Thomas Hart's name is first found as Chief Officer of the SS Guiding Star in 1862, then as Master of the 150 ton Geelong out of Port Chalmers in 1865, serving "Lyttelton and intermediate ports."
MARRIED
On the 25th November, at Russell street, by. the Rev. D. M. Stuart, Captain Thomas Hart, of steamship Geelong, to Mary Gray, only daughter of Matthew Moffatt, Esq. -Otago Daily Times, 27/11/1866.
THE WEST COAST EXPEDITION.
DUNEDIN TO PRESERVATION INLET.
(by our special reporter.) The steamer Geelong, commanded by Capt. Thomas Hart, and under contract with the Provincial Government of Otago, sailed for the West Coast of the Province on the 5th of December. She was advertised to proceed to Martin's Bay, and to call at various inlets en route. Freely translated, this meant that she was to call at as many of the very many inlets which intersect the coast between Preservation Inlet and Milford Sound as it was possible for her to visit, with a due regard to the quantity of coal she could carry, and to other circumstances which are not yet quite within human control. The voyage was not intended to be a trading one, although it was not destitute of the elements of business. It was only an exploring expedition — an expedition for the exploration of probably the most interesting portion of the whole Colony of New Zealand, and by no means the least considerable, though previously the least considered, part of the Provincial estate. It cannot receive special record as the first voyage of exploration to the West Coast; but there must be a mistake somewhere, if it do not prove to be not only not the last expedition of the kind, but the precursor of many more.
It was at seven o'clock on Thursday evening, December 5th aforesaid, that the passengers intending to proceed by the Geelong left Dunedin jetty for Port Chalmers on board of the Golden Age. It was advertised that "a limited number of passengers" would be taken, and it is a pity, for the sake of those who were not among the number, that that number was not even equal to the limit. The opportunity offered an eligible investment, as well to the incipient poet as to the fullblown business man. Those who were passengers were chiefly official: His Honor the Superintendent (Mr Macandrew), the Secretary for Land and Works (Mr Duncan), a member of the Survey Department (Mr Wright), and the Harbor Master (Captain Thomson), with one of his apprentice-pilots (Mr Liddie). As cabin passengers there were also other six gentlemen, of various tastes, and from different parts of the Province; and passages and provisions were given by the Provincial Government to eight or ten practical miners — all of them apparently, as miners, very good men; but, as it happened, they had not much opportunity of proving their skill. The crew was likewise strengthened and for the general benefit, or for the benefit of any parties who might be met upon the coast, a good stock of stores was put on board. Of these, the most apparent to the senses were ten sheep, two lambkins — lambkins without their associations, for what otherwise could they be, cribbed, cabin'd, and confined on board ship? — and four or five impudent-looking pigs, which strutted, and more particularly fretted, about the fore-deck, as if they were entitled to these especial privileges of saloon passengers. There were other living creatures on board, but not for immediate consumption. These were eight silver-grey rabbits, which were put on board by the Otago Acclimatisation Society, and which, during the voyage, continued the monotonous occupation of munching green-stuff, apparently all unconscious of the pre-eminent position which they occupied as the pilgrim fathers of, no doubt, extensive settlements of their race at Milford Sound and Martin's Bay.
When the Golden Age left the jetty, the weather-signs were not propitious, nor were the weather-wise disposed to prophesy the luxurious weather which, for a time at least, the expedition afterwards enjoyed. For weeks it had blown and rained with a vigor unusual for the vigorous climate of Otago; it looked as murky on this evening as at any time during these many weeks; and there was some amount of chaff, in which it was just possible there might be a grain of truth, to the effect that, until the turn of the day on the 21st of December, there was little probability of improvement. As a set-off to these subdued anticipations, it was at least satisfactory for the party to carry with them to an inhospitable coast some mementoes of the amenities of civilisation. It is not, surely, too contemptible for your correspondent to notice, that as the steamer started, a well-known connoisseur in culture, presented His Honor with a bouquet of flowers. Captain Hart, also, was the recipient of a gratifying indication of the public interest taken in him and his passengers. He received from Mr Colin Allan, Enumerator under the Census Act, copies of the Census schedules, so that whether, on the 19th of December, we might be in the inmost recesses of Dusky Sound, or beach-combing at Martin's Bay, or nearer home, we should not fail to be "numbered among the people," Not inferior in interest was the announcement made by Mr Burke, as we left the Brewery, that a cask of beer for the use of the party would be put on board the steamer, at Port Chalmers. The anecdote of the bass-fiddle exposed to the elements on the box-seat of a coach, and exciting lively interest among its owners, the inside passengers, was no better story than would be, if it were told, the story of our cask of beer. It was, however, a delusion of Captain Hart's, that the contents of a cask are not requisite for navigation, and in this instance, it was only to those who had taken a long spell at the oars in pulling up the West Coast inlets that they were opportunely and economically dispensed. Other and more necessary appliances had to be received at Port Chalmers, and these were shipped under the inspection of Captain Thomson. The Geelong had been fitted with temporary davits, and to these were swung two of the substantial whale-boats belonging to the Harbor Department. Another boat — a dingy, of coble build — was taken on board, the intention being to leave her at Martin's Bay. Coal, in quantify more than sufficient for the Geelong's sailing trim, if not sufficient for the trip she had undertaken, had previously been put on board; and at 10 minutes to 10 p.m. she was underway, and steaming down among the shipping of the Port. "Speed to you, Captain Hart," were the words of the kindly owner of some gruff voice on board of one of the last ships we passed; and doing her best to achieve the speed which this gentleman desiderated, the Geelong, shortly after 11 o'clock, was outside the Heads, steaming southwards, at a moderate offing from Cape Saunders and the Peninsula shore.
It ought to be prefaced that the Geelong, at starting, was very much overladen — not as affected the safety of the vessel, but with regard to the speed she could attain. It was necessary to take a full supply of coal, as, except by calling at Invercargill, which would cause delay, there was no absolute certainty of its being supplemented on the voyage, the Preservation Inlet coalfield being as yet in embryo; I should rather say, strangled at its birth. Thus laden, she could only achieve about two-thirds of her ordinary specd — not more, in fact, than five miles an hour. This involved what the engineer described as "carrying coal to burn coal," but it was a disadvantage which was hourly lessened as the vessel lightened and got into better trim. The wind, also, which was at first disposed to blow somewhat freshly from the southwest, did not materially increase. Towards Friday evening, and when her course became more westerly, it was rather in her favor.
Whether it was that familiarity with the scenery along the eastern sea-bord of Otago made it contemptible in the eyes of some members of the party, or whether they felt in a contemptible condition themselves, it must be recorded that, on Friday, there were some who did not pass much of their time on deck. They were guilty of an equally indifferent appreciation of the attractions of what was, throughout the voyage, a very well-laid table. "Like a worm i' the bud," the concealment of some internal emotion or commotion seemed to feed upon what, rather than spoil the quotation, I may be permitted to call their "damask cheeks." "Sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought," or something else, they were to be found frequently in more grotesque than picturesque positions, and, if on deck, usually by the vessel's side, musing on the Medusae, on cursing their luck that they were not like unto other men. The truthfulness of narrative requires it to be stated that, compared with their personal sensations, the sparkling light of the Medusas — nay, the whole study of marine zoology — were to the majority subjects of very inferior interest I can say this much on unquestionable authority. It was very slight satisfaction for them to know tliat others were realising that high degree of happiness which consists of being "as jolly as sand-boys,'' and were able to sit by the hour, relating, in vigorous Doric, reminiscences of voyages of exploration to Southland and the Waikawa Bush, in the early days, when voyaging had to be undertaken in such sailing craft as the Henrietta, the Endeavor, or the Star.
Familiar as the eastern coast may be, it was not destitute of objects of interest to those who were out in search of the picturesque, or of subjects for reflection for those who had a preference for the practical. As the sun rose, and took his breakfast by "eating up the wind," as our chief officer characterised the gradual reduction in the strength of the breeze, the magnificent valley of the Clutha was visible, with the Nuggets as the marked feature in the fore-ground, and in the dim distance the Tapanui Range. These were the elements of the picturesque. A practical question, which was not then suggested, but which might well be put, is — How long will it be before an equally eligible harbor, the Hollyford, in Martin's Bay, be adequately appreciated, if at this time of day, after twenty years of settlement, Port Molyneux — the port of one of the finest natural avenues of the country — can present, is its coast line landmarks, little more than the Government flagstaff, and — let it be added — the Alexandra Hotel, for it was really an object of prominence more than the population would seem to justify? There was one hopeful sign of industrial progress. Near Coal Point, there was a stout smoke, making its way actively to the clouds — a smoke which we judged to be from Mr Mansford's flaxmill. We were not near enough to hear the hoarse whistle of Captain Murray's steamer, but enough was seen before the end of the voyage, to remind us of it, and to inspire a few with the hope — to be realised, of course, at no specific date, but, it may at least be said, before the end of the nineteenth century — that that whistle will not be the only one to be heard in connection with communication from coast to coast. Another smoke observable among the bush was that of the saw mill at Catlin's river — a river which, six years ago, was as little known as is now the Hollyford, if not considerably less. Byway of parenthesis, I may say that I use the name Hollyford, as applying to the river which flows out of Lake McKerrow, not from any preference, but because it is the name by which it is distinguished on the survey maps of the Province; but why Hollyford, and not Kaduku, which Dr Hector states to be the Maori name, it is difficult to conjecture. In deference to its European discoverer — Mr Alabaster, I think — the stream flowing into the McKerrow Lake might retain the name given to it, doubtfully appropriate as it is, but it is only a part of a whole — a contributor, among other contributors, to the Lake waters, of which the Kaduku is the outflow; and the Native name, it is said, is not only appropriately descriptive, but, unless the vulgar ear is at fault, not especially objectionable in the matter of sound. Of the neighborhood of Catlin's River, one of the features is a peninsula of eccentric outline, and which is so much like an island — more so, of course, than a peninsula usually is — that it has received on the chart, as it apparently deserves, the name of False Islet. Another feature, historical more than topographical, is a real island to the southward. A prominent character in local history, we are told, made this isolated spot his occasional home. He was not a passive recluse, but apparently a very active misanthrope, for his name was Bloody Jack, and, for qualities which the expletive implies, his was a name which lived long in the memories of his race, and of the early European visitors to the coast. It is an island which is also recorded as a favorite landing-place with the Natives when they were more nomadic than they are now, and a locality to which they escaped when the Northern Natives came to do more than Caesar — to see, to conquer, and to eat. A feature of the coast line south of Catlin's is White Point — more a line than a point of stratified rock, white enough certainly, but whether its whiteness is due to the natural color of the same, or to a top-dressing of lichens, it was impossible, at our distance, to ascertain. From the next point south-ward — Long Pomt — the coast trends more to the west; and thence to the Bluff, the steamer had the wind more abeam, which was useful in enabling us to set sail, but which had its usual sequence with the sickliest on the sick-list. There were only two other bits of this coast of which the note-takers among the party had a chance of making memoranda — Chasland's Mistake and Brother's Point. Chasland's Mistake has this little legend attached to it — that Mr Chasland (still living at Stewart's Island) was a coasting pilot, or acting as such, on board the survey vessel Acheron; that, one day, he said that there were seals to be found at this particular part of the coast; that the crew landed and found no seals; and, verily, they called that place Chasland's Mistake. Brothers Point was noticeable to us, because, beyond it, we saw nothing of the shore. A veil of grey cloud dropped down level with the low land, and, as night approached, the only diversion from the monotony of boxing the compass, in short lessons, was to strain the eyes for the loom of the Bluff, or for a passing glimpse of the Dog Island light. I believe Longfellow has said about as much as need be said on the subject of light-houses, and said it well. On board the Geelong, however, we were not without the elements of inspiration on that same subject, more especially as to lighthouses in a purely utilitarian point of view. How deeply suggestive was it to stir one's cup of tea with a spoon engraven "South Australian;" to dissect a chop with knives and forks bearing the name of "Victory!" The moral was inevitable. But we were looking for Dog Island in no poetic spirit, but for a simple practical purpose. A passenger who came to be recognised as the Jonah of the trip had to be landed at the Bluff, otherwise the steamer would have proceeded outside of the Island, and directlythrough the Straits, under circumstances very favorable for reaching Preservation Inlet at mid-day on Saturday. It was dark enough when she slackened speed off the Pilot Station at the Bluff; and it was ebb-tide, with a fresh breeze blowing in — the exciting causes of a considerable "rip." The steamer sounded her whistle at the highest concert pitch, and several rockets were fired; but, although some lights moved on shore, no boat loomed in the distance, nor could we hear the splash of oars. There was not, in fact, at this stage of the tide, any particular inducement for a boat to put off; and the steamer steamed on to land her passenger in the superior shelter of Invercargill Heads. She reached that point — going at half-speed — before daylight, and there he was landed. Poor old gentleman! — we had reason to think more of him after he was gone than when he was with us. In the grey of the morning, and in the innocence of his heart, he put his right foot in a boot belonging to the Secretary for Land and Works, and his left in a boot belonging to another passenger; and in these he went on his way. There cannot be the slightest insinuation as to his intentions, for his own boots were good enough per se, but they were of little value to two men whose feet were remarkable for a discrepancy in size and form, and to whom the question of well-fitting boots was of no small importance in connection with their comfort and success as explorers. Somehow or other, the difficulty was got over, and its innocent author was forgiven.
At a quarter to five o'clock, the anchor was up, and the steamer again on her way westward. It was, perhaps, no disadvantage for those amongst the party who were as yet only regaining their ordinary amount of physical courage and mental lucidity to have a few hours' rest, unaffected by those disturbing influences to stomach and brain which would have been felt in continuing the passage through the Strait. But it was a considerable disadvantage to lose five hours, and those five hours, of a fresh south-easterly breeze and a strong ebb-tide — favorable conditions, under which the passage through the Strait cannot always be performed. Free of the delay, we should have reached Preservation Inlet so much earlier, and have been able to have seen something of its yet uncertain resources, or of the scenery of which it, and the majority of the other inlets on the West Coast, may be said literally to consist. As it was, the loss was not without a gain. The surroundings of the Strait are not unknown, but it was not often that many of us had passed through under circumstances more favorable. For an hour or two, the breeze continued to blow well from the eastward, and, with the glare of the sun subdued by cumulus clouds, we had some pleasant, though distant, glimpses of Stewart's Island scenery to the southward, and of the peculiar variety of hill and lowland, which are the characteristics of the northern shore. The numerous patches of foul ground lying off the coast, between New River and Jacob's River, were made visible by only a slight break on the rocks awash, and by the presence of some quaintlooking peaks in their midst. These dangers are chiefly to the eastward of Centre Island, which island, it may be mentioned, is one of the items of the claims of Mr George Green; and a very nice little property it would make, if it maybe judged only by its outline and natural position. It is not of great height in any part, but it slopes from its summit gently to the north and east: and it is asserted that these islands in Foveaux Straits — Ruapuke, for instance, enjoy a better climate, and a more genial soil, than do some of the contiguous parts of the mainland. This, however, may be a delusion, not dissimilar to that of the good minister of an island parish of the West of Scotland, who besought a blessing on "on the muckle Cumbrae and the little Cumbrae, and the adjacent islands of Great Britain and Ireland." As we passed Centre Island, the Raggedy Ranges of Stewart's Island opened to view — that portion of the island where gold has lately been discovered, and where some diggers are now at work. On our visit to the Bluff, on the return passage, we were assured that the discovery is a substantial one, and though the country is exceedingly inaccessible and rough, there appears to be a disposition on the part of Southland to turn it to profitable account. The reference, by the way, suggests a question — What are the exact relations between Southland and Stewart's Island, and are these relations — pardon the magniloquence — according to the Constitution? This part of Stewart's Island bears, in appearance, a close affinity to portions of the southern shore of Cook Strait, and it is evident that the ridging of the coast is as much the result of the wasting influence of the western waves as of the primitive formation of the land. Before we reached this point, the Solander rose above the hiorizon — at first, a mere finger point, but it soon came to be seen in its true proportions, I was going to say, as the grand solitary sentinel at the western entrance of the Strait; but unfortunately for the convenient use of a good phrase, there is another and a smaller Solander — what Hyperborean islanders call a "calf." The larger rock, geographers tell us, is 1100 ft in height; and a Maori boatman whom we met told us that some of its distinguishing features, not visible to the voyager, are an abundance of grass, a large population of wood-hens, and a lake upon its elevated summit.
We continued steaming towards Windsor Point, keeping a course W. byN., and to say we did so, is to say all that we did, so far as the passengers are concerned, for we were rather distant from the shore to be much interested in its features; and the only objects near us were some huge patches of detached kelp, which rose and fell on the surface water as if instinct with life, and provided with that convenient vertebral construction which the real live sea-serpent is supposed to possess. Past Tewaewae Bay, we were sufficiently near the shore to be more interested, because there was something more to be seen in the thickly wooded slopes, in the deep ravines, and in the snow-capped peaks to the westward of the Waiau. Still we were scarcely near enough to be able to realise very thoroughly the character of the lower land, and that at a greater distance, and of greater height, was only at intervals visible, the clouds, as usual during the day, betaking themselves to the mountain tops, which are consequently most readily seen to perfection in the light of the moon, or by the rays of the morning sun. It was under the first of these conditions that I happened, three years ago, to make acquaintance with some of the grand sights in mountain scenery, on the West Coast; and it must certainly be said, that if to be with "ladye fair," or in abbey ancient, by moonlight alone, be pleasure meet for a child poetic, the feeling with which he would be inspired by Pembroke Peak, or the great Mount Cook, would not lose by comparison. But it was with the practical, more than the picturesque, that we had to do on this occasion, and, as we coasted along, a stretch of flat land, or the indications of a valley, were of more interest than crags or peaks, or "rocks that rise in giddy grandeur." Abreast of the Solander, the steamer made more towards the shore. Although, if anything, colder in its aspect, it intimately resembles, in all essential particulars, the portions of the West Coast in the neighborhood of Hokitika and the Grey; the ranges at one point, where they flank Big River, approaching the sea-bord a little more closely than they do in those parts. Only here and there, on the spurs of the hills, or at intervals on the terraces, are patches of grass, and these apparently not accessible. The rest is the sort of country which will remain undeveloped until population becomes more abundant by immigration, or until a race of woodmen are born and bred in the country, as have been the backwoodsmen of Newfoundland, the Canadas, and the United States; and distant as the day may be, it can scarcely fail to come when such a class will be needed to fill the ship-building yards of this country, or the ships of others, with supplies of the raw material from the extensive forests of the West Coast.
By the time we reached Green Islets, the breeze had freshened from the S.E.; except upon the hill-tops inland, not a cloud, was to be seen; and we looked both upon sea and land, in this usually inhospitable region, in, perhaps, their brightest aspect. It is said in the sailing directions, that there is invariably a heavy surf along this part of the coast, and its character can be well imagined, from the complete scarping which the sea has given to some terraces towards Windsor Point. If anywhere, it may be said that here, "upon the rocky strand, breaks the huge wave which at the Pole began." The verdure, notwithstanding, keeps its ground close to the water's edge, a green stripe skirting the darker scrub, which covers the ridgy and broken ground beyond.
This Windsor Point may be considered the most south-westerly point of the Middle Island, and when we rounded it we estimated ourselves on the West Coast, and that the interest of the expedition had commenced. Puseygur Point, which marks the entrance of the southern arm of Preservation Inlet, being but three miles distant, was soon passed, and from the time of passing it until the completion of the trip northwards, there was a perceptible increase of interest in the objects to be seen, and in the work to be done; and I venture to say that every one connected with the expedition found that, brief as was the time it occupied, it involved considerably more work than play. -Otago Witness, 10/12/1867.
BIRTHS.
On the 19th July, at her residence, Magnetic street, Port Chalmers, the wife of Captain Thomas Hart, of a daughter. -Otago Daily Times, 27/7/1869.
In early 1871 the Harbor Company bought the Beautiful Star and Captain Hart began his next command and a short insertion in a local paper shows a growing family and an address.
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS.
On the 1st May, at her residence, Bernicia street, Port Chalmers, the wife of Captain Thomas Hart, of a daughter. -Otago Daily Times, 9/5/1872.
But a long life at sea was not to be the story of Thomas Hart.
Mourning characterised Port Chalmers today; every vessel and every flagstaff raised its colors half-mast in consequence of the death of Captain Thomas Hart, who, as we previously noticed, met with an accident on board the steamer Beautiful Star in Lyttelton harbor. From the effects of the sad event the esteemed gentleman breathed his last at 12.15 this morning, as the steamer bearing him home was within about five miles of the Heads, she having made a direct run fiom Lyttelton in order to bring him to Dunedin with as much haste as possible. There were many people standing on the pier when she came up between one and two o’clock this morning, amongst them being Mrs Hart. The body was taken to his late residence to-day, and will be buried on Sunday afternoon. We understand that Captain Hart’s will was prepared and signed before leaving Lyttelton, and that his life was insured in the Government Office for L210. We also learn that a subscription has been set on foot in Dunedin, Invercargill, and the Northern Provinces, which is being liberally subscribed to at Lyttelton, over L100 having been collected there in a few hours. Captain Hart has been in the service of the Harbor Company for the last ten years, and has during the time been a favorite with all his acquaintances. He leaves a wife and four children. -Evening Star, 7/8/1874.
SS Beautiful Star. Hocken Library photo.
ACCIDENTS.
The sad intelligence was received here by telegraph from Lyttelton on the evening of the 6th inst. stating that a serious accident had befallen Captain Hart, of the Harbour Company's steamer Beautiful Star. The steamer was employed towing the ship Ballochmyle into the stream, when the lashings of the tow rope broke, and the hawser flying back, struck him. Both legs were broken. A consultation of medical men was held, and it was decided that the right leg would have to be amputated below the knee. The patient bore the operation better than would have been expected, and by eight o'clock had wonderfully rallied, and the heart's action being comparatively strong and increasing it was decided after a serious consultation to send him on to Dunedin in the Star. Dr Smythe volunteered to attend him, and at the outset felt confident of pulling him through. The Star left Lyttelton at midnight, and until noon of Thursday the sufferer bore up remarkably well, slept and dozed, and took what was given him in the way of nourishment and stimulant. Then he turned for the worse, vomiting set in, and when stopped by the application of mustard poultices to the stomach, was succeeded by severe hiccup — a bad symptom. From that time the poor fellow gradually sank. At 8 o'clock he lost consciousness, and at the turn of the night, just as Taiaroa Head light hove in sight, he rendered up his spirit to the God who gave it. Such was the end of Thomas Hart, true man and good seaman. He will long be remembered and lamented. Outward tokens of respect for his memory were displayed by every vessel in port having her flags halfmast high. The deceased gentleman was buried in the South Presbyterian Cemetery, Dunedin, the great length of the cortege showing the universal respect in which he was held. The various Masonic orders joined in the prosession, and all classes of the community were represented, from merchants and other business men to the watermen and humblest citizens. The Revs. Dr Stuart and Mr Johnston (of Port Chalmers) officiated at the grave. Deceased having left a wife and four children poorly circumstanced, subscription lists were started in Dunedin and the Port, and many charitable contributions have been sent in. -Otago Daily Times, 31/8/1874.
MASONIC NOTICE.
THE Members of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 432, are requested to meet at Jetty street on Sunday, 9th instant, at 2 p.m., to follow the remains of our late brother, Captain Thomas Hart, to the place of interment. No regalia — white ties and gloves.
By order R.W. M. H. SMITH, Secretary. Dunedin, 8th August, 1874. -Evening Star, 8/8/1874.
THE LATE CAPTAIN HART.
Daily Times. The steamer Beautiful Star arrived in Port at half-past three o'clock yesterday morning with the sad intelligence of Captain Hart's decease. Her coming had been anxiously looked for by many friends of her popular commander, and in the anticipation that he would survive the passage from Lyttelton, every preparation had been made to at once convey him to his residence on the Peninsula. Mrs Hart, Mr Mills, of the Harbor Company, Dr Drysdale, Captains McCallum, Thomson, Clark, and the Rev Mr Johnston and others, waited up for the steamer; and great was the shock their feelings received when they ascertained that he had departed this life at midnight, an hour or so before the steamer reached the Heads; and not only by them was his death lamented, for Captain Hart had long been associated with this port, and was universally esteemed and liked, and his untimely decease has occasioned the most profound sorrow — a sorrow rendered the more poignant by the distressing circumstances that occasioned his death, and by the fact of his leaving behind him a wife and family of four young children, not too well provided for. The deep regret excited by the loss of such a man is, however, in a measure, tempered by the reflection that he died like a true seaman in the execution of his duty, and when struck down, was influenced more by considerations for the welfare of others than for his own. His anxiety for the safety of his men, expressly the cook of the steamer, led him into the dangerous position where he met with the accident; and we may add that the major cause of that most melancholy event was a desire to promote his owners' interests, and thus he engaged in the risky undertaking, for a passenger and cargo steamer, of towing a 1200 ton ship down Lyttelton harbor — a harbor through which the sea always sends home in a greater or less degree. This was in keeping with the character of the man; for he was ever a zealous prosecutor of his duty, and when duty was in view, rigorously waived all personal consideration. How faithfully that duty was performed is attested by his long career in the Harbor Company's service.
(After giving an account of his death, our contemporary goes on to say): — Moving him to the shore was not to be thought of, and as the unfortunate victim expressed an earnest desire to be taken home whilst the weather appeared likely to hold fine, it was resolved to risk the journey. This decision was come to the more readily, because from the first the doctors had very little hopes of him. But it was thought that, buoyed up by a desire to see his home once more, he might survive until he reached it. Actuated by these considerations, Dr Smythe volunteered to attend him, and at the outset felt confident of pulling him through. The Star left Lyttelton at midnight, and until noon of Thursday the sufferer bore up remarkably well, slept and dozed, and took what was given him in the way of nourishment and stimulant. Then he turned for the worse, vomiting set in, and when stopped by the application of mustard poultices to the stomach, was succeeded by severe hiccuping — a bad symptom, From that time the poor fellow gradually sank. At eight o'clock he lost consciousness, and at the turn of the night, just as Taiaroa Head light hove in sight, he rendered up his spirit to the God who gave it. Such was the end of Thomas Hart, true man and good seaman. He will long be remembered and lamented. Outward tokens of respect for his memory were displayed yesterday, every vessel in port having her flags half-mast high. It is not our province to withdraw the veil of private life, but that his house was one of bitter mourning may be truly inferred. At the earnest request of the widow, the body of her loved husband is to receive the rites of sepulture at Dunedin. It was removed from the steamer to her house shortly before noon yesterday, and will, we understand, be interred on Sunday.
[The funeral, which took place at Dunedin on Sunday the 9th instant, was well attended by a large circle of friends.] -Globe, 13/8/1874.
Entertainments
COLONISTS' HALL, LYTTELTON.
In aid of the
WIDOW AND ORPHAN CHILDREN
Of the late Captain Thomas Hart, s.s. Beautiful Star.
A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT
In Aid of the Funds will take place in the above Hall, on
THURSDAY EVENING, AUG. 20. For particulars see programme.
Tickets — Reserved Seats, 3s; Body of Hall, 2s; Back Seats, One Shilling; may be had of the Members of Committee.
W. PACKARD, Hon. Sec. -Lyttelton Times, 20/8/1874.
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