THE DISASTROUS VOYAGE OF THE THOMAS EDWARDS.

West Coast Times, Issue 944, 1 October 1868, Page 2

THE DISASTROUS VOYAGE OF THE THOMAS EDWARDS.

(From the Aye.")

On Thurndny, at the offices of tlie Southern Insurance Company, Captain Gruzelier was presented with a handsome chronometer Avatch by the underwriters of cargo by his ship. There were present MessrsF. J. Bligh, 11. Henty, John Watson, H. S. Smith, W. K. Thomson, I). Moffat, and other*. In making the presentation, Mr Bligh observed that conduct such as that displayed by Captain Gruzelier was fairly entitled to special recognition. His vessel was on a voyage from Mauritius to Sydney. Shortly after commencing the voyage fever broke out amongst tlie crew, and the working and the navigation of the vessel wa3 thrown upon himself, the mate, an.l two hands, with occasional help such as could be rendered at intervals by some of the men who were unfit for constant duty. In this manuer the voyage was continued until within about 400 miles of Kiug George's Sound, when a gale of great severity was encountered, in which the vesael suffered loss of bowsprit and both topmasts, with foremast sprung. Whilst in this dii-

abled state and helpless condition, the i gale at its height, the wreck hanging over the i ship's side, with only two hands on duty, the ship Dartmouth hove in sight,but was unable to render any assislance beyond recommending the Thomas Edwards to bear up for King George's Sound, which she did by signal. He was accordingly at that moment very much in this position — his ship crippled by loss of masts and sails, a crew disabled by sickness, his own health much impaired, and, in addition lo the entreaties of "his own men, urged by the advice of a brother shipmaster, to make for the nearest port oi refuge. In deciding upon his course, however, he felt that to proceed to King George's Sound would entail very heavy charges and great loss of time, which would be avoided by making for Melbourne instead. The nearer port was distant 400 miles, the further 2,000. By making for the former lie would speedily be relieved from the immediate anxiety^and pressure of his difficulties, but at the expense of the interests committed to his charge ; by making for the latter he had before him a certainty of prolonged hardship, both to himself and those of his hands who were able for duty, but with the knowledge also that he would therebyavert the loss which would be incurred by adopting the easier alternative. It was under these conflicting considerations that he decided upon taking that courne which was to the advantage of the owners of his ship and cargo and their underwriters, and proceeded straight for Melbourne, passing by, as it were, an open door inviting him to enter. In doing bo he had shown a sound judgment, and exhibited a courage for the want of which he would scarcely have been blamed. It is not in any case desirable that acts of mere daring or hazardous venture should be encouraged at the expense of ordinary prudence; but, in the present instance, that winch is deserving of approval is simply the resolute discharge of duty under circumstances which might have juslified another hnt much less satisfactory course.. Thus viewing the case, the underwriting companies with whom his cargo is insured, determined to mark their approval of his conduct by presentiug him with a chronometer watch valued ai sixty guineas, and a further sum of forty pounds for distribution amongst his crew. Mr B'igh accordingly presented him with a watch, and in conclusion, called upon the gentlemen present to drink the health of Captain Gruzelier, wishing him much future success, and trusted that the approval of his conduct on the present occasion would prove an encouragement to other shipmasters to use similar exertions whenever called upon to do so, by which means the distinguishing character of British seamen would continue to be maintained. Captain Grnzeiier,inrerurningthanks said that he had only done his dutj- to the best of his ability. He was glad that what he had done hud met with the approval of those most concerned. He accepted the present of the watch with pride, and would always regard the present occasion with satisfaction. The following is the inscription on the chronometer :—": — " Presented to Richard Q. Gruzelier, marking approval of his conduct as master of the brig Thomas Edwards, under difficult and trying circumstances on a voyage from Mauritius to Melbourne, by the Southern Insurance Company of Melbourne, the Derwenfc andTamar Assurance Company of Tlobart Town, the United Insurance Company of Sydney. Melbourne, ISGB."