NEAR AND FAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2675, 21 July 1913, Page 3

NEAR AND FAR.

ANNIVERSARY OF A TRAGEDY. + Friday last, was the anniversary of a notable tragedy in the history of Otago. On the 4th of July, 1863, the tug, Favorite, proceeding down the bay to Port Chalmers struck the little passenger steamer Pride of the Yarra amidships, and sank her. Thirteen lives were lost. Those who were drowned were the Rev. H. Campbell (who came from Home to take up his duties as rector of the Otago Boys’ High School), Mrs Campbell, their five children, and to servants, and four other persons. The Campbell family had arrived at Port Chalmers on the previous day by the ship Matoaka, and were being brought up to Dunedin by the Pride of the Yarra The collision occured in Blanket Bay, a point just below St Leonards. The time was about half-past six, and the evening was pitch dark. The bodies were recovered and brought to Dunedin, where they were accorded a public funeral. There are people in the City to-day (adds the Star ”) who recall vividly the incidents of that tragedy of 50 years ago. It may be added that the Mataoka, after loading a cargo of wool, sailed for England. She was never heard of again.