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WRECK OF THE PARSEE.
On Sunday morning last much excitement pre-
vailed in town in consequence of the reported
wreck of the barque Parsee, from Hobart Town to
this Colony, and after some time it was found the
reports were but too true.
Two passengers by that vessel arrived on Sunday
in an open boat, with the information that the
Parsee was wrecked upon the Troubridge Reef, and
that the passengers (60 in number) were safely
landed on a small island adjacent. His Excellency
most promptly ordered the Rapid to the relief of
the sufferers, and that vessel returned on Thursday
with those who desired to leave the spot; some pre-
ferring to remain and endeavour to save a portion
of the cargo. The Rapid brought also the remains
of Mrs. BOUCHER, wife of C. BOUCHER, Esq.,
recently from the Isle of France. Mrs. BOUCHER
had been for some time in ill health, and the
excitement and dangers of shipwreck were too much
for her exhausted frame. She died upon the island
soon after she was landed.
The vessel is jammed in between two rocks, is
nearly full of water, and her masts being cut away
must be a complete wreck; and it is doubtful
whether much of the very general and valuable car-
go on board will be recovered, although the agents
of the vessel (Messrs. TOD) immediately chartered
the Munford to go to her assistance.
As is usual in all similar cases, many and various
reports are in circulation as to the cause of this sad
event, and though we have been favoured with
particulars from those who were on board, yet even
their testimony is of so conflicting a nature that we
do not at present intend to offer further remarks
than to beg that His Excellency will hold a PUBLIC
and SEARCHING investigation into the causes of the
accident. Such a course is due to the Captain and
owners, is due to Mr. BOUCHER, is due to those
who have been thus in a moment ruined in their
earthly prospects, and above all is due to the repu-
tation of our Colony and of the approaches to it.
It is utterly inexplicable how the Parsee should
by any possibility find her way to the Troubridge
Shoal ! The only place in the Gulf where she
could be wrecked, and with fine weather, a moderate
breeze, canvass full, and daylight, she sails actually
upon the reef! 70 miles out of her course ! The
colonists have a right to ask for an enquiry, and
we do hope His Excellency will cause the matter
to be fully investigated; in the meantime we shall
wait with patience, and we fear not the result as far
as the Colony is concerned. Our colonial friends in
Van Diemen's Land need not expect to be able to
clap on another one percent. to their present extor-
tionate rate of FIVE PER CENT. INSURANCE !
THE Bank of Australasia, we are informed, have
taken the new premises on acre 21 North Terrace,
(nearly facing the new Government House,) as a
temporary banking house, and they will commence
busiuess immediately on the arrival of the Manager
and Inspector.
WE are gratified to observe in our columns an ad-
vertisement announcing that the ceremony of lay-
ing the foundation stone of the new Wesleyan
Chapel is to take place next Tuesday afternoon,
and that His Excellency has kindly consented to
perform the ceremony. We trust the fineness of
the day and the goodly company assembled will
render the occasion highly interesting. We have
been favoured with a sight of the design and eleva-
tion of the proposed building, which will be an
ornament to the town, and reflects credit upon the
architect, Mr.KINGSTON. Messrs. EAST & BREEZE
are the builders.
WE have been much gratified by a visit to the ship
Prince George, just arrived from Hamburg with a
large number of German emigrants. This vessel
is in the highest order, and the emigrants have
come out happy and contented, and express them-
selves fully satisfied with their kind treatment—
Great praise is due to the Captain and to Mr
FLAXMAN (the supercargo) for their unremitting
attention to the passengers on the voyage.
IT affords us great pleasure to announce the arri-
val in our harbour of a thorough TEMPERANCE
SHIP. The Bengalee, Capt HAMLIN, sails without
wine, beer, or grog ! and not only does Capt. HAM-
LIN exert his influence, but by his example he con-
tributes to the maintenance of the principle he has
laid down. The ship Bengalee is a credit to all
connected with her ; her hands are strong, healthy,
manly fellows, thorough specimens of British sailors
and they have already discharged more cargo since
their arrival in the Colony than any three vessels
that have yet visited us. We sincerely hope the
temptations which will be held out at the Port to
induce these brave fellows to indulge in excess will
be successfully resisted, and for the credit of the
Colony we hope their own efforts will be seconded
by those who will come in contact with them whilst
in the Port
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