane. Captain Almond communicated with the Treasurer, and arrangements were made with the A.U.S.N. Company to forward the steamer “ Warrego,” with provisions, stores, etc., to render whatever assistance was required to the surviving crews of the wrecked vessels, and to search for the missing schooners and the Lightship. After coaling as speedily as possible, the “ Warrego ” started on her voyage of rescue at 11.30 a.m. on Friday, 10th March. On that day the “ White Star,” a small steamer from Thurs- day Island, arrived at the Claremont Islands, having been des- patched by the Hon. John Douglas, C.M.G., Government Resi- dent, who had heard of the loss of lives and vessels by the “ Duke of Portland.” She had on board Mr. G. H. Bennett, sub- collector, at Thursday Island, and Mr. George Smith, the Thurs- day Island representative of what is known as the Clark Combina- tion Pearling Fleets. Mr. Smith also brought provisions, stores, and materials for repairing the damaged vessels. On the same day, the 10th, the steamer “Australian/’ bound north, passed the locality, speaking the “ Crest of the Wave,” which had the small steamer “ Victory ” in attendance. The “ Victory ” towed the dismasted schooner to Stanley Harbour, in the Flinders Group. “WHITE STAR.” The “ White Star ” reached Hannah Islands on Friday after- noon, where she found four luggers on the reef, the men being camped on shore. Proceeding she anchored off Pelican Island, finding the lugger “ Givarra Peres ” wrecked on the east side of the island. Mr. Bennett learnt here that the schooners “ Meg Merrilees” and “ Wai Weer” were wrecked on an uncharted reef bearing north-north-east from Pelican Island about 91 miles, all the hands being saved, and plenty of provisions. Leav- ing this place early on the 11th, the “White Star'’ anchored in Stanley Harbour, Flinders Group, at 10.35 a.m., where were the “Tarawa,” “Olive,” “Aladdin,” and about 50 luggers at anchor. At 3.15 p.m. the anchor was weighed and search was made in Bathurst Bay. An hour after starting the “Warrego” was sighted, and the “ White Star ” returned with her to Stanlev Harbour, where they anchored for the night. Stores were dis- pensed to about 40 men, who were camped on shore, and who had previously received provisions from the pearling schooners. Mr. Bennett chartered two luggers to take the shipwrecked men back to Thursday Island. On Sunday, the 12th, the “White Star” again searched along the coast, finding six luggers sunk about two miles south-west from Boulder Rocks, off Cape Melville. The tops of their masts were visible above water, and also the masts of a schooner, supposed to be the “ Silvery Wave.'' Pro- ceeding along the coast to Ninian Bay she passed several masts and spars—passed Bewick Island, or Howick No. 5, at 0.5 p.m. This appeared to be the southern limit of the cyclone. At Newton Island, south of Bewick Island, there appeared no indica- tion of the storm, the vegetation being untouched, whereas between Bewick and Hannah Islands everything in the shape of trees and grass had been swept clean. Coal falling short it was necessary to make for Cook town, where the “White Star" arrived at 3 p.m., on Monday, the 13th. Mr. Bennett communicated to Captain Almond the result of his search, and after coaling the “ White Star ” left Cooktown at 6.45 a.m., on Tuesday, the 14th, and aided by a strong south-east wind was able to- anchor again at Stanley Harbour at 6.15 p.m., on Wednesday, the 15th. Search was made through the reefs to- the eastward, but no wreckage was seen in that direction. Next day the outer reefs were searched, but nothing was found. At 12.10 p.m. the steamer got within a mile of the wreck of the “ Meg Mcrrilees," but could get no nearer, the reef being covered with high ghibbers. After searching M reef the steamer sailed for Thursday Island, which she reached at 3.35 p.m., on Saturday, the 18th. She brought in from Stanley Harbour some twenty islanders and aboriginals whose boats had been lost. SEARCH BY THE “WARREGO.” The A.U.S.N. Coy.’s steamer “ Warrego," Captain George King in charge, with Captain Graham as pilot, being chartered by the Government to go in search of the missing pearling schooners, left Cooktown for that purpose on Friday, the 10th instant. Mr. Ogilvie (Sub-Collector of Customs at Cooktown), Mr. A. R. Yidgen (brother of H. G. Yidgen of the “Olive"), Mr. Ross Smith (nephew of Mr. Geo. Smith of Thursday Island), and Mr. J. Fowler of the “Cooktown Independent,” were on board. In the afternoon two small cutters were seen anchored between the Lizards and Newt Islands. They proved to be the “Jamaica,” in charge of a West Indian named Douglas Pitt, sen., and “Loafer,” in charge of Charley Lifu. Pitt reported having fallen in with two cutters, the “ Caledonia” and “La France,” manned by nine coloured men. On the way he saw the Channel Rock Light- ship safe. He believes the bodies seen by the “Warrego” on the down trip to have been those from the “ Caledonia ” and “ La France.” He experienced the hurricane while anchored at the Lizards. Losing both his anchors he was blown between two islands, and fortunately made fast to the “Loafer.” He was very anxious about his three sons engaged in the fleets, two of whom were subsequently found to be drowned; the third, Douglas, was saved by swimming ashore near Noble Island. The “Warrego” proceeded and anchored off the Howicks. On the 11th the cutters “ Spray,” “Hackle, and “ Yunyo” were seen anchored off Ingram Island. Mr. Hanson, of the “Spray,” reported that a Japanese cutter had been broken up on the reefs off Stapleton Island; his own cutter was carried right into the mangroves, but after great labour was floated on the following Tuesday. Provisions were and the steamer pro- ceeded. At noon on the same day (11th) the lugger “ Isabel,” of the “ Olive ” fleet, was seen, and Mr. H. G. Yidgen came aboard, being warmly received by his brother and friends, who had been in doubt as to his safety. He reported the loss of the schooners and luggers with their crews, particulars of which are given elsewhere. He also reported that after picking up Captain Porter he had gone ashore on the Bth and found 27 live men. The natives were burying the dead, and boasted of having driven back the bush tribes to keep them from plundering. (It has since been ascertained that this boast was only a boast; there were no bush natives near Cape Melville or Bathurst Bay at the time of the disaster). Up to that time 30 bodies had been buried. He learnt from Captain Porter that young Douglas Pitt, having been wrecked on the Howicks, had swum ashore with two native women, then swimming to Noble Island, and thence to the mainland, a marvellous performance, a distance of 10 miles. The party then walked along the coast to Cape Melville, seeing a number of dead bodies, including those of two- white men. The beach was strewn with dead gulls, birds, snakes and fish. Mr. H. G. Yidgen took his brother aboard the “ Isabel,” returning to the Flinders the day the “Warrego” left. The “Warrego” arrived at the Flinders about 4 p.m., speaking to the steamer “Victory ” on the way. Here Captains Clark, Porter, Thompson, and Jones came aboard with Mr. Bennett, of Thursday Island, and Mr. CAPTAIN W. F. PORTER OF CREST OF THE WAVE. MR. ARTHUR OUTRIDGE (Father of Harod Outridge) IN DIVING DRESS. Geo. Smith. Reports were given, the substance of which is recorded elsewhere. The “ Olive ” came alongside and shipped 166 cases of shell, and the steamer then left for Cooktown, where she arrived about midnight on Sunday, the 12th. There being no further need of her services for searching, the “Warrego” resumed her voyage South. The trips of the “Warrego’’ and “White Star” did not result in any actual rescue work being done in the way of saving life. Both steamers arrived at the scene of the disaster too long after it had occurred, but the greatest credit is due to the authori- ties for promptly despatching the steamers with provisions for relief of the distressed when news of the cyclone came to hand. The most favourable opportunity was lost when the mail steamer failed to send out search parties on the day following the hurri- cane. D Salvage Operations. A few days after receipt of news in Brisbane, Mr. James Clark made arrangements to visit the scene of the disaster, ascer- tain the damage done, and re-organise the pearling fleets. He left Brisbane on March 11th for Cooktown, taking with him Captain James Duncan, who had been in Brisbane on leave from the schooner “Aladdin,” and Mr. Peter Wood, the well-known boat builder. At Cooktown they transhipped to the pearling boat “Gleam,” on the 18th March, and next day arrived at Cape Melville, the centre of the scene of the hurricane, where a most desolate state of affairs was revealed. Under the direction of Mr. Clark parties were organized to bury the dead, and search parties despatched along the coast. Attention was then directed towards the wrecked vessels. Quite a number were in sight, and steps were taken to refloat those which were worth it. The assistance of the s.s. “ Christine Gollan,” which had towed the re- lieving lightship to Channel Rock from Townsville, was secured, and with the diving boat “ Sana,” of the “ Olive ” fleet, the follow- ing boats were raised, and beached at Cape Melville for tempor- ary repairs:—-“Sea Breeze,” “Sybil,” “Nellie,” and “Here’s Luck,” of the “Sagitta” fleet; “ Boomerang,” “Lily,” “Johnny,” and “Enterprise,” of the “Silvery Wave” fleet; and “Vera” and " G.P.” of the “Crest of the Wave” fleet. After having tem- porary repairs effected the boats “Sybil,” “Nellie,” “Boomerang,” and “ Vera ” sailed for Thursday Island to be thoroughly re- paired at the Goode Island Slip belonging to James Clark and Co. The small steamer “ Parua,” which had been chartered to assist in salvage operations, towed the disabled schooner “Crest of the Wave” and four boats to Goode Island, arriving there on Tues- day, 18th April. The boats were overhauled by the carpenters, repaired, and very soon sent out to work again. The salvage operations were under the direction of Captain Steve Clark, and great credit is due to him for the successful results. Much hard work was necessary, and the absence of appliances in the way of gear made the work very difficult—on one day no less than four boats were raised and beached. All were more or less damaged. WRECK OF ZANONI. Boulder Rocks in sight, off Cape Melville. ZEPHYR. On beach at Flinders Island, raised eight weeks after the hurricane. WRECK OF ZANONI AT CAPE MELVILLE. except the “ Sea Breeze,” which was practically uninjured. This boat had been blown out into deep water and had swamped. All her crew being drowned, particulars of her experiences are not obtainable, but her discovery was very, very remarkable. Sailing along one day from Cape Melville to Flinders Island Captain Porter saw about 18 inches of a spar sticking up out of the water. He stopped to investigate, and found the main gaff acting as a buoy for a boat sunk in eight fathoms. The main sail had become detached from the gaff, the peak halliards had unrove, and the throat halliards held. It was a fortunate combination of circumstances, and resulted in the recovery of the “ Sea Breeze ” without having sustained a scratch. About ten boats cannot be accounted for, and these probably shared the same fate as the “Sea Breeze,” but the expanse of water was too great to permit of search being made with any prospect of success. The “Estelle,” belonging to the “ Sagitta ” fleet, sank in deep water; the diver, Seto, being saved, gave an account of his experiences, which are embodied in his statement appearing elsewhere. Eight weeks after the hurricane the “ Zephyr,” a new boat, built by W. Miller, of Breakfast Creek, Brisbane, was re-floated by the “ Olive.” The “ Zephyr ” had sunk in 13 fathoms in Stanley Harbour, and was only found after most dilligent search by Captain Steve Clark. She had foundered quite close to the edge of the reef, and had practically sustained no damage. Raising her proved to be the most difficult of all the salvage operations. She was a hardwood boat, consequently very heavy, and having been so long under water was nearly full of mud. Two divers worked at getting out the diving gear and ballast, but only a portion of the latter was thrown out. Several times the gear broke, and on one occasion, when near the surface, the chain slings carried away, and the boat fell a distance of ten fathomSj striking the bottom with her counter piece, which was carried away. The next attempt was successful, and she was safely floated and beached at Flinders Island. Her masts and spars were riddled with teredo, and the decks were also attacked, but not seriously, her planking and timbers were untouched, being of hardwood. The greatest credit is due to Captain Steve Clark for raising the “Zephyr,” she was- very heavy, was in 13 fathoms, was full of mud, and in an ex- posed position on a lee shore. Had a man possessed of less per- severance and readiness of resource been in charge of the opera- tions, the boat would never have been raised. All the boats re covered close to the shore had their masts carried away just above the decks. From this it would appear that the boats had been rolled over and over along the bottom. Other evidences are visible which tend to. strengthen this belief. The force of the waves must have been tremendous to turn the boats over and over, and it is fortunate that the bottom of the sea was, at that place, composed of mud, otherwise the boats would all have been chafed to pieces. To visit the scene of the disaster some weeks after the cyclone was the painful duty of one of the heaviest losers. Approaching Bathurst Bay from the Northward, Flinders Island and Bathurst Head are passed. On the former, the trees were all stripped of leaves and branches, and were, in many places, torn up by the roots; and to the Southward of Bathurst Head, along the shores of Princess Charlotte Bay, some square miles of mangroves have been destroyed. This is a serious calamity for the natives, the fruit of the mangrove being their principal food. Proceeding towards Cape Melville from seaward the wreck of the “Silvery Wave” is plainly visible, stumps of the two masts are seen, besides the bow and a portion of the bowsprit. A little further in shore, and closer to Boulder Rocks, remains of the “ Ehime,” “ Flora,” and “ Kate ” are visible, and within a hundred yards of the beach at the watering place, is the wreck of the “ Little Bill.” Walking along the shore, South-west from Cape Melville, many evidences are seen of the heavy loss caused by the hurri- cane. First is the wreck of the “ Zanoni." Views are given show- ing the wrecks and the Boulder Rocks where the “Zanoni,” “Zoe,” and others were so completely broken up. A little further along the beach is a piece of a vessel’s combing showing the figures “ 106172. 10.17 tons.” This was the official number and tonnage of the “Zoe,” and much wreckage of this once fine boat is in evidence along the shore. About two miles from the Cape, wreckage is most plentiful, and in some places is a quarter of a mile inland from the seashore. The “ Leopold,” “ Pearl Queen,” “ Pert,” “ Pearl King,” and many others too much broken up to recognise, have found resting places for their remains in this vicinity. Fittings of the schooners, portions of the Lightship, deck houses of the boats, pieces of dingies are scattered all round with here and there spars and masts; but the saddest sight of all GOODE ISLAND, TORRES STRAITS. All the Boats in the Picture were lost in the Hurricane. is the large number of planks placed in the ground indicating the graves where working pearlers had been buried, “ unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown.” GOODE ISLAND, TORRES STRAITS. The view of Goode Island Pearling Station with boats anchored near is a typical picture of a pearling station of by- gone days. The photograph was taken one Christmas Day several years ago, and shows the boats lying idly at anchor, while the crew are ashore enjoying themselves. The station was purchased in 1895 by Mr. James Clark, and was transformed into a boat- repairing establishment. The boats were attached to the “ Silvery Wave ” fleet. What a different scene to that shown in the picture was presented in May of this year. What a desolate, forlorn pic- ture was exhibited when the steamer “Parua” arrived with the dismantled “Crest of the Wave” and several of the recovered boats. Already the “ Sybil,” “ Nellie,” “ Boomerang,” “ Lily ” and “Vera” had sailed up under jury rig, and when the “Crest of the Wave,” “ G.P.,” “Johnny,” “Here’s Luck” and “Enterprise” arrived the scene was saddening in the extreme. The schooner, shown in another illustration, was dismasted, her bulwarks and whaleboats lost. Some of the diving boats had no masts standing, others had one, and all were battered about, bare of paint, and covered with mud. On shore portions of wreckage, broken masts, spars, and dingies were to be seen. They told a pitiful tale. Here, were masts showing signs of being cut; there, were spars with pieces of rope attached to them, unmistakeable evidence that some had endeavoured to lash themselves to the spars. These silent wit- nesses of the disaster would tell a heart-rending tale could they but speak. To view the wreckage was sufficient to carry one’s thoughts to the poor fellows who fought so hard for their lives; how some of our loved ones probably clung to those very spars; how, when in their perilous position, they thought of home and friends; how, when they realized their efforts were of no avail, their thoughts would be “ Thy will be done.” Biographical Sketches. We much regret that more particulars of some of the deceased are unobtainable. We were desirous of publishing full accounts of the lives and careers of all the Europeans lost. Very little, how- ever, is known of some of them, and the friends of others seem averse to supply the information required. ALFRED St. JOHN OUTRIDGE. The subject of this memoir was born at Collingwood, near Nelson, New Zealand, on 24th June (St. John's Day), 1859. His father, the late Richard Pitman Outridge, was well known in commercial circles in Brisbane 38 years ago, having been con- nected with several of the leading mercantile houses; his mother, Mrs. R. P. Outridge, of New Farm, still lives to mourn her additional loss-—■ “ With pensive memories as we journey on, Longing for vanished smiles and voices gone.” He was the sixth son and seventh child of his parents. Two brothers pre-deceased him; George Edward, who died of typhoid fever in Nelson in the year 1876, and Herbert, who died in infancy in 1863. The family removed from New Zealand to Sydney in 1859, and after residing there two years journeyed to Brisbane in 1861. Alfred was educated at the State Schools, and proved an intelli- gent and docile scholar, gaining the goodwill of his teachers. After leaving school he was engaged at different times in several warehouses, until an injury to his hand necessitated about a year’s abstention from work of any kind. He had been suffering from an injured knee, and needing a support, the walking-stick used bruised the palm of his hand, one of the phalanges subsequently decaying and gradually coming away. This caused him great agony; for months he was unable to use his hand, and for a lengthened period he required to have his hand strapped to a board and fixed above his head to keep back the blood. This caused him to remark: “ The Bible says, ‘lf thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee,’ my hand has given me so much pain that if anyone were justified in cutting it off I would be, although that is not what the passage means.” He went to Sugar Loaf, near Stanthorpe, in 1879, working at tin-mining, and also at engine-driving, and residing with his brother, A. H. Outridge. They two had fine times together, frequently hunting the numerous kangaroos, going on shooting and fishing expeditions, and camping out in various places. When the silver mines at Boorook, N.S.W., were opened, he went there, and was engaged at a battery and amalgamating works. He had some hard times, the country being very rough, and food ALFRED ST. JOHN OUTRIDGE. (Sagitta). at times difficult to procure. He used to relate that he and his companions, having complained of the quality of the beef supplied by the one butcher in the place, the latter for a time neglected to serve them. They were too independent to ask him to call, so they lived on rock wallaby and damper for a fortnight. At the end of that time the butcher sent a supply of good meat fearing they were getting their supplies by pack-horse from Stanthorpe. The silver mines being worked out, he paid a short visit to Brisbane, and then left for Cairns in 1882. He was employed there by Mr. L. Severin for years on and off, at times mining at Herberton, and running a cutter up Cairns Inlet. He then went to the Russell River with Mr. Fred. Brown, taking up and working with a number of miners alluvial deposits at the head of this river. This was a matter of no small difficulty, entailing considerable engineering skill, much perseverance, and a good deal of hard work. The ground was worked by hydraulic sluicing, several races having to be cut (one for a length of seven miles) to bring the water on to the claims. A picture of the hut which was his home for six years is given herein, and some idea can be got therefrom of the picturesque surroundings. A picture of the house at Kiandra on the head waters of the Russell River is given, in which Alfred Outridge lived for some years. The site was originally covered with dense scrub, similar to that seen in the background, and the same luxuriant tropical vegetation covers the surrounding mountains. It stands in a central position to most of the gold mines in the district, being but a quarter of a mile from the celebrated Union Hydraulic Sluicing Claim. Some four miles away to the east stand Mounts Bellenden-Ker and Bartle Frere, a large land-slip on the former being plainly seen from an elevated position near the house, while between these same mountains and the house are the famous Mulgrave Falls. Mr. F. G. Brown, of the Russell River, writes :—“ I cannot find words to write what I would like of Alf.; if I wrote for a week I could not express all I feel. Suffice it to say that no man had the respect of a community like Alf. had, both at Cairns, where he lived for some ten years, and at the Russell Goldfields, where he worked for some five years. He was liked by all—no man had a word to say against him, and the expressions of regret at his untimely end were both general and sorrowfully sincere. Where he lived is, and always will be, spoken of as Alf.’s humpy,' no matter who occupies it or what changes take place. “ In his personal relations with me he was a. true mate—one that could always be relied upon, and one that it was an honour to call such. No matter where I was (and during the eighteen years that we were mates we were at times separated) I could always depend on getting assistance by wiring to Alf., and this applies also to others whoi were not SO' well known to him—if he ( were in a position to do- so it went against the grain to refuse to lend a helping hand to those in want. I do not suppose I will ever have another mate, certainly it is an impossibility for me to have such another as Alf. House occupied by Alfred Outridge when mining on Russell River, 1897. “It is not for me to speculate on the future, but of one thing lam certain : If there is a Hereafter, and anybody gains ad- mittance to the Golden Shore, Alf. will be amongst the front- rankers if justice is done; and if by any chance I get there, there is no man I will be better pleased to see than my old mate Alf.” The following is reprinted from an “ Extra ” edition of the Cairns “ Morning Post ” : “Brisbane, March 13th.—Word has been received from Cooktown that 400 coloured men and 11 white men were drowned during the recent hurricane. Eighty-six luggers and five schooners and a lightship also wrecked. “A. Outridge and his nephew were among the white men drowned. [“Let us hope that the news conveyed in this ‘Estra’ may yet prove wrong, and that our widely-respected old friend, Alfred Outridge, is not amongst those who were drowned in this cyclonic disaster. Mr. Alf. Outridge holds a warm place in the affections of all those who know him well. A truer hearted friend no man ever had, and the ‘ Morning Post ’ would sacrifice all its interests at the present moment in order to be able to truthfully report that he is still well, and amongst the living. Mr. Fred Brown and the Russell River miners (all good fellows) with whom Mr. Alf. Outridge has of late years been intimately associated will readily join with us in hoping that our old friend Alf. is still in the land of the living.—Ed. ‘ Morning Post.’ ”] He left the Russell at his brothers’ request to look after their pearling interests in Torres Straits, subsequently being appointed manager of the Sagitta Pearling Coy. His management was eminently successful, both financially and generally. His business acumen was pronounced, his tact in dealing with the coloured men was remarkable, showing firmness without harshness, and geniality without undue familiarity. He was much liked by all who had dealings with him. one friend writing, “ He was the most popular man in the fleets.” Neither the writer nor others of the family can give adequate expression to their appreciation of his many estimable qualities. He was generous, and said his eldest brother, “Alf. is the most liberal of our crowd.” He was kind, affectionate, patient, thoughtful, and unselfish. His thoughtful- ness of and care for his mother was most marked. He would frequently send a cheque with a letter containing some jocular remarks; and shortly after his relatives had perforce given up hope of ever seeing him or his nephew Harold again in this world, his mother received a letter written by him three days before the hurricane, with the remark inside, “ I think it is time you had a new bonnet, so send this” (a cheque), Walla, a South Sea Islander, was the last man now alive, so far as known, to converse with the late Mr. Alfred Outridge and his nephew Harold. He belonged to the “Zoe,” one of the “ Sagitta’s ” boats; and being on the schooner before the storm came on went to Mr. Outridge and wanted to say “ Good-bye.” Mr. Outridge said, “ Why, Walla, what is the matter?” He replied, “You and me shake hands, master, this time, big storm come up. You look that cloud blow across.” (Walla had experienced a hurricane, locally called a willy-willy, in West Australia. He had been for some time with Mr. P. P. Outridge at New Farm, and knew the family well.) They shook hands, and Walla left for his lugger. This was wrecked on Boulder Rock, and Walla, after a fearful knocking about, was rescued by Willie Tanna, his mate, one of those already saved, catching him as he was thrown on the rock by a big wave. When Walla saw Mr. P. P. Outridge in May last, on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thursday Island, he was very much affected, grasping and holding on to his hand for several minutes, weeping bitterly, and expressing in broken accents his grief at the loss of his “good master.” When young, Alfred Outridge was religiously inclined, and although the latter part of his life was spent where “ The sound of the church-going bell These valleys and rocks never heard, Never sighed at the sound of a knell Or smiled when a sabbath appeared ” Yet we know that he never forgot the training of his earlier years; and we have confidence that “ God who knows the thoughts and intents of the heart,” has received him unto Himself. “Let not your hearts be troubled ... in My Father’s house are many mansions . . . Igo to prepare a place for you.” His nearest surviving relatives are ; Mother— Mrs. R. P. Outridge, New Farm. Brothers—- Richard, of Sydney. Arthur H., Nundah. Frederick A., Brisbane. Collingwood J., of Brisbane. Percival P., Brisbane. Sister — Mrs. A. H. Barlow, of Ipswich. HAROLD ARTHUR OUTRIDGE, eldest son of Mr. A. H. Outridge, of Nundah, and grandson of Mrs. R. P. Outridge, of New Farm, and of Mr. W. A. Noble, of Toowoomba, was born on the 25th of April, 1875, at Sugar Loaf, near Stanthorpe. His boyhood was spent in the bracing air and invigorating climate of his birthplace, which no doubt had much to do with his having such a sturdy frame and sound constitution that he never had a serious illness in his life. At the age of 11 he with his parents removed to Nundah, where he resided until he left for the North. He was educated in his father's schools, finish- ing with 18 months at the Brisbane Grammar School, where he invariably received favourable reports. After leaving the Gram- mar School he was a pupil-teacher for some years, but he never cared for the work. He was then apprenticed to Mr. George Watkins, of Brisbane, doing very well here, and gaining the goodwill of his employer and fellow assistants—Mr. Watkins writing : —“ Harold has been with me long enough for me to- esteem him highly.’’ He left at his uncles' request to engage in the pearling industry. His experience as a chemist enabled him to- relieve many sufferers, and even to successfully combat serious diseases. Coloured men when ill speedily give way to despon- dency ; homely medicines then become non-effective because not believed in, but physic from the medicine-chest (which he took up with him) in a proper bottle with directions written thereon as by a regular physician became effective by the hope it en- gendered as well as by the potency of the ingredients. He left Brisbane in the new lugger “Ibis,” on Monday, July 4th, 1898, en route to Thursday Island, having an unpleasant trip until he reached Townsville, as the weather was rough, and all on board were sick but himself. At Townsville his uncle, Mr. P. P. Out- ridge, took charge, and they two, with the assistance of a coloured man, safely navigated the vessel through the dangerous inner passage to Thursday Island. Thence he proceeded to the “ Sagitta,” where he was under the direction of his uncle, Alfred Outridge. He paid several visits to Thursday Island on business, and appreciated the kindness and hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Smith and other friends of that place. He also visited New HAROLD ARTHUR OUTRIDGB. (Sagitta). Guinea with his friend, H. G. Yidgen, of the “ Olive,” and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. For years he had desired to engage in this occupation, and it was only out of deference to the wishes of his parents that he refrained from doing so earlier. Of a retiring, reserved disposition he kept himself in the background as much as possible, and only to his immediate friends and relatives did ne unbend, showing then by his dry humour and caustic wit that he was a keen observer, and could accurately appreciate the motives and distinguish the foibles of those around him. He was affectionate, but not effusive. His letters to his relatives at home breathed a tender regard for their welfare, and a thought- fully expressed gratitude that could only proceed from genuine goodness of heart. In a letter to his father, dated 10th January last, he wrote : —•“ I only hope I may live to repay a part of the anxiety and care I have caused you.” He belonged to the Nundah Wesleyan Sunday School as scholar, and then librarian up to the time of his leaving home, receiving a Bible suitably inscribed from the teachers as a mark of their esteem. He was much averse to anything like ostentation in religion, but those who knew him best have no doubt as to his having a saving knowledge of Our Saviour. Harold has gone! but he has left a fragrant memory behind; and we look forward with joyous expectation to see him again, “ When the seai shall give up its dead,” and when “ We shall never part again.” The Rev. G. Warren Payne, of Roma,, formerly of Nundah, and an intimate friend of his, wrote as follows ; “ Wallumbilla, 15th March, 1899. “ Dear Mr. Outridge,—On my way from Roma this morn- ing I read the account of the disaster to the pearling fleet, pub- lished in yesterday’s “ Courier.” Mrs. Payne and I had both been eagerly watching the news day by day hoping that the schooners at least would have escaped or grounded in such a way as to admit.of saving the crews. I need scarcely say how deep is the sorrow with which we have found our worst fears con- firmed. Will you please accept our united sympathy. Words are of little use at a time like this, save to express something of the fellowship in sorrow that one feels. Still, perhaps, I may be able to help in more ways than one to brighten the shadow that has so suddenly darkened your home life. On the occasion of the last birthday anniversary which came to the one who has gone I wrote a letter to him full of friendly interest and good will, and also spoke once more to him concerning the serious issues depending on the life of to-day for final result. In a letter, which I am afraid has not been retained among my correspond- ence, Harold spoke freely of his religious experiences and convic- tions. What he said in that letter confirmed an impression formed in my own mind previously. He was trying to serve God in his own secret life, and I feel sure had a saving knowledge of the truth. You know, perhaps better than I, his peculiar tem- perament, and how he hated anything like goodi-goodiness. But beneath it all there was something that rarely displayed itself. In one or two conversations with Mrs. Payne and myself, and again in the letter referred to', this hidden side of his thinking came up. I want, therefore, to say to you all, don’t sorrow as those who have at best only a dubious hope. I feel sure in my own heart that God was near the lad in that awful tempest, and that one may safely leave him with the Love that has never failed. May that same everlasting Love be your comfort and strength in the present hour of sorrow. With sincere and earnest sympathy.— “I am, “Yours faithfully, “ (Signed) G. W. Payne." Mr. W. A. Noble, senior, writes ; “ I feel that I should like to contribute a, few thoughts upon the lamentable subject as touching upon the character of one of the lost ones, albeit that one be my grandson —I refer to Harold Outridge. “Needless to say I have known him from his birth, and, therefore, can bear testimony to his sterling worth. I am of opinion that some who were partially acquainted with him did not really know him. When a child he was of a retiring disposi- tion and of few words. It needed some tact to draw him into conversation, and this characteristic followed him through youth and up to young manhood. This caused him to be very much misunderstood, for though not a, great talker, yet he thought much. It was only a few select friends to whom he may be said to have revealed his inner self, and these ever found him to be genial, affable, courteous, and friendly—ever ready to do a kindly act. I have every reason to believe in his heart of hearts he was a deep lover and earnest and sincere follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I have no hesitation in affirming it to be my strong belief, that when so' suddenly called away from all who loved him here, he was ushered into the presence of One who loved him with a perfect love, and whom Harold also loved. There were few who really understood him—his retiring disposition led some to doubt whether he ever decided for Christ, simply because he was not forward in proclaiming himself. My belief is, knowing him as I do, that he could not do> so' in the manner those friends would have had him do- —his sensitive nature prevented him. Yet He who sees deeper into the inner life of his children than we with our imperfect vision could see that Harold’s heart was right, although he could not comply with certain formalities prescribed by some good-meaning Christians. He made few friends, but those few who really understood him valued and loved him. One of the few was with him in the great catastrophe —they lived and loved, and in death were not divided. I allude to Edward Atthow. I have often admired the more than friendly relationship which existed between these two young men—they loved each other, and they love still, for such love cannot die. Here there is pressed home upon me the thought: —Why were these two bright and promising young lives SO' early and so suddenly quenched? Was it that the Master had need of them in the many mansioned home above? Perhaps so, not to be silent adorers of the Great and Holy One only, but to use their activi- ties in the greater life beyond.” — “ For ever with the Lord, Amen, so let it be.” EDWARD CHARLES ATTHOW, eldest son of Charles Atthow, was born in Brisbane in December, 1878. Soon after he removed with his parents to Nudgee. When 14 years old he entered the public service as a pupil teacher at the Nundah State School, but on account of a severe illness he resigned the position. He then entered the office of his father in the fruit and produce business, where he remained till October, 1898. But life on land was not to his taste, his ideal was the sea, his dreams were to make it his home. When a boy most of his time was spent in drawing yachts and ships, and later on model- ling, rigging, and sailing toy boats on the bay and river near his home. When he grew up he, with Harold Outridge (his bosom friend) became part owner of a sailing boat. Most of his holidays were spent on excursions in Moreton Bay. His intention at this time was to ship in a sailing ship on a voyage round the world. His friend Harold having been appointed to a position on the pearling fleet he changed his mind, and applied to Mr. Jas. Clark for a vacancy, which occurred on the “Silvery Wave” fleet. He was appointed, and left Brisbane by the schooner “ Wanetta” on 15th October, 1898, and joined the “Silvery Wave” under Capt. Jefferson, a few weeks after. His friend Harold being on the "Sagitta” they were again together. These two had been com- panions in life, and now they were companions in death. Edward Atthow was by birth a Queenslander, as were many of those who lost their lives in the disaster. Queensland should be proud that her native born sons are not afraid to risk their lives in pushing her industries. Edward Atthow was a member of the Wesleyan Church, Nundah; he attended the Sunday School from his childhood up to the time of his leaving for the North. He and Harold were joint librarians of the Sunday School. EDWARD CHARLES ATTHOW. (Silvery Wave). When writing home he expressed his love for a sea-faring life, and he gained the goodwill and confidence of his captain, and the respect of the other officers with him. To his mother he wrote, “ Tell Millie (his sister), I often read the Bible she gave me.” To his Sunday School chum he wrote, “ Harold and I read our Bible on Sunday, and often think of what you are all doing at the Sunday School.'’ These were among his last letters to home. His vessel was lost on the sth March, and side by side on that day he and his companions passed over to the land that knows neither storm nor night. He had loved the sea, and through it he passed to where there is no night, but one eternal calm. The following is an extract from the “ Methodist Leader ” : “ A loss most keenly felt befell us through the pearling fleet disaster. Messrs. A. H. Outridge and C. Atthow, each lost sons. Promising young men they were. Both had been trained in our Sunday Schools, and at the time they went North, were officers of the Nundah Sunday School. Mr. Edward Atthow decided for God at Nudgeo. Mr. Harold Outridge never came out publicly. He was of a reserved, retiring disposition. But to those who won his confidence, he gave assurance he had entered upon the life and service of God. Many indications are to hand that growth, not decay, characterisea their spiritual life whilst up North. Just at the threshold of manhood, God opened for them a pathway through the waters to the heavenly shore. The Rev. W. Brown conducted an in rnemoriam service at Nundah, on Sunday, March 26th. The church was quite full. The pulpit was tastefully draped in white, and white flowers were in the vases. ‘ The Dead March in Saul’ was played by the organist, Mr. J. A. J. Ferguson. It was a most impressive service and will, we are sure, be productive of lasting good.” EDWARD JEFFERSON son of Reuben Jefferson, now residing in Bradford, England, was born in Hull in 1862. At an early age he decided to go to sea, and appealed to be a born sailor. After serving his apprentice- ship he passed his various mates’ examinations, and at the early age of 21 had passed and obtained his certificates for foreign- going master. In his early teens he served on board various sail- ing ships, and then joined Wilson’s line of steamers as a junior officer. He eventually rose to the position of chief officer, and was employed in this capacity on board the s.s. “ La Plata," trad- ing principally between Hull and the Baltic. In 1887 he left England for the colonies, and obtaining a position with Burns, Philp and Co., of Thursday Island, stayed with that firm till April, 1895, when he joined Mr. James Clark in pearling, and was placed in charge of the schooner “ Silvery Wave ” and fleet, eventually becoming managing partner. In 1897 he visited his parents in England, and was due for another holiday home in July of this year. It was, however, ordained otherwise, for the hurricane, which destroyed, the pearling fleets, ended Edward E Jefferson’s earthly life. As a master mariner he was a general favourite with all under his command, sailors being always eager to engage with him. Jeff, as he was familiarly called by everyone, was deservedly popular with all the residents of Thursday Island. He was gentle, retiring, and unobtrusive, simple in Ins tastes, methodical in his habits, staunch to his friends, and did not possess an enemy. JOHNHENRY NICHOLAS, (Silvery Wave). CAPT. EDWARD JEFFERSON. (Silvery Wave). JOHN HENRY NICHOLAS was the son of Captain H. Nicholas, Government wharfinger of Thursday Island, and the grandson of John Cheyne, of Mary- borough. He was born at Sydney on the 27th of July, 1879. At an early age he removed with his parents to Queensland, living at different times in Brisbane, Maryborough, and Thurs- day Island. He was educated at various State schools, and proved a remarkably apt scholar and obedient pupil. After leaving school he served with Brown, Campbell and Co., P. J. Hoyle, and the Silvery Wave Coy., each giving favourable refer- ences, the following, sent to his father, being a sample . “Silvery Wave Pearling Coy. It may afford you a little consolation to know that I (in fact all of us) had the highest opinion of Jack. He had plenty of ability, was honest and trustworthy in the highest degree, and I am sincerely sorry at his loss, ‘ (Signed) James Clark.” Jack Nicholas was recognised as a very clever and intelligent youth, and gave promise of being very successful in business. Anything he undertook to carry out was done thoroughly. He was remarkably quick in understanding orders from his superior officers, and never failed to carry out instructions promptly and faithfully. His loss is felt most keenly by all those who knew him, and general regret expressed that such a promising career was so suddenly cut off. CAPTAIN MURRAY. The late R. B. Murray was the eldest son of the late Captain Murray, the first examiner of navigation in Queensland. He was 36 years of age, and unmarried. He had great experience on the Queensland coast. His first command was the “ Bannockburn,” barque, at the early age of 21. Latterly he held various positions CAPT. R. B. MURRAY (Sagitta). under the Government, in dredges, etc. He left the ill-fated Channel Rock Lightship to take charge on the “Aladdin’' (Munro, Outridge, and Co.), and then he took charge of the “Sagitta, He leaves a widowed mother, two brothers, and two sisters to mourn their loss. He was an affectionate son and brother, a faithful friend, and a reliable officer. ROBERT CAMERON, aged 23, was born in Scotland, and was the son of Mr. W. Cameron, West End, Brisbane. He was of a roving disposition, and although he tried his best to adapt himself to his father’s trade of a bootmaker, he was unable to do so, and leaving Brisbane took to droving in Western Queensland, and also R. CAMERON. (Sagitta). for a time was mailman. He was a good Christian lad, con nected with the Brethren, a total abstainer, and very musical. He went to Thursday Island in the lugger “ Zephyr,” and failing to get suitable employment was taken on as A.B. by Mr. Alfred. Outridge to assist on the “ Sagitta. WILLIAM POWELL. Captain of the “North Wales,” was a native of Dublin. He was at different times in charge of the vessels, Zodiac, W entworth, “ Mary Ogilvie,” “ Meg Merrilees,” “ Zephyr,” and others; and he has taken various luggers up to Thursday Island. He leaves a widow, a daughter of 16, and a son of 12, who are being assisted by the Shipwreck Relief Society of New South AAales. GTJSTAF OSCAR FUHRMAN was bom at Gothenburg, Sweden, on the sth of March, 1853. Leaving home at the early age of 14 he took to sea life, and. visited many parts of the world, eventually settling in Queensland when 18 years of age. Entering the service of the Government, he joined the Pilot cutter, running between Normanton and Burketown, and subsequently served at Cooktown and Moreton Bay. In 1876 he was sent to Piper Island Lightship, staying there for a considerable time until he went to England. On his return he went into the Island trade, first as mate, and then as master. He married at Brisbane in 1883. He then went to CAPT. FUHRMAN. (Lightship). Sydney, taking several vessels from that port to Thursday Island for the pearling trade. Re-joining the Queensland service, he took charge of Piper Island Lightship for five years, when he was transferred to Proudfoot Shoal, and then to the Channel Rock Lightship as master. It is strange to note that the hurricane occurred on his 46th birthday. He was a good husband, a kind father, a firm friend, and a man of quiet and unassuming manners. He belonged to the Masonic craft, being a member of the Victoria Lodge, No. 1186, E.C. He left behind a widow in very delicate health, two sons, and three daughters—the eldest 14 and the youngest 3. DOUGLASS LEE, Mate of the Channel Rock Lightship, was born on the 14th July, 1868. He came of an old Scotch family on his father's side, and from an English family on his mother’s. He was educated in Edinburgh, ran away to sea when about 14, and worked his way up to be third mate. He then entered the American Navy, and after serving for several years, came to Queensland, entering the water police at Thursday Island. He then became a warder in Townsville Gaol, and afterwards tally-clerk for four years with Burns, Philp and Co. Thence he went into the Pilot service, he and his wife living on Curtis Island until the latter’s health gave way, when they removed to Rockhampton. The last three years of his life he spent in the lightships on the coast of Queens- land. He had the American flag tattooed on the right arm. Captain John Mackay, Harbour Master, Brisbane, speaks very highly of Lee, who must have been, from all accounts, a, superior man. His widow states that in losing her husband she has lost all that made life worth living. DOUGLASS LEE (Lightship). HENRY KARR. (Lightship). HENRY KARR (KASSUER) was about 28 years of age, and was a native of Germany. He was a fireman on one of the Shire boats, but leaving on account of sickness he landed in Townsville in the latter part of 1894. After being in Townsville Hospital for a short time he was employed casually at different work until he joined the Channel Rock Lightship about two and a half years ago. Mr. R. H. Bartlett, of the launch “ Teal,” who supplied this information, further states that Karr was painstaking, industrious, and well liked by all who came in contact with him. He was in constant communication with his parents, who live in Germany, and of whom he thought a great deal. DANIEL CROWLEY. The subject of this memoir had only been a few months on board the ill-fated Channel Rock Lightship when the hurricane of 4th March wrecked the vessel. He had very few acquaintances, and no relatives in the colony. From information obtained from DANIEL CROWLEY. (Lightship). the former, it appears he was an unmarried man, born in Skib- bereen, South of Ireland, and was about 62 years of age. He was a pensioner of the Imperial Navy, and had served his country for twenty-three years, attaining the rank of gunner’s mate on LI.M.S. “Excellent.” He also served on H.M.S. “Wolverine” for five years, in the Queensland Defence Force for six years, and on the “ Merrie England ” for three years. He was of a. peculiar retiring disposition, very temperate and conservative, and seemed to confide in no one. At one time he was known to possess con- siderable means, and at the time of his death had saved a fair sum of money. There appears to be no one to- claim it, for the only relative he had was a brother, formerly resident in Tun- bridge Wells, Kent, England, but whose present address is not known. Sympathy with the Bereaved. When the dire news was known, universal sorrow and sympathy were expressed, cablegrams, telegrams, and letters being received from all parts of Australasia, and even from America and England, indicative thereof. The following appeared in the “Courier ’’ of 18th March : “ The Premier has communicated to us the following tele- gram which he received yesterday from his Excellency the Cover nor, who is now in Tasmania : —■' Please convey my deep sorrow at learning of the disaster in North Queensland, and my sympathy with the sufferers. I have only now heard the news, having been cut off from the telegraph. (Signed) Lamington.’ “ Mr. Dickson requests us at the same time to state that the members of the Government have been profoundly shocked by the appalling calamity to which Lord Lamington so feelingly alludes, and desire to express through our columns their deep sympathy with the sorrowing relatives of those who have been so suddenly cut off in the fulness of health and vigour.” The Honourable Robert Philp, the Treasurer, who was at Townsville at the time of the disaster, and who was very active in ordering search and relief parties to be organised, wired his con- dolences. Captain Almond also, who carried out the Treasurer’s wishes most readily and kindly, giving all the information at his disposal to the sorrowing relatives of the deceased, expressed both orally and by letter his sympathy. Sympathetic references were made and prayers offered up in most of the Queensland churches, and special memorial services were held at Nundah and at Thursday Island. Special prayers were offered up for the sufferers at West- minster Abbey, and many other churches in the Old Land. The following is an extract from the “ Torres Straits Pilot ” : —- “ Memorial services were held in the Quetta Church on Sun- day last, morning and evening, the Rev. C. F. Seymour officiat- ing, the church being filled on each occasion. The interior was neatly and suitably draped and set out with white flowers. In the Roman Catholic Church also special services were held in sympathy with those who had lost their relatives and friends. There was a meeting last Tuesday evening held in the late Japanese Club House, by the Japanese Brethren's Society, to mourn for those who had been lost in the recent tei'rible storm. The purport for holding the meeting was explained by Mr. R. Nakagawa, representing the Japanese Brethren s Society, and prayers were read by the Rev. C. F. Seymour after a portion of scripture had been read by Mr. I. Nakashiba. There were several letters of condolence read by Messrs. R. Nakagawa, I. Abe, T. Sasaki, K. Sakamoto, and I. Nakashiba. In concluding the meeting a brief address, sympathetic and affecting, was delivered by the Rev. C. F. Seymour. It is reported that a monument in memory of those who had been lost in the recent terrible storm will be erected shortly.’’ All of the Colonial newspapers had articles bearing on the subject. The following is reprinted from the Brisbane “ Telegraph," of 11th March, 1899 : “ANOTHER GREAT SORROW.’ “When we read one of Mr. Wragge's literary gymnastic efforts last week in describing the storms in the iNorth, we little supposed that the tropical disturbance was piling up sorrow upon sorrow for Brisbane families and Brisbane owners, besides sending to silence of the deep four hundred coloured men, repre- senting Asiatic and Polynesian races. Those who clamour against the so-called ‘ alien ’ may do well to pause here and consider how vast they would have regarded the disaster if this had swept away four hundred white men. Not only all Queensland, but all Australia, and even all the nation, would have joined in a prolonged wail of sorrow at the awful disaster. The loss of a dozen or so young men, known to us all, and loved by families in. our midst, is bad enough. The loss of 400 such would have- been well nigh unbearable. To the Outridge and Atthow families—widely diffused as they are in cur immediate midst— words of sympathy in their hour of grief will be tendered from all sides, and such consolation as can be, will be offered freely. It is not known if the families of some of the others who were drowned—the sailors on the schooners and the lightkeepers who form the faithful watch on the sea—are in need of help, but immediately such wants are made known the big heart of public sympathy will loosen purses, and aid will flow in. Then, too, our sympathy may be extended to those who are yet in doubt as to the fate of sons and brothers whose names are not yet recorded among the drowned. Hope for the best buoys them up to catch at the belief that they may yet be alive. Such anxiety wears the mind more than actual hopelessness. “Apart from the sorrow and sadness attendant upon such an extensive loss of life, there is the commercial aspect of the disaster. Schooners, luggers, and diving boats have been tossed about like cockle shells by the tempest, crushed to pieces as in the hand of a giant, and cast useless upon the reefs and islands. The loss of these means loss of money, but the paralysis of the pearling trade for many months means even greater loss. Men, who ten days ago were in comfortable, not to say affluent, cir- cumstances, are to-day back at the initial stages, and the toil of years has to be repeated. To them also is our sympathy due. They come, however, of an undaunted race, and true to tradition they will not be dismayed by disaster. The pluck and energy, the intelligence and acumen which have guided them in the past, will stand by them in the future to build up the comforts recently so ruddy snatched from their hands. ’’ The following is reprinted from the Brisbane “Courier" of 10th and 11th March, 1899 : "THE HURRICANE IN THE NORTH." “ Expressions of sorrow in connection with the terrible disaster that has overtaken the pearling industry of this colony are multiplying; and the Governor as well as members of the Ministry have hastened to convey their profound sympathy with relatives of the lost pearlers and with the survivors of the hurri- cane. Sufferers may rest assured that the community has been deeply stirred by the news which has come through so tardilv ; while those who are anxious for further information may be certain that no stone will be left unturned to succour the dis- tressed and otherwise to gauge the full extent of the mischief done." " Last Sunday's hurricane would appear to have inflicted a severe blow on the pearling industry in the North, and our news this morning tends to confirm the sad story of loss and ruin. Comparative immunity from disaster, which had been the lot of pearlers in Torres Straits, had bred a sense of security now proved to be false, and the very success of past years helped to make their fleets a prey for the winds and waves.’’ The following is an extract taken from the “ London Letter of the Brisbane “Telegraph," dated 22nd April. 1899; “ It may afford some little consolation to those of your people who are suffering from the effects of the terrible hurricane on the coast to know that all England sincerely sympathises with them. When the news of the calamity reached us we felt as if a member of the family had been stricken down. At every colonial meeting in London, of course, reference has been made to the untoward event, but at meetings on purely English matters the most hearty sympathy has been expressed for Queensland. The calamity was mentioned by the preacher at Westminster Abbey on Sunday last, and the prayers of the congregation were asked for the sufferers. The blow is a heavy one for a small and young colony, but Queensland has, I hope, the mettle to meet it. Troubles and difficulties have often proved the grit of the British colonist. So may it be with you. In the meantime be assured that you have the warm sympathy of ‘the old folks at home.”’ THE MONUMENT. It was considered desirable that some lasting monument should be erected near the place where our relatives and so many of our friends were resting. With this object in view, and also to obtain, if possible, from the natives and survivors some more definite information, as to the identity of the bodies buried, Mr. P. P. Outridge visited the scene of the disaster three months after the occurrence. The stone procured is of marble with leaded letters to make them more lasting. On 6th June photographs of the original grave of Alfred Outridge were taken by an old friend. A grave had been prepared by the officers and crew of the “Olive’’ about three-quarters of a mile north-east from where the natives nad buried the body, and here the remains were re-interred in a coffin made of timber from the “Sagitta’’ (his old ship), “Silvery Wave, ” Lightship, and “ Zoe.” The coffin was not embellished in any way, but there was a melancholy appropriateness in its construction. The ships and the man had been connected in life, and were now in death as well. No word was spoken at the re- interment, the duty was performed in silence, the hearts of all present were too full for utterance, but although strong men stood around the grave the tense features and quivering lips gave evidence of the efforts to repress the strong emotions that affected Ml there. Next morning the monument was erected and made as stable as possible, a space of about eight feet square being cleared and cemented so that grass could not overrun the sacred spot and possibly injure the stone when burnt. ALFRED OUTRIDGE’S GRAVE. ALFRED OUTRIDGE’S GRAVE. Cross shows where remains were re-interred, and monument erected. Monument erected under the hills at Cape Melville in memory of pearlers lost in the hurricane Views of the monument are given, and it will be noticed that the names of all the white men who were lost appear, except that of Captain Powell. This was an unintentional omission,, which is much regretted by those responsible. Our loss was great, but so was that of the relatives of the others lost, and the community of sorrow was intended to be expressed on the monu- ment. From the view containing the stone a correct idea can be obtained of the locality. The stone is facing north-west, and the hills in the distance are to the south-east. About thirty yards to the left, high bare hills covered with granite boulders rise abruptly to the heig'ht of nearly a thousand feet, forming a monu- ment impossible of imitation by human hands. The grave stone is about half a mile from the beach, and can be easily found, being as before stated, just under the hills, from which a gentle slope extends away to the south. A few yards from the beach a belt of scrub existed before the hurricane. It was quite demolished, but will, no doubt, grow again, in fact the stumps were sprouting again at the time of the visit. The best track to the grave will be found leading from the watering place (a spring under the hills about a mile and a half south-west along the beach from Cape Melville), then through the belt of scrub southerly, then about south-east. A native track passes within a few feet of the grave. The country on the slope from the hills to the flat is covered with long rank grass with an occasional stunted tree, but on the flat, trees of a larger growth exist, as may be seen from the illustration. Particular directions are thus given of the locality so that any who see this account, and who may be in the neighbourhood may readily find the monument and give it any care and atten- tion that may be needed, in the way of removing encroaching grass or gathered debris, that if burnt would damage the stone. We earnestly solicit the kind offices of all friends of sorrow- ing humanity who may be in the neighbourhood to give the stone such care. A report of any such visit sent to the Outridge Printing Co., Queen Street, Brisbane, will be thankfully received, and if any important repairs are necessary we hope that such will be reported without delay. Close view of Memorial Stone at Cape Melville. CONCLUSION. If the foregoing pages bring comfort to the hearts of the bereaved, or prove instructive and interesting to the general reader our object will have been attained. In the hope that this may be so, we conclude, leaving our effort to the kindly considera- tion of the reader. FINIS.