OLD WRFGK RECALLED

Grey River Argus, 11 April 1916, Page 8

OLD WRFGK RECALLED

DEATH OF BENEVENUE'S

CAPTAIN.

The "Ardrossan and Saltscoat "Herald," Scotland, records the death, of Capt. John McGowan, who was in command of the Benvenue which was wrecked at Timarir in 18S2.

The following- is an extract from an obituary notice in the paper named : Captain McGowan took command of the clipper "Benvenue," owned by Messrs. Watson Brothersfi Glasgow, and in this ship made a number of record passages between Scotland and Australia, in the wool trade. This vessel was ultimately wrecked by a great gale and tidal wave in Timaru Uay. New Zealand, in ISB2. The Timaru disaster is one of. the outstanding catastrophes in the annals of shipping. The "Benvenue" and "City of Perth" were anchored in the bay when the storm broke, and the ships were destroyed. "In an atempt to save the crew og the "City of Perth," a life boat with the harbourmaster and six men was lost. Captain McGowan succeeded in bringing all his men ashore in his ship's boats. . . Captain McGowan was a man of wide reading, and was possessed of considerable bathematical ability and inventive genius. Only a few days before he passed away he was discussing the usefulness of an edition of Burn's poems, adapted for American readers. He had always the courage of his-political convictions and never wavered in his belief in Liberalism. The local organisation will sadly miss his cheery optimism and active co-opera-tion. Memories of Captain McGowan will always conjure up a lovable kindly, warm-hearted townsman. He is survived by a widow and two sons. The elder, Captain William McGowan. is at present in command of H.MTA.S. Gilgan, and the younger Captain Archie McGowan, is serving with the iSth Battalion Highland Light Infantry.