Perils of the sea

In the early days of European settlement in the Hibiscus Coast area, transport by land to and from Auckland was very difficult. It was easier to go by water and there were many small commercial and private boats sailing around the coast. Safety was not a huge priority and there were many accidents and drownings.

In November 1870 the Daily Southern Cross reported an accident on board the sailing boat Asp which belonged to Major Stoney of Stoney House at the Wade (now Silverdale). The Asp left Auckland for the Wade with just the Major and a man called Williams on board. Williams had informed the Major that he was a sailor but this was not true and he had in fact been a soldier in one of the Waikato regiments. There was only a light wind when they sailed out of Auckland but by the time they reached the mouth of the Weiti River the breeze had increased to almost gale strength, so that they could not sail straight into the river and the Major had to put the boat about. While he was tacking off Okura Point about 300 metres offshore, Williams (not being a sailor) lost his footing and fell overboard. Major Stoney cut loose his dingy hoping that Williams would catch hold of it and with great difficulty sailed the Asp back and forth looking for the man who had completely disappeared. He was presumed drowned but by an odd coincidence a later edition of the newspaper reported that he had actually swum ashore at Okura.

Not so lucky was a mystery man found drowned near Duck Creek, Stillwater. An inquest was held on September 1, 1871 and this time Major Stoney was foreman of the jury. The badly decomposed body was dressed in moleskin trousers, half boots, a grey striped shirt, dark vest and a jumper made out of a brown blanket. In the pockets were found ₤3 in notes, ₤1 and 10 shillings in gold, nine shillings in silver and a promissory note for ₤60 signed by W. S. Homes payable at “the Bank of New South Wales, Shortland”. The man was buried “in a Christian burial ground” and some of the money was used for funeral expenses. Who was he and how did he drown? Did he fall overboard from a boat somewhere? The jury at the inquest made little headway and returned a verdict of  “found drowned, name unknown”.

Correction: The Lloyd family (mentioned in February 16 issue) still farm at Wainui but not on the land originally bought by Henry Lloyd.

Museum News

In May it will be 100 years since the name Wade changed to Silverdale. To celebrate the museum is holding a photo display and opening the old Silverdale School Audio Visual building (originally the Upper Waiwera School). Any members of families who attended Upper Waiwera School can attend. Does anyone have any memorabilia or photos? Coming Events: May 6: Trip to Devonport Naval Museum & Lake House sculpture exhibition, $20, visitors welcome. Ph 424 8615. Pioneer Village Silverdale – Open Sat & Sun, 10am–3pm