surfresearch.com.au
home catalogue history references appendix

surfresearch.com.au 
newspapers : 1820-1839 

Newspapers : 1820-1839.

Source Documents
Newspapers 
Menu
1840-1859

Introduction.
These extracts have reports of surf related events including swimming or bathing, rescues, drownings, and ship wrecks.
There are also reports of catamarrans, canoes or longboats in the surf zone.

1803 1804


1822 1826 1827 1828 1829
1832 1836 1837 1838 1839

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser
15 May, 1803, page 1.


Yesterday evening arrived the Good Intent, Mr J. Chace, Master, from Bass's Straits, with 2500 skins, great part of which were procured at King's Island.    
From Mr. Chase's report, we are enabled to give the following detail, which contains  a discovery of a dangerous Reef never before noticed, though not very far distant from King's Island.        
"About the latter end of March last we fell in with a Reef of Rocks off the S. E. extremity of King's Island, distance about five     leagues, and bearing S. E. from Thumb and Finger Rock.
It is someway above the sur
face of the water, but scarcely visible, though from S. to N. it runs nearly about ten miles.
"We afterwards overhauled Hunter's Islands, in search of seals, and found those islands, 12 or 13 in number, well peopled      
with natives who bear a strong resemblance, in manners and appearance, to those of this Colony.
They appeared to be much terri
fied at our approach, and having no canoes, swam from one island to another with surprising facility, against a very strong current.
 
Note: Hunter's Island is several kilometers off the north-west coast of Tasmania.

Trove

1803 'Classified Advertising.', The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), 15 May, p. 1, viewed 14 June, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625574

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser
6 February,
1804, page 2.

From Mr. Chace, Master of the John, we learn the following fresh particulars relative to Druce.    
He was set on shore, as we before stated, upon an island in Bass's Straits called Penguin, with three of the companions of his rashness,  
but deprived of his boat, as well for the purpose of securing them as to prevent any hostile atmosphere upon the Sealing Parties there abouts; but a few days after Mr. Chace was surprised at Cape Barren with the appearance of a canoe composed entirely of skins; nor was his surprise lessened when he beheld Druce, and two of his companions, clad in surtouts (sic) of the same fabric advancing towards himself and his party with a musket.
When they had ap
proached as nearly as they thought proper the John's party ordered them to surrender themselves, but this not choosing to do, they uttered many threats, and retreated to the brush, whither being pursued one was secured, whose name we have not learnt, but who was put on board the Good Intent to be brought up.
This man informed them that they had left
Penguin in the skin canoe the day before; but that the vehicle proved incapable of carrying more than three, wherefore one of their party had remained on that island, having at parting received every consolation they were capable under their wretched circumstances to bestow, and he in his lonely and doleful plight could be susceptible of—Druce attempting ineffectually to chear him up with the hopes of his speedy return to the island with a better boat.   

Trove
1804 'SYDNEY.', The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), 26 February, p. 2, viewed 14 June, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626056

Champion
London, January 27, 1822, page 11.

THE LOSS OF THE LADY LUSHINGTON, INDIAMAN
Calcutta, August 27-
The following melancholy details of the Lady Lushington were received from one of the surviving sufferers, and we submit it
nearly in his own language:

"We sailed from Madras on the 5th, and having four passengers to land at Coringa, saw the light-house at midnight on the 7th:
tacked about in hope of landing the four passengers above mentioned in the morning, but owing to the strong current we were
considerably to leeward of the said port by daylight.
We endeavoured two days and a night to regain the windward, but finding we only lost ground, cast anchor on the northward of

Coringa.
The surf ran very high for two days so we could have no communication with shore, so we tried to weigh anchor and drop down
to Penticolla, but all endeavours were ineffectual when the cable parted and night had come on.
The Captain gave orders to stand out to sea until twelve o'clock at and then tack into the land; the chief mate took the command of the deck at and thinking we had sailed so far from the land that we could not possibly reach it before day-break; the ship tacked- a breeze having sprung we were alarmed by the ship striking slightly on the sand about four o'clock in the morning.
Nothing can paint the distressing scene; the high land was just visible and every wave driving over the ship added to our horrible
situation.
In half an hour every mast was over the ship's side (to leeward); the ship drifted into a tremendous surf, every boat was staved in
the attempt to lower them, and the land half a mile on our lee, we had nothing to trust to but the waves, and to place our confidence in the Almighty.
The scene of horror and distress then became indescribable.
The cries of the females and children were heart-rendering.
It was said that the bottom had parted from the upper works.
Every person was naked, and up to the middle in water, and the distress was increasing every moment.
Three spars of wood were got over the side, on which six persons, including myself, providentially reached the shore; but we were so much exhausted; that had not the natives come to our assistance, the return of the surf would have carried us out again; we found on the shore a sailor who had been washed over-board, to whom the safety of so many lives is owing: he fortunately spoke the language and succeeded in getting four catamarans from the shore to the assistance of the sufferers, a large boat was got off, but could get no nearer than one hundred yards, and with difficulty was kept above water.
At eleven the ship parted across the centre, and all the crew and passengers were obliged to get on the masts to have the ship as
a breakwater, from which many were washed away being so fatigued as not to hold on.
The catamarans kept at work until two o'clock, when the wind increased so that they could not get near the wreck, and had
afterwards to desist, finding it impossible to be of further use.
A Frenchman, his wife and two daughters, with two of the crew, were seen on the wreck: at four o'clock the stern parted; on which the French Lady with her eldest daughter reached shore; the father with the other daughter perished, as did the two sailors, one of whom was seen at dark sticking to the remains of the bows, which were held by the anchors.
The shore for six miles was strewed with the ship and cargo.
The number lost was 22, amongst we regret to were Capt. Hampton, 7th Madras Native Infanty, Ensign Wright, Mr. Wilson, formerly purser in the country service, Mr. Rosseau and his daughter, and Mr. Lester, second officer of the Lady Lushington.
The ship started in two at 11 a. m. and before evening scarce a vestige of her was visible.
Mrs. Rousseau, who was was on the stern, and her unfortunate husband was on the stem of the ship, when she parted.Major
Weatherall and his lady are likewise and Mr. Carpenter only son of Colonel
The situation of the survivors is said to have been truly deplorable; all were nearly without clothes.
The Commander is acquitted of all blame.

- Indian Gazette

Note: The Lady Lushington was lost on 11 August 1821

Champion (1814–1822), edited by John Scott. London, January 27, 1822, page 11.
http://newspaperarchive.com/champion

Connecticut Courier
Bridgeport, Wednesday, 14 August 1822, Volume 9 Number 429, page

Times
Harfort,
Connecticut 3 September 1822, page

Identified by Joe Tabler in April 2016.
Two examples of the numerous reprints of Bingham's account from The Missionary Herald, August 1822 Volume XVIII, page 242
It was later expanded in his book, A Residence Of Twenty-one Years In The Sandwich Islands, published in 1847.
S
ee 1821 Hiram Bingham : Surfriding on Kaua'i.

Connecticut Courier
Bridgeport, Wednesday, 18 September 1822,
Volume 9 Number 434, page

Notes on the Sandwich Islands Number VII
Both sexes are surprisingly dexterous in swimming, and so exceedingly fond of water as very frequently to continue in it from morning till night.
One method they have to amuse themselves is called ha-a-nah-roo, swimming with the surf on surf-boards.
These surf-boards are from 6 to 18 or 20 feet in length and from 10 to 20 or 24 inches in width and from two thirds of the way forward, back a little slanted, the fore end rounded, the hind one square ; the sides somewhat oval, and the edges rounded.
They are made of very light wood and neatly polished.
With these boards the natives run an the
highest and most terrific surf for many rods with the most astonishing swiftness, steering the board in what direction they please with their hands and feet.
Great numbers may be seen when the surf is augmented to its greatest height is passing and re passing each other with the swiftness of a blrd flying in the air and being as very expert in managing their boards, it is very seldom any one is injured ; though there has been instances where the body has been cut in two in the middle, and where arms have been cut off by the sharp edge of the surf-board, the persons being unable to get out of its way, or
those on the board were not able to keep it in its proper direction.
Setting out from the shore, they dive under several of the first wares letting them roll over them, rising successively beyond each wave till they have arrived sufficiently far out into the sea.
Having arrived at the smooth water they recline themselves upon their board, watching a favorable opportunity, they place themselves on the top of the largest surge, and giving their board a small inclination and at the same time using both hands as paddles, they are carried or driven along before the wave with rapidity towards the shore.
And having arrived near the shore, they make a short tern/turn (?), dive under the surf still keeping hold of the board with one hand, then arise at the top of the water and return again to sea.
Should they be separated from their board it would chance to be thrown against the rocks and dashed to pieces, or should they, through miscalculation, approach too near the rocks with which the shore is lined, if they did not in an instant leave the board and dive under the water they would be driven against them and destroyed.
The unparalleled courage and address with which they perform these manoeuvres are
truly astonishing.
They will often dive to the bottom where the water is ten or fifteen fathoms deep and bring up things of several pounds weight.
In this manner they dive and obtain several kinds of shell, and other fish, and even the shark does not always elude the grasp of these expert divers, but are sometimes taken by a rope with a slip-knot put over the tail!


Identified by Joe Tabler in April 2016.
Connecticut Courier

Bridgeport, Wednesday, 18 August 1822, page


The Australian
Sydney, Thursday 23 February 1826, page 4.

On Tuesday afternoon the 7th instant, a man named  Butler was drowned at Newcastle.
He had gone, out to bathe, and having ventured into the surf, was swept away, notwithstanding every effort was made to save him.

Trove
1826 'No title.', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 23 February, p. 3, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37074596


The Australian
Sydney, Wednesday 1 October 1828, page 4.

SOCIETY IN INDIA

The first glimpse of Madras had a striking effect as we anchored in the roads amongst a grove of masts belonging to ships of every country in the world, from the British man of war to the Chinese junk.
The white arid airy architecture of the row of public buildings along the beach ; the villas, called garden-houses, scattered over Choutry-plain and the terrific surf curling his monstrous waves, and lifting up as if to the clouds the singular, and apparently frail barks, that were floating over it ; the catamarans navigated by a single native, and scarcely larger than a common foot-tub, but laughing to scorn the billowy, fury of the surf; — the whole was a novel and interesting scene, and its effect was nearly magical.

Trove
1828 'SOCIETY IN INDIA.', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 1 October, p. 4, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36864881


The Hobart Town Courier
Friday 14 December 1832, page 2.

A life boat, on a new plan, suggested by Capt. Atkinson, the Master Attendant, had been built at the Marine yard of Madras, and after several trials it was found completely to answer all the purposes in view.
A boat of that kind has long been wanted at that port ; many Captains have been obliged to witness their ships going to sea when no communication with them could be held from the shore.
In no part of the known world does the surf run so high as in the road of Madras.
Hence the difficulty of landing, which is at all times a dangerous operation, and often wholly impracticable.

Trove
1832 'TRADE AND SHIPPING.', The Hobart Town Courier (Tas. : 1827 - 1839), 14 December, p. 2, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4195185


Sydney Morning Herald
19 December 1836, page 25.

ILLAWARRA STOCKADE.
To the Editor of the Sydney Herald

SIR, - This morning while the Stockade prisoners were bathing, one unfortunate man perished in the surf; it is lamentable that a fellow being should be launched into eternity caused by neglect.
To permit men (some of them unable to swim) to bathe when the surf is running so very violent as when the unfortunate man was lost, particually as there are plenty of safe places within the harbour, and to risk lives on that open beach is extremely wrong.
Why not permit them the privilege of bathing at either of the beautiful new bathing-houses lately errected by them? - of course by the directions of their Superintendent and authority of Government for so doing.
While on the subject of the Illawarra Stockade, I beg to remark that several complaints are daily made of many of the men working for private friends, and making little conveniences at the Stockade, quite contrary to what they should be doing for the public.
You may also see their guard loitering about this Township in a shocking state in the noon day.
This generally occurs when their superiors ramble for a few days in the remote parts of this district.
By inserting the above facts you will much oblige

A SUBSCRIBER.
Wollongong,
Saturday, December 10, 1836.

Trove
1836 'ILLAWARRA STOCKADE.', The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), 19 December, p. 2 Supplement: Supplement to the Sydney Herald, viewed 15 May, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12855649


The Colonist
Sydney, Wednesday 14 March 1838, page 4.

CATAMARAN-MEN.

VESSELS approaching the-shore at Madras in the East Indies, often find a great difficulty in going into port or landing their cargoes, and passengers, inconsequence of the shallows and the raiging surf which prevail on the coast.
To assist in these purposes, and to act in some measure as life-preservers, there are a number of adventurous natives, who for hire sail through the surf upon things called catamarans, and are exceedingly useful in their perilous profession.
Captain Hall thus describes this class of men, and their fagile machines:-
"These primitive little life-preservers, the catamarans, which are a sort of satellites attending upon the passage-boat at Madras, consists of two or-three logs of light wood fastened together; and are capable of supporting several persons.
In general, however, there is but one man upon each, though on many there are two.
Although the professed purpose of these rafts is pick up the passengers of such boats as may be unfortunate enough to get upset in the surf; new comers from Europe are by no means comforted in their alarm on passing through the foam, to be assured that, in the possible event of their boat  being capsized, the catamaran men may probablysucceed in picking them up befored the sharks can find time to nip off their legs!
It is very interesting to watch the progress of those: honest catamaran-fellows, who, live al imost entirely in the surf, and who, independently of their chief purpose of attending the masullah boats, are much employed as messengers to the ships, in the roads,: even in the worst weather.
Strange as it may seem, they contrive, in all seasons, to carry off letters quite dry, though, in getting across the surf; they may be overwhelmed a dozen times.
I remember one day being sent with a note for tihe commandinig officer of the flag-ship, which Sir Samuel Hood was very desirous should be sent on board ; but as the weather was too, tempestuous to allow even a masullah boat to pass the surf, I was obliged to give it to a catamaran man.
The poor fellow drew off his head a small skull-cup made apparently of some kind of skin, or oil-cloth, or bladder, and haviing deposited his dispatches therein, proceeded to execute his task.
We really thought, at first, that our messenger must have been drowned even in crossing the innerbar, for we well nigh lost sight of him in the hissing yeast of the waves in which he and his catamaran appeared only at invervals; tossing about like a cork in a pot of'boiling water.
But by far the most difficult part of his task remained after hehad reached the comparatively smooth space betweenr the two lines of surf, where we could observe him paddling to and fro as if in search of an opening in the moving wall of water raging between him and the roadstead.
In fact, he was watching for a favourable moment, when after the dashing of some high wave, he might hope to make good his transit in safety.
After allowing a great many seas to break before he attempted to cross the outer bar, at length seized the proper moment, and, turning his little bark to seaward, paddled out as fast as he could.
Just as the gallant fellow, however, reached the shallowest part of the bar, and we fancied him safely across, a huge wave, which had risen with unusual quickness, elevated its foaming crest, right before. him, curling upwards many feet higher than his shoulders.
In a moment he cast away his paddle, and leaping on his feet, he stood erect on his catamaran, watching with a bold front the advancing bank of water.
He kept his position, quite undaunted, till the steep face of the breaker came within a couple of yardsof him, and then leaping head foremost, he pierced the wave in a horizontial direction, with the agility and confidence of a dolphin.
We had scarcely lostsight of his feet, as he shot through the heart of the wave, when such a dash took place as must have crushed him to pieces had he stuck by his catamaran, which was whisked instantly afterwards by a kind of somerset, completely out of the water, by its rebounding off the sand-bank.
On casting oureyes beyond the surf, we felt much relieved by seeing our ship wrecked friiend merrily dancing on the waves at the back of the surf, leaping in all directions, first  for his paddle, and then for his catamaran.
Having recovered his oar, he next swam, as he best could, through the broken surf, to his raft, mounted it like a hero, and once more addressed himself to his task.
By this time, as the current always runs fast along the shore, he had drifted several hundred yards northward farther from his point.
At the second attempt to penetrate the surf, he seemed to have made a small misdalculation, for the sea broke so very nearly over him, before he had time to quit his catamaran and dive into still water, that we thought he must certainly have been drowned.
Not a wit, however, did he appear to have suffered, for we soon saw him again swimming to his rude vessel.
Many times in succession was he thus washed off and sent whirling towards the beach, and as often obliged to dive head foremost through the waves.
But at last, after very nearly an hour of incessant struggling, and the loss of more than a mile of distance, he succeeded, for the first time, in reaching the back of the surf, without having parted company either with his paddle or with his catamaran.
After this it became all plain sailing; he soon paddled off to the Roads, and placed the admiral's letter in the first lieutenant's hands as dry as if it had been borne in a dispatch-box across the court-yard of the Admiralty, in the careful custody of my worthy friend Mr. Nutland.
I remember, one day, when on board the Minden, receiving a note from the shore by a catamaran-lad, whom I told to wait for an answer.
Upon this he asked for a rope, with which, as soon as it was given him, he made his little vessel fast, and lay down to sleep in the full blaze of a July sun.
One of his arms and one of his feet hung into the water, though a dozen sharks had been seen cruising round the ship.
A tacit contract, indeed, appears to exist between the sharks and these people, for I never saw, nor can I remember ever having heard of any injury done by one to the other.
By the time my answer was written, the sun had dried, up the spray on the poor fellow's body, leaving such a coating of salt, that he looked as if he had been dusted with flour.
A few fanamns- a small copper coin was all his charge, and three or four broken biscuits in addition, sent him away the happiest of mortals."

Trove
1838 'CATAMARAN-MEN.', The Colonist (Sydney, NSW : 1835 - 1840), 14 March, p. 4, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31720586


The Sydney Herald
Friday 7 June 1839, page 3.

Hints to Persons who may be whelmed in a Surf.-
We have been told by a gentleman who conversed with Mr. Thompson, that, after the sinking of the boat in which he and some others attempted to escape from the wreck of the Pennsylvania, he was driven by the surge against the sands, and was in danger of being so maimed as to defeat his attempt of swimming to land.
Preserving his presence of mind, he, being a good swimmer, turned, and faced the waves, rising with them, and being by them driven onwards, without being, every moment as it were, driven, us he had been when he backed the waves, against the sands, over which the surf broke with fearful violence.
Liverpool Albion.

Trove
1839 'EXTRACTS.', The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), 7 June, p. 3, viewed 15 May, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12855351


Source Documents
Newspapers 
Menu
1840-1859

Return to Surfer Bio menu
surfresearch.com.au
home catalogue history references appendix

Geoff Cater (2010-2016) : Newspapers : 1820-1839.
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/1820_Newspapers.html