To Darlene and Tony, Re your enquiry about the loss of CAWARRA. Sorry if this has gone through twice by mistake. This iron paddle steamer was wrecked on the Oyster Bank at Newcastle, NSW, on 12 July, 1866 in a terrific storm. Only one person survived from the 60 aboard. The vessel left Sydney on 11 July, bound for Rockhampton, and during that night she was overtaken by a terrible south easterly gale that had her struggling. The captain steamed her on and off the approach to Newcastle for most of the morning before attempting to cross the bar. She appeared to stop and was hit by tremendous waves which possibly extinguished her fires. Helpless, she was driven ashore. Apparently about 14 or 15 other vessels were lost in the same violent weather, and more than 100 people were drowned. Maritime historian Ronald Parsons of South Australia in his book, "Shipping Losses and Casualties concerning Australia and New Zealand" (2003) quotes the "Newcastle Chronicle" of 14.7.1866 regarding CAWARRA. There are probably websites that give more details of this wreck (also of Ronald Parsons and the Australasian Maritime Historical Society) Try the State Records Office, Sydney, for the Marine Board of Enquiry report. Best wishes, Gwen -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.0/63 - Release Date: 8/3/2005