MR. R. GRAHAM'S ACCOUNT

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1793, 18 November 1862, Page 3

MR. R. GRAHAM'S ACCOUNT

OF THE WRECK of the LORD WORSLEY. The following narrative of the circumstances attending the wreck of the Lord Worsley have been supplied to the Southern Cross for publication by Mr. Robert Graham, and from which journal we extract it : — " About one o'clock on Monday morning, Ist September, I awoke with the thrilling sound on deck, " Hard a-starboard." Immediately afterwards the unmistakeable shout was given, " All hands on deck." I instantly got on the house poop, it was then blowing hard on shore and raining; the vessel was heading towards the shore, and land was visible a-head, on right and left with heavy breakers all around. Our case looked pitiable, and unmistakeable that the ship was being wrecked, with little prospect of any of us reaching the shore. She touched, still on she went, and settled fast on the rocks perfectly upright. After ascertaining it was high water, believed at daylight we would be able to land, in the meantime the boats were got ready, and everything that could possibly be done for landing in safety. As the tide receded wo felt more secure in our position, and shortly after daylight landed on, a rocky boulder shore. We landed as much of our luggage and provisions as we could. About 300 yards from where we landed, we found a native settlement, which had every appearance of being lately inhabited : soon after, a native came to us, called W. Kingi, and asked us to make use of his houses ; assuring us that we were amongst friendly or Queen's natives, told us our position ; and informed us that betwixt us and the town a number of king or rebel natives lived, and that we might have difficulty in passing through their country. We occupied ourselves, making the best preparation for our stay on shore that we could under the circumstances. In the evening the natives held a runanga'; they all appeared friendly, and anxious to assist at highly remunerating rates. They informed us they had carts, and were willing to take us on to New Plymouth, but must first obtain the consent of tho king's natives to pass through the gate. We could not even send a letter without first obtaining permission. Tuesday, 2nd. — After breakfast, Captain Bowden asked Captain Butler and myself to go on board and survey the wreck ; Captain Hall also went on board along with the chiefs, W. King and Adam Clark, We decided that the vessel waa a total wreck ; and, from the dangerous position in which she was placed, considered it would be little use trying to save anything belonging to her ; Captain Vine Hall, therefore, requested Captain Butler and myself to explain to the natives, that in event of their using their best endeavours to assist us to get to New Plymouth with our luggage, and after the Captain removed sora c of the most valuable articles (which wag explained would not bo much), that the wreck would be left for them. They got some presents, at which they seemed pleased, and then despatched a mps. senger on horseback to the King's Gate, for which they charged £3. After a few hours the messenger returned, saying that news had been sent ! on to New Plymouth, and that the King's natives I would come and let us know whether we would be allowed to pass. About four p.m., a native told me that Heremaia.jpne of the King's magistrates, stated last night at the runanga that the wreck having taken place inside the King's fence, she was therefore the property of the King, and everything she had on board, including the luggage. W. King asked me what the native had said. After I told him, ha appeared very angry, and sent the native away. The night was spent with talk among the natives; and to all appearance, i they were peaceable and friendly. Wednesday, 3rd. — About 7 a.m., Captain Bow-! den started for New Plymouth, in the' ship's small

boat with four men, the breakers were still high ; however he got safe out to sea, and with a fair wind, made a good run to town. When W. Kingi was made aware the Captain had gone, he appeared pleased. I consulted with Captain Hall, about the propriety of all going on board the wreck, which he approved off, but on mentioning this to the natives they objected. A native (" Komine") said you must pay for the use of the houses, and made out an account for £28 10s., we consMeredit most extravagant. Both W. Kingi and Adam Clarke refused to interfere, but said it was right to settle the payment with Komine. Captain Hall agreed that it should be paid when we got to New Plymouth, but that did not satisfy the native at the time, and the idea of going on board was abandoned. About noon a native named Kerei, arrived from New Plymouth. When he got a chance he took Captain Butler and myself down to the flax bushes, and told us he had a letter from town sawn inside his trousers, cautioned us not to tell any one. On opening the letter we found one from his Honor the Superintendent, also one from Mr. Parris. By these letters we saw that everything was being done in town to rescue us from our position, and that we might expect boats sent on to our assistance. The king's natives began to arrive ; they appeared friendly ; some had tomahawks, some had spears, and one had a sword. By this time there would be about 200 natives, running about yelling and crying. One of the king's chiefs gave orders that none of his men should go into the European's houses, to prevent quarrelling or theft ; bo far all well. This was a night of great " korero " amongst the natives.

Thursday, sth. — No boat in sight, we are still kept in suspense. No decision as to our fate. About noon they commenced their talk, one of the king natives said, the ship is mine. A good many talked in a similar way ; at last Eruiti, an intelligent young chief, after a good deal of talk, said the Europeans have not come here of their own accord, they have not come secretly", but have been cast on the shore by the wind and the dark night. We are not at war no,v, had we boon at'war it would have been different ; let the Europeans pass through |the king's gate, upen payment of five shillings each, and ono shilling, for each cart load, and in order to carry out the king's law, the luggage should be examined to see that no fire-arms or ammunition should pass the gate. This speech seemed to be conclusive. Soon after, the search for fire-arms commenced; the native with the sword wag searching officer, and two clerka who wrote down the names of the passengers, the number of boxes, bags, &c, as they were searched. About an hour nm'shod tho work on shore. Mr. Peebles one of the passengers had a gun, which he gave in charge to W. Kingi, wheih he promised to forward on to him on payment of £'-i. All seemed right, the carts were getting ready and we were all delighted with our prospect, but in the midst of our preparations, some natives arrived from the beach with empty kegs. A native said, " these casks had been filled with powder, and destroyed during the night." The king's natives did not wish to detain us, but Wv Kingi said, they must first search the vessel befora we can go. After an hour's talk, it was agreed that they should search the vessel* I went on board with the three natives besides W. Kingi and Arama Karaka. A number of natives wanted to go on board, but at my request they remained on shore according to our agreement, which was that only three natives should go on board ; they first commenced searching the boxes on deck, and on being informed that they belonged to ladies, after seeing two of them opened, they said they were satisfied, they would open no more. They afterwards commenced searching the cabin, and when they came to what is called the money box, they could not open it. Mr. White, the chief officer, assured them there was nothing in it; but not satisfied with that they got a hammer and broke it open , after a great deal of trouble, and found it empty. They then had something to eat, still behaving themselves as well as could be expected, in accordance with the duty they had to perform. They afterwards went forward and commenced searching amongst the coals and discovered a gun and sword, the property of Captain Campbell, one of the passengers. On finding this gun they sung out to the natives on shore what they found, and the shore natives answered by three cheera. This was very annoying to me who was ignorant of fire-arms being on board, having previously told them there were none; they said they would not believe me in future, the natives began to come off from the shore, and when I remonstrated with them, they said our arrangement is broken off. You have broken your word by trying to deceive us, and although you may not have been aware of it, still you cannot expect us to believe all you say in future. It was no use remonstrating. I had patiently to submit. And when they got to the Captain's room, they found a revolver, powder, shot, caps, &c, and when they discovered the iron safe, they asked for the key, and were told that there waa no key on board, the Captain had it, they got a hammer and was going to break it open, when I told them there was no ammunition in it, that it contained papers and money, but it wa3 tapu or held sacred, and that it would bo very wrong to break it "open ; that they would see the contents when the Captain returned. They agreed to this and promised to leafe the sacred box ; and after promising to respect it I wanted to go on shore, but they first wanted to land the ship's signal gun ; they put it in a boat and soon landed it amidst shouts of joy. Their conduct waa more bouneible and overbearing ; they began to be impudent and jocularly insulting. I then went on shore, and mot Ropata nga Rongameato, who had arrived from town. He evidently appeared to take a great interest in us ; he said get to Taranaki as fast as you can, save your lives, never mind the luggage, you can get more luggage ; but one life is worth ' .£50,600 that you cannot purchase. I told him I intended to get away in the morning, and if they refused to lot the luggage go it could not be helped. I felt anxious about our position. This evening about 7 p.m. went round all the Europeans houses i and ordered all the lights out ; went to bed, but in consequence of so much talk close to our heads could not sleep. About 2 a.m. next morning Friday, I heard Arama Karaka outside speaking very excited. I called him into the house and asked what was the matter ; he said his heart was dark, that wo would all be made prisoners in the morning; that we were all going to the whare-here-here. He left to join W. Kingi. I got up .Hid went to the flax were they were sitting. They soon commenced their talk. They first said Why did the Captain destroy the powder ? Why was the gun hidden amongst the coals? Why be deceitful to us? I answered them by saying the Captain was a stranger on board the steamer. He did not know all that was on board, but when he left, he ordered everything of a dangerous nature to be destroyed. Casks of rum were stoved in, and empty kegs were thrown overboard. If a passenger hid. a gun amonst the coals, he only hid tnat which was hisovvn. Thatwasnofaultofmine I knewnothingof it, why punish all of us. Ifonoof yourraonwere to take ablanket, would Ibejustified in calling you a thief also. If this is the way you are going to servo your best friends*. I know not. what will come of you. Do not act like children. If you act foolish now, what will the rest of the world say of you. Your own countrymen will be ashamed of you. Who would not be kind to shipwrecked people. I then left them to talk over matters. At daylight I saw a Porewarewa, a native who appeared to have lo3t his reason. He was very excited. He called me to him, he shook hands and patted me on tho shoulder, and told me to stand still to hoar what he had to say. He was using threatening language, endeavouring to excite the others. He was afterwards made fast and carried away. After breakfast Eureti aid, "We could all go." The bullock drivers sstantly got their carts, and for two hours, ere was a busy scene. Wo got six [carts started, another cart was still to load up with the mail. The natives assemblod and Eructi addressed the crowd. He made a long speech, and finished up by saying the ship and all on board was for Wi Kingi, and that all luggage on shore was for the Europeans, and asked what had I to nay. I stated, that there was. luggage still on board belonging to the passengers. Let all the things belonging to them be forwarded ; let the sacred box remain until the captain came with his key ; you have treated us well so far ; continue to keep a good name. The Governor shall hear of your kindneis to us ; everything will ibe published

in the newspapers. Do not let it be said in your absence that you break your word ; do not let any one say that you take what is not your own, We leave the wreck for you ; we will not return to take it away. The timber will be yours ; the coals will be yours ; and many things on board of great value, If they had asked me for H.M. s.s. 1 Harrier,' I would have given her also. The Europeans then all left except Oapt. Hall and myself. We packed the mail in the cart, and waited to place everything right in the store-house ; the chiefs got presents ; a d I felt satisfied they would carry out their part of the agreement. The store was locked, and we parted the best of friends glad to think it was likely to be the last time I was to see the scene of the wreck. We rode on, and overtook somo of the carts about eight miles on the road. We stopped a few minutes. I then returned to see what was detaining the last cart, and met a native on horseback, whoinforined me that the safe was broken open, the gold landed and in Wi Kingi's house. I offered the native £5, if he would go back and assist me to get and carry the gold, but he refused to return. I then proceeded to Namu. I found W. Kingi, and took [ him up towards the settlement. I said •• What about the gold." He replied that the king's natives took it ; it was they who broke open the safe. E asked where it was, he replied he did not know. I told him it was in his house, and I had obtained my information from one of the King's natives. We went to the house together; on arriving there he said he had not got the key. I gave him an axe and told him to open the door, which he attempted to do but did not use much force ; so I took a spade and pressed it open, and followed him into the house. I saw two parcels of bank notei, two bags and one box gold dust ; and, on examining more closely, perceived a largo box containing gold. I said where is the rest, and he sharply replied that I saw it all. I instantly put all the packages of gold into a sack, and carried it to the fence, got on my horse and asked him to be quick and hand me the sack, which he did. Other natives were then coming up, so I shook hands with them and rode off ; after riding about a mile, I found the gold was troublesome to carry, and dismounnted to tie the mouth of the sack with flax, so as to adjust the burden more conveniently J but when I tried to replace it on the horse's back, the animal became restive, and after three unsuccessful attempts, 1 determined to hide the gold and rejoin my party. I hid the two boxes by the side of a river, and rode on with the two bags ; when I travelled about fiften miles, I came to a pah. Emeti entered into conversation about the gold. He said it was who had broken open the safe. It was agreed that I should return the following day, and if I succeeded in getting the gold into "town on the morrow, I would intercede with the Governor to forgive the native. They appeared to be Borryat what had taken place, and agreed that I should pass on the mono w. In a few hours I overtook Captain Hall, who was pleased with what I had done. I pointed out to him the next morning, by a sketch in the sand, the exact position where I had left the gold, so that it might be recovered if any accident befell me, We all rested at the king's gate for the night. The native Ropata, whom I wished to go back with me, advised m« to wait until all the Eurodeans had gone to town, to which I assented. After breakfast we had to pay toll. The gate-keeper was asking the names of the passengers to as to get his toll. lat once called all hands into a line and asked the gate-keeper to count us, which he did ; he counted 58 including ladies and children. I paid i-14 10a. for passing the gate, and £5 for use of houses, potatoes. &c. There was considerable delay in getting all the bullocks so start with the drays. I wentafterthe bullocks with Mr, Smith and after considerable tjouble got them all. Eruueti also assisted. I then wentafteroneof the bullock drivers and found him in an empty house abont two miles off. I pushed along, and close to Warea met a . naiive on horseback who informed me that there w.as a large number of nativesjat|the next gate, in consequence of a report that 300 soldiers was to have marched yesterday to our assistance, and that we might still have some difficulty at the gate, I pushed along to the gate and found only about thirty natives. It is fortunate for us that no troops marched to our relief, if they had, I believe we wuuld all have been murdertd : as it is will impress upon the minds of the natives the decision of character of Colonel Warre, Cj 13., and for his manly and energetic decision he will gain the confidence of the Europeans and the respect of the natives, which I believe he truly deserves. If ever ho ia brought into action against the natives, which I hope will never be required, he will, I feel confident, regain some of the prestige we have lost in the eyes of the natives during the late war. We had no difficulty in passing the gate ; no toll was charged in consequence of having paid at the first gate. The natives wanted me to pay toll for Colonel Warre, C.8., and Mr. Parris who had come to the gate on Thursday last. They had demanded £5 each, and afterwards agreed to take £1 each. I told them I would hear what they had to say, and let them know next time I would pass. Soon after I met Mr. Parris, who informed me of the admirable arrangement for conveying us into town. I returned and infortnedjthe weary and shipwrecked people of their position. We arrived in town about 10 o'clock p.m. s very tired. I could not sleep that night, puzzling my head about the best way of getting the gold to town. After paying the natives for the hire ot the carts, I agreed with Ropata and Manihera to start about two next morning, but did not got away till three in the afternoon, of . the 7th. Mr. Smith, one of the passengers advised me not to go as he did not consider it would be safe to do so. W e passed the gate before dark ; I paid five shillings toll, and pushed along to Warea, about twenty five miles from town. We stayed two hours at Erueti's place, where his brother joined us. I got a fresh horse, and we went on to Ikaroa, aftrer five minutes talk, we then pushed on to Pungariari. Ropata entered into a long conversation with the natives, and told me to go on. About three miles further on, he overtook me; he said in English, the natives wanted to seeme when I returned, and that they were going to punch me. I asked him the reason, and he replied that they were annoyed the gold had been hidden— they thought it had been taken totown. I said Ropata, why did you tell them ? Did you not promise me that you would not tell any one ? He saw the mistake he had made. 1 searched in the dark at a place where I thought I had hidden the gold, but found I was mistaken. Ropata knew the creek, but not till now did he know where the gold was. We rode on to the next creek. He said I am afraid of your men, send Manihera away, and let the gold remain until I can get some of my trustworthy people. I said no, let us keep togethei'fr help me and I have no fear. He said I am off to the wreck, and asked Erueti's brother to go with him ; before I could say more they rode off. 1 It Was then dark, I gave Manihera my horse to held and searched for the gold. I searched for some time, and after a good deal of trouble found it. 1 carried it to Manihera, and assisted to strap the large box on his back, but he could not ride with it ; I then took the large box and gave him the small one to carry. He said if he had known it was raoney he was to bring, he might have had fifty pounds for the trip. We got to Pungariari, the natives demanded payment; after considerable delay, I got off by paying £1. A few miles further on I met a native with a tomahawk, he said ! that nothing more should be brought baokftpra I the wreck, and that he was going with others to have his share of the spoil: he did not know ihat I had the gold, Manihera advised mo to cover Up the gold with my cloak, so as to prevent the natives from seeing it, and said that in his own tribe, " Satan dwelt in the hearts of some of them, and if they saw it they might take it from me ; when close to Ikoroa, Ropata and Erueti's brother overtook us; we stayed about twenty minutes, paid three shillings toll, and then went on to Warea. I carried the large box all the time, and never allowed Manihera out of my sight longer than I could help. At Warea I changed horses again, and got another native to carry the large box. We pushed along and got to Huirahgi within half an hour of the time agreed upon with-, my friends, who 1 found had just arrived to assist me into town. We reached town about 5 o'clock, having ridden ninety miles in twenty -six hours, i I fell into a river where I picked up the gold, and > rode with wet feet all night, ' -■'■'■ ! p ..-.'■) .: i - .-. . - - •■' ':.''.; - - * September 10th, 1862.