1. William Austin Knowles.[4,25,26,195] Born 1825/1826/[4,22]1828.[195] Died 1910,
Redfern, Waterloo district, Sydney, NSW, Australia.[4] William, of
British nationality, arrived in Sydney, NSW, Australia 17/1/1854 on the
"Florida", which sailed from Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Jakarta,
Indonesia),[22,24] and Liverpool, England, prior to that, under Captain
John New.[24] Seaman, 1854.[22] Possibly
the Captain Knowles who was a cabin passenger on the
Dandenong, which arrived in Sydney 28/11/1870, having departed from
Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[23]
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Captain William Knowles
Family held photograph, c.1880
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In
1881,1882,1883,[20,21,25,26,43,44,45] Captain William Knowles was the
senior ship master with the Hunter River New Steam Navigation
Company,[43,44,45] commanding the steamship "Maitland", the then
flagship of the shipping line.[20,21,43,44,45,51,52]
The
S.S. Maitland first arrived in Sydney Harbour from Glasgow
4/6/1871.[56,57] She was an iron paddle steamer, built 1870,
Glasgow, 240 feet long, weighing 880 tonnes gross and taking a further
550 tonnes in cargo.[54,57] The hull was made of iron plate, and paddle
wheels mounted either side of the hull provided the means of
propulsion.[57] She was placed in service between Sydney and Morpeth
19/7/1871.[57] The typical Hunter River Steam Navigation
Company ship was "yacht-like, clipper-bowed and graceful of
aspect.[57] During her 1871 trials, the Maitland was said to "steer
admirably", and reached a top speed of 14 knots; her steam-engines
could develop an estimated 250 horse-power.[57] Two tubular boilers,
each furnished with six furnaces, kept stokers busy.[57] The first
passage to Newcastle took 5 ˝ hours from Sydney.[57] On the Hunter
River she ran six miles in 25 minutes.[57] Bird's-eye maple fittings
"polished to glossy brightness" and seats "cushioned with horsehair"
were features of the "commodious and handsomely furnished" saloons.[57]
There were 38 berths in the saloon, 14 in the ladies cabin, and 2
staterooms off the saloon.[57] In addition to this, the Maitland
boasted another two staterooms, and accommodation for at least 34
passengers.[57] On 6/5/1898, under the command of Captain Skinner, the
Maitland was shipwrecked near Cape Three Points, Maitland Bay, NSW.[54]
21 lives were lost.[54] "She left Sydney with 63 passengers and crew in
the face of a tremendous gale and was soon battling through enormous
seas which caused considerable damage to her superstructure. The master
and crew were not alarmed as she was considered to be seaworthy and had
battled through many storms during her career. Huge seas hit her just
inside Sydney Heads, smashing her fanlights and extinguishing every
light in the saloon. When well out to sea, she was damaged further,
allowing water to sweep throughout and forcing the captain to jettison
the deck cargo. Further deck cargo of machinery broke loose and stove
holes near the paddle wheels. More water swept aboard, extinguishing
the boiler fires and leaving her helpless. Passengers were
assembled in the saloon, issued with lifebelts and told that the ship
might not remain afloat for very long. She drifted helplessly until
just before dawn. At 5.45am the Maitland swept on to rocks, breaking in
two between the funnels, her fore section being rolled over and over by
the giant waves, drowning most of the steerage passengers in the
forepart of the ship. After several attempts a line was made fast to
the shore, enabling most of the passengers and crew to reach safety
through the icy waves. In 1957, two fishermen recovered her bell which
is now incorporated in a memorial close to what is now known as
Maitland Bay. Fourteen vessels were wrecked along the coast of New
South Wales during that night (5-6 May) in what is now known as the
'Maitland Gale'. The remains lie scattered in shallow water down
to five metres."[54] Essentially the same story is given on the Gosford
Council website, adding "The vessel struck bow first, and then a
second, heavier sea struck and swung the ship around until it was
wedged on the rocks about 60 yards from the headland. Steerage
passengers and the chief officer at the bow end were thrown into the
boiling sea when she parted amidships. After two more deaths, and some
truly heroic actions by crew and passengers, a line to shore was
secured and survivors crawled down it two at a time. Over the next few
weeks, the sea reluctantly gave up its dead. 24 people are believed to
have died in the Maitland disaster."[57] According to a report in the New York Times, the Maitland was commanded by Captain Anderson, six lives were lost and she was wrecked at Broken Bay.[55]
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Paddle-steamer Namoi gathers speed
as she leaves harbour
Image- Wikipedia
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By
1884 & 1885 Captain Knowles was commanding the steamer
"Namoi".[47,50] The Namoi arrived in Sydney 6/4/1884, having sailed
from Granton (Edinburgh, Scotland).[53] It was introduced into
service with the Hunter River New Steam Navigation Company (later known
as the Hunter River Steam Navigation Company) later that year and,
at 1414 tonnes, it was one of the largest iron paddle-wheelers in
service in Australia and was one of the last two paddle steamers
operating in Australian waters, the other being the Australian Steam
Navigation Company's "Newcastle" (a "mere" 1250 tonnes).[48] The Naomi
ended her service in 1926 and was "disposed" (sunk) at sea 16/6/1933,
off the coast of Sydney.[49] At one time the Namoi was considered
the finest paddle-steamer in Australia.[49]
Published 16/4/1881, "Easter Holidays. Special Notice. Hunter River New Steam Navigation Co. Steam to Sydney. The
Steamship Maitland, Capt. Knowles, will leave Newcastle for Sydney
on Wednesday and Saturday Night, at Eleven o clock. Passengers
requiring Reserved or other Berths, please communicate early to
Lochhead & Co, Agents, Newcastle".[21] On
2/3/1882, The Report on the Half-Yearly Meeting, for the 6 months
prior to 31/1/1882, mentions that the "Maitland", under Captain
Knowles, had been laid up for 17 days for ordinary repairs and
docking.[43] Dated 6/3/1882
but published 9/3/1882, "Hunter River New Steam Navigation
Company. Notice to Tradesmen and Others. Mr. William Austin Knowles,
Master of the Steamship Maitland, having
been appointed provedore of the vessel under his command, the Directors
of the Company hereby repeat their former notification, that they will
not be accountable or liable for any debts that may be contracted by
the provedores of any of the Company's steamers, or for any Supplies
that may be furnished for provisioning the crews or passengers of the
said vessels; and also, that they will not be Accountable or Liable for
any Debts that may be contracted without the written signature of their
Manager. By order of the Board. F. J. Thomas, Manager. Offices, foot of
Market-street, Sydney, 6th March, 1882."[20] On
7/3/1882 (published 9/3/1882), "Breaking Down of the Steamer Maitland.
Steamer and Mails at Broken Bay. The S.S. Coonanbara, which arrived on
Tuesday morning, reports the breaking down of the steamer Maitland,
near Broken Bay. We gain from Captain Adams the following particulars
of the mishap: The Maitland and Coonanbara left Sydney at the usual
hour on Monday night (the former carrying the mails), and proceeded all
well with a S.W. wind until about 1.30 a.m. when off the North Head of
Broken Bay the Maitland was noticed to stop, and shortly afterwards a
blue light was burned as a distress signal. Captain Adams at once
turned and went out to her, but owing to a heavy sea, was only able to
get within hailing distance. He learned from Captain Knowles that his
steamer had broken down from some unknown cause. At his request the
Coonanbara lay by until daylight, when she went into the track of the
Cambia and Morpeth bound for Sydney, and by means of blue lights
attracted the Kembla, which was first of the two to put in an
appearance. The Maitland meantime was steadied under canvas, a strong
wind blowing off the land, and apparently in no danger. The Kembla,
having communicated with the disabled steamer, proceeded straight to
Sydney Heads for assistance, whence the steamer Commodore would in all
probability be despatched. Captain Adams again bore down, and having
Captain Knowles' assurance that they were all safe, left the steamer
Morpeth in company and proceeded on to Newcastle. She was left about
seven miles east of the entrance to Broken Bay, with a strong S.W. gale
and very heavy sea running. Between the squalls Barrenjoey Lighthouse
was discernible, and it is probable that she will be towed into the bay
on account of the heavy seas. From a telegram received from Sydney
later on we ascertained that the Maitland was subsequently taken safely
into Broken Bay. The cause of the disaster is stated to be the breaking
of her screw shaft, as all other parts of her hull and machinery are in
excellent working condition, and free from any defect. A later telegram
states that she has since been towed to Sydney."[51] The 1881/1882
Annual Company Report (for the year prior to 31/7/1882) refers to the
"Maitland" having been laid up for almost 4 months for repairs
resulting from an unspecified accident.[44] During this time the
Maitland was refitted, "[the] directors took the opportunity of greatly
improving the passenger accommodation of this favourite steamship, and
she is now in splendid order, and in every way adapted for our large
and increase of trade."[44] The accident to the steamship Maitland had
entailed a considerable financial outlay.[44] On 1/7/1882 Captain
Knowles took the Maitland on a trial trip after repairs: "On Saturday a
trial trip of the Hunter River New Steam Navigation Company's fine
steamer Maitland took place. Several of the directors were on board and
took considerable interest in the trial, which from start to finish was
a complete success. Before giving an outline of Saturday's doings it
may be mentioned that some 14 weeks ago the Maitland, whilst under full
steam, snapped her huge crank shaft and simultaneously smashed the
entablature which sustains the ponderous shaft. It appeared to be the
most complete breakdown we have yet witnessed in these parts, and it
was a matter of doubt with the directors whether its magnitude would
not necessitate the vessel being sent to England. Few suspected that in
the Australian colonies there were mechanical resources capable of
repairing the damage. But Messers Mort and Company, with a prophetic
eye to business, appear to have forged and turned out a monster crank
and shaft a few years ago to demonstrate the productive capabilities of
their engineering business ... [which was placed] in the Maitland
... The improvements effected on the Maitland during the past 14 weeks
almost place her beyond recognition. Externally, and indeed internally
to some degree, she has all the appearance of a brand new boat. In the
first-class passenger accommodation extensive alterations have been
made, and it would require a critical eye to identify the original
saloon as now arranged. There are two entrances from the main deck into
the saloon, and the whole of the space at the sides of the ship,
extending from these entrances to the transóme aft, together with the
space in the centre formerly occupied by the special cabin, have been
fitted up with large and well ventilated state-rooms, having two berths
in each, together with washstands, looking-glass, bottle-rack, &e.
The furniture for all the rooms is of polished cedar, and so arranged
that they may easily be removed with a view to cleanliness. The fronts
of state-rooms are formed of jalousy framing, neatly moulded, grained
bird's-eye maple, and to these rooms, the saloon table aft has been
removed, and handsomely relieved with polished teak pilasters, frieze
gilt cap, and mouldings, all of which are very tastefully arranged. In
addition space fitted up with open berths, arranged so as to form two
comfortable centre seats or lounges, and may be converted into 12
first-class sleeping berths, if required. From the saloon there are two
entrances to stairs, leading to the spar deck and deck staterooms.
Directly above these stairs is fitted in the roof of the deck house, a
very neat octagon skylight, glazed with richly embossed glass. A
representation of the Maitland is embossed in one pane, and that of the
Morpeth in the other, the ends being decorated with the Australian coat
of arms. The after part of the deck house forms a large airy ladies'
cabin. The forward part has been extended and fitted into large
staterooms, similar to those in the saloon. All these rooms, together
with the ladies' and captain's cabin, have been fitted with electric
bells, so arranged that a passenger in any room may, by simply touching
a button, ring a bell in the saloon, and at the same time a number
corresponding to that of the room will show on an indicator fitted
close by, within view of the steward on duty. The Maitland, with these
alterations, will afford ample accommodation for 100 first-class
passengers, and has the further advantage of most of the berths being
in enclosed cabins. The alterations to the passenger accommodation have
been carried out from designs furnished by Messrs. A. L. and G.
M'Credie, architects and consulting engineers, who also superintended
the carrying out of this branch of the work. Under the command of
Captain Knowles, the vessel steamed from Mort's Wharf at 11.15 a.m.,
her machinery working as smoothly as a watch. After going at reduced
speed as far as Port Macquarie, full steam was turned on previous to
approaching Fort Denision, and the measured mile was done in 4 minutes
9 seconds, or equivalent to 14.5 knots an hour. She took a run outside
the Heads for a mile or two, and then returned to the harbour, steaming
slowly about, whilst a few visitors on board enjoyed the hospitality of
the directors in the saloon."[52] On 3/2/1883,
"A very sad case of
drowning. On the arrival of the passenger train from Newcastle on
Thursday morning the sad intelligence reached West Maitland that a man
had fallen overboard from the steamship Maitland, on the passage from
Sydney to Newcastle. From particulars to hand it seems that the name of
the unfortunate man is Mr. J. 0. Mullane, a selector, residing near Wee
Waa. He and his wife, son, and two daughters had been on a visit to the
metropolis and were returning home. Deceased, who was suffering from
sea-sickness, was seen on deck shortly before 1 o'clock on Thursday
morning, and was suddenly missed a few minutes afterwards. It is
believed that the deceased must have been struck by the paddle wheel
when falling. The night was very dark, and the steamer was going at a
speed of twelve knots an hour when the accident occurred. In these
circumstances Captain Knowles deemed it useless to return to search for
the body of the missing man - an opinion that was confirmed by the
passengers on board. The heart-rending cries of the wife and family of
the unfortunate man when the sad news was communicated to them, will
long be remembered by those who were on board."[45] On 13/9/1883, "A communication was read [at the Morpeth Borough Council regarding the navigatable state of the Hunter River around Morpeth]
from the manager of the Hunter River New Steam Navigation Company,
enclosing reports from Captains Knowles, Carter, Royle and Mannigal.
Captain Knowles reported that he had no difficulty in taking the s.s.
Maitland up or down, although there were places where he had to slow at
low water, as much to prevent the vessel running from her helm as from
the shallowness of the water. The Maitland has stirred the mud when
swinging at Morpeth at low water. There was plenty of room in any of
the straight reaches for two vessels to pass with safety. There were
other places in the river, however, where the dredge would be of great
service, especially off the points."[46] |
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Remains of the S.S. Maitland, 9/2007
Photograph © Matt Hendrix (on Panoramio)
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On 7/10/1884, "The Marine
Board today dealt with the case of Captain Knowles, master of the
steamer Naomi, who had been adjudged responsible for the late collision
between the steamers Namoi and Age_oria [name unreadable], by which the
latter sunk off Dawes Point. The board decided to suspend Captain
Knowles certificate for a month."[50] On 20/5/1885, "A collision
occurred in Newcastle Harbour .. between the steamer Namoi, outward
bound for Sydney, and the schooner Grace Lynn, timber laden. Tho
steamer struck the schooner, which sank almost immediately, the crew
hardly having sufficient time to get into the boat. Captain Knowles, of
the Namoi, at once lowered a boat to the assistance of the crew of the
Grace Lynn, who reached the shore safely. The Namoi was uninjured, and
resumed her voyage to Sydney shortly afterwards."[47]
Married
Harriet Jane
Wood,[25,26] 9/4/1855,[4,133,195]
St Andrew's, Scots Church Presbyterian, York Street, Sydney, NSW,
Australia.[4,195] Both previously unmarried, John Dunmore Land the
officiant.[195] Witnesses were Richard Waldron & Elizabeth
Waldron.[195] William was a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Scotland.[195] Harriett, daughter of Charles & Jane, born
1836,
Parramatta, NSW, Australia,[4,133,195] & baptised 1838, St John's,
Parramatta, NSW, Australia.[4] Died
22/9/1905,
19 Marlborough Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW, Australia.[4,133]
Suffered from heart disease & senility for three years prior to
death, cause of death was heart failure.[133] Informant was William
Austin Knowles.[133] Buried 25/9/1905, The Balmain Church of England
Cemetery, Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW, William H. Rafter & George R.
Bilton (her sons-in-law) were the witnesses at the burial.[133] Resided
1864, Waterloo, Sydney,, NSW, Australia.[176] William
resided at the time of his wife's death (22/9/1905) at 126 Walker
Street, Redfern, Sydney (now Waterloo), NSW, Australia (Harriett's
place of death was the Leichhardt Masonic Hall).[133]
Children of William Austin Knowles & Harriet Jane
Woods: |
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