WRECK OF TASMANIA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18529, 16 October 1934, Page 6

WRECK OF TASMANIA

RECALLED BY MR. ROTHSCHILD

The wreck of the Huddart, Parker Company’s intercolonial steamer Tasmania on July 29, 1897, htf been recalled by Mr. I. J. Rothschild, head of the well-known Wellington firm of Messrs. I. J. Rothschild and Company, Limited, wholesale jewellers. Mr. and Mi’s. Rothschild celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday. Bom in Bristol, England, Mr. Rothschild clearly remembers the British troops leaving for the Crimea. He came to New Zealand first as a young man 68 year| ago and took part in the gold rush-tJL the West Coast. Returning to the Dominion again in 1878 he founded the wholesale jewellery business which lie lias .conducted ever since. One of the most memorable experiences in his life, he stated, occurred in. connection with the wreck of the Tasmania when en route from Auckland to Wellington, via Gisborne. Mr. Rothschild states the steamer struck a rock near Table Cape, Mahia Peninsula, about 11.15 p.m., and after the lapse of about an hour the passengers md crew were ordered into the shin’s boats. Excellent order was kept. Tbe \essel remained on an even keel until ] a.m. As the Tasmania showed signs of sinking, the order wgs given to sheer gff. After pulling away a short distance, ‘hey saw the ship sink stern foremost. Mr. Rothschild was in the boat which was in charge of the chief officer. Tbe boat reached the shore after a long pull f about, nine hours, three miles from Mr. Ormond’s station and they remained there for two days. They were conveyed by steamer to Napier, and thence proceeded to Wellington. Mr. Rothschild had a valuable stock of \ jewellery on tbe Tasmania, and as his baggage went down with the ship, he suffered a severe loss, am2*iting to many thousands of pounds, ml attempts to recover the treasure failed. Facing tfie world without capital, but with undaunted courage, ho won success again in his business.