Merchant Seame 1845-1851: No. of 149640 Register Ticket Robinson Duckering born at Boston in the County of Lincoln 24 day of May 1833. Age when ticketed 12. Height 4 ft 6in Hair brown, complexion dark, eyes hazel, marks none first went to sea asa boy in the year 1844. Can write yes. When unemployed resides at Spalding, issues Boston on 22 day of Aug 1845.

The IGI for Australasia (Society of Genealogists) records R. Duckering at NSW Sydney on the 11th November 1854, Mariner, taken from the shipping records. (Michael 10.5.97) Believed to be Robinson.

Passenger List. Port Embarkation Melbourne, Mr R Duckering, age 24, single. Port at which passengers have contracted to land, Adelaide. 26th June 1858.

1859 Robinson survived this ship wrecking off the coast of Australia 5th August 1859. Found on the internet 15th April 2003.
Wreck of SS Admella
by Graham Jaunay 1996
The SS Admella so named for her circuit [Adelaide, Melbourne, Launceston] under the command of Captain Hugh McEwan) left Port Adelaide early on Friday, 5 August 1859, on her usual run to Melbourne with eighty-one passengers and a crew of twenty-eight. Her cargo consisted of ninety-three tons of copper, flour for the Victorian goldfields, general merchandise and seven horses, including four racehorses. Of the passengers, nineteen were women and fifteen children. Three more passengers and one fireman were taken on at Semaphore, making the total complement one hundred and thirteen. The owners of three of the racehorses, Messrs. George and Hurtle Fisher, sons of the President of the South Australian Legislative Council, were among the passengers.
At about 1 pm, when abreast of Cape Willoughby light on Kangaroo Island, the heavy ocean swell threw the racehorse, Jupiter, onto his back in his box. While he was being put back on his feet Captain McEwan ordered the ship's bows turned out to sea into the swell and her speed reduced for about an hour. Then shereturned to her normal course, steaming parallel to the shore, but further out to sea. By midnight she had covered a furtherseventy-five miles and although the weather was foggy, her master expected she would make Cape Northumberland before daylight. All believed the Admella to be many miles off-shore,but a few minutes before 5 am she struck a sunken reef with an almost imperceptible bump and the following swell lifted her afurther twenty or thirty feet on to the rocks, impelling herwith such force that she lay on the summit of the ridge, keeling over with her starboard side high out of the water.
Engines were immediately stopped and for a few seconds the only sound was the crashing of breakers on the rocks. Orders were given to clear the boats, but within fifteen minutes the Admella had broken into three sections. First, the funnel crashed down on to one of the lifeboats as the steamer heeled further over,until her beams gave way under the strain. Over the portion of the reef where the midship and fore section lay there was a greater depth of water than where the aft section rested on thereef. Finally, the ship snapped apart at the bulk-heads,bringing down the rigging, chains and blocks and sweeping several passengers and crew into the sea. The first victims were George Fisher and Dr. Vaux, of Adelaide, also G. Holbrook, who was on his way to England. Perhaps they were the lucky ones. At the same time all the horses were pitched overboard. Almost all the women and children were on the bow section while more than forty clung to the poop, held reasonably steady by the cargo of copper in the hold. A few rockets were discovered and fired in the hope of attracting the attention of light-keepers at Cape Northumberland, fifteen miles away, but they were damp and failed to ignite correctly.
Daylight revealed a deserted coast line about a mile away, and plans were being formulated for an attempt to reach shore when a steamer was seen in the distance. Signals were hurriedly erected on the remaining mast and rigging, the ship's bell rung, but the vessel, Admella's sister ship Havilah, passed without seeing them.
Webb, the man in charge of some of the horses, was seen soon after floating on part of a horse box and trying to paddle with his hands, and then another man named Purdon swam off to a piece of timber hoping to get ashore from it. After floating about half a mile away from the wreck the current took them both out to sea. Next, one of the ship's boats was seen floating keel up close to the wreck and a young Danish seaman named Holm volunteered to swim to it with a line attached to his waist. He reached the boat but the line parted and he spent almost the whole day attempting to avoid being swept out to sea, only to be finally washed off and drowned.
All now realised that their only hope lay in someone reaching the shore and bringing help. The second mate volunteered to swim ashore, but he too disappeared in the raging seas around the reef.
No water could be found in either part of the wreck and there was no food on the fore section. In the poop a piece of ham was located, but all were afraid it would further increase their thirst. However, a small bag of almonds was discovered and doled out. During the first night on the wreck another ship, SSBombay, passed so close that the steady beat of her engines could be heard, but of course there were no rockets, blue lights or lamps to attract attention, and the frantic cries and signals went unnoticed in the dark.
Cold, and drenched with spray, there was further consultation as to who would make the attempt to reach the shore on a raft. Five of the passengers offered 100 pounds each if they were saved, so a decision was made to build a raft next morning. Survivors on the fore section crossed to the poop during the morning when a rope was finally fastened after many anxious moments. Fifteen men made the crossing, although three men and two children were lost.
No women attempted to cross. They remained with their children and a few of the men also stayed. Their deaths came within a few hours when the forepart broke up. Sailors set to, making a raft, the only tool available being a meat chopper. The mizzen boom was cut in two and a portion of the main boom was chopped off.These they lashed together and, with a rope fastened to it. They launched the raft overboard with John Leach and Robert Knapmanin charge. Captain McEwan told them that if they reached the shore they were to proceed to the Cape Northumberland lighthouse.
For three hours in the afternoon the seamen battled with the breakers as they steered their raft towards the shore. It finally grounded, and in order to save themselves from being carried out again they dived into the sea and dug their hands into the sand, holding on as each succeeding breaker carried them further forward, until they gained the sandy beach. After recovering their strength they signalled to their companions on the wreck, then set out for the lighthouse, struggling all night through swamps and over sandhills. At last they reached the lighthouse and told Head keeper, B. Germein of the disaster.
Wasting no time, Germein set out for the nearest post office at Mount Gambier on a horse to report the wreck to Adelaide and Melbourne, but he was thrown, and so Peter Black, a local station owner, completed the ride to Mount Gambier.
Within a few hours word of the wreck had spread like wildfire and men and women began converging on the beach opposite the wreck where they found the body of one of the horses and piles of wreckage, including a damaged lifeboat. Three other horses were grazing nearby.
There was no life boat closer than Portland in Victoria, almost two hundred miles away, but Germein arranged for a small boat at the lighthouse to be sent overland by dray. By the time it arrived the damaged ship's lifeboat had been hauled ashore and repaired, although rough seas threatened to delay rescue attempts for at least another day.
By now the sea had gutted all cabins and any places of refuge or shelter, forcing the survivors to climb into the rigging or cling to the side of the hull and steeply angled deck. Meanwhile two fishermen from Robe, and SS Corio from Adelaide had reached the wreck, but both were powerless in the heavy seas.
Early on Thursday the 11th, Germein attempted to launch his boat, but it too was swamped. Captain Quinn, on the Corio, approached close to the wreck and finally decided to launch the pilot boat which she carried. Manned by seven men, it battled the seas for almost an hour before being forced to land on the beach.
The fifty-odd survivors left on the Admella set about building yet another raft only to see it also drift away. To add to their miseries those still capable of following the rescue operations saw both boats launched from the beach, then capsized and swamped in the surf.
The SS Corio, running short of coal, decided to return to Robebut as she left SS Lady Bird appeared over the horizon from Portland, towing the lifeboat and whale boat, while SS Ant also arrived from Robe.
At about 9 am on Friday the lifeboat left the steamer and pulled in to the wreck, approaching from the western or weather side. When only a short distance away two rockets with life lines attached were fired and several attempts to throw a line over the wreck were made, but all failed. Soon after, several huge seas swept over the lifeboat destroying six of the oars and breaking the rudder, but during a lull the exhausted crew succeeded in escaping and returning to the Lady Bird.
Captain Fawthrop, captain of the boat, immediately ordered the oars replaced and the boat readied for a second attempt, but found the seas too high and dangerous. Next morning calmer seas enabled Germein in his boat, and the pilot boat, to approach the wreck and fasten a line. One enormous wave took Germein's boat right over the wrecked ship's boiler, but he returned inside it on the crest of the next huge wave. Three of the survivors, Captain McEwan, Thomas Davey and Andrew Fuller managed to haul themselves into Germein's boat and they were then taken aboard the pilot boat and put ashore. In the surf it capsized, but allon board were rescued. Meanwhile, Germein had rescued another survivor using the Admella's lifeboat, but this man was drowned when the life boat was also capsized in the surf. The Portland lifeboat and whaleboat, supported by a boat from the Ant had now returned and anchored near where they had been the previous day.The bow man in the lifeboat heaved a line over the wreck andafter it was fastened eighteen men and one woman were rescued, making the total a mere twenty-four out of the original one hundred and thirteen.
The Lady Bird was boarded at about 10 am, and after exchanging signals with those on shore she returned to Portland.
At the end of a week's waiting, interest in the wreck had reached fever pitch; and telegraph offices through out the colonies were crowded, while newspapers printed extra editions only to see them sold out immediately they were released.
A surge of relief swept the country when it was known that the handful of survivors were safe and recovering quickly. For a few weeks crews who had participated in the rescue were treated as heroes, especially Captain Greig and the crew of the Lady Bird. When things had quietened down the committees appointed in Melbourne, Adelaide and Portland to handle relief money spent their funds on monetary awards, medals, the publishing of a book dealing with the wreck and a donation to the Sailors' Home.
In Adelaide the committee used its money for monetary awards while those in Portland used the funds to pay accounts for lodging and for clothing the survivors; also doctors' bills and other sundries associated with their care once they were landed at Portland. The medals were eventually presented by the Governor at a function in the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 25 June, 1860.
A Commission appointed to inquire into the loss of the Admella decided the principal cause was a strong inshore current, adding that the Bombay was probably fortunate not to suffer a similar fate. More efficient means of inserting watertight bulkheads were needed as they had contributed to the premature destruction of the vessel and heavy loss of life. Captain McEwan was cleared of any blame but was criticised for not taking regular soundings when uncertain of his position.
And what became of the remains of the Admella? Late in August goods salvaged or washed ashore were auctioned on the beach opposite the wreck and a week later her remains and the cargo brought œ850. Subsequent salvage attempts were not a total success as the ship, in breaking up, had made recovery of the valuable copper difficult and the ocean was seldom very calm.
In 1860 the remains were sold again to R Anderson, of Mount Gambier, and H Chant, who then set about recovering more material. Before disposing of the remains Anderson used some materials recovered to build a cottage at Port MacDonnell. Gradually the wreck almost drifted from memory until 1957 when skindivers recovered copper, and after forming a syndicate, raised more than 250 tons of the metal.
The Admella has left us many interesting relics. For years metal plates from the ship were used to re-inforce and secure crumbling walls in the Robe gaol. The maritime museum at Port MacDonnell has a restored signal cannon from her, many items from the ship, pieces of cargo, and an excellent display of photographs. Local residents could direct visitors to the cottage built by Anderson using wreckage from the ship. At Cape Banks a cairn commemorates the wreck, and at Cape Northumberland near the site of the early lighthouse is a memorial commemorating the deeds of head light keeper Germein who played a prominent role in the rescue. Of course we must not forget the famous lifeboat used by Fawthrop and his gallant crew, still on display at Portland. A small collection of relicts can also be found at the Maritime Museum Port Adelaide.
And yet, even today, some questions remain unanswered, not least of what became of the supposed treasure carried by passenger James Wittaker, who lost his life. Passengers and Crew of the Ship Admella
From the book, Mossman, Samuel (1859); Narrative of the shipwreck of the Admella, intercolonial steamer, on the southern coast of Australia/drawn up from authentic statements furnished by the rescuers and survivors. Printed and published for the Committee of the Admella Fund by J. H. Moulines and Co. Melbourne. Appendix A (pp. 103-104).
Twentyfour individuals - 11 passengers and 13 crew members survived.
Crew that survived
‹ Hugh McEwen, master
‹ James Hutcheson, first mate
‹ GB McNair, purser
‹ George Hills, fore cabin steward
‹ George Ward, cabin boy
‹ John McDermott, second cook
‹ David Peters, fireman
‹ Robert Wright, trimmer
‹ Robinson Duckering, lamp trimmer
‹ Charles Locke, able seaman
‹ John Welch, able seaman
‹ Robert Knapman, able seaman
‹ John Leach, able seaman
Passengers that survived
Cabin
‹ Miss Ledwith, Adelaide
‹ Benjamin Rockfort, Adelaide
‹ Hurtle Fisher, Adelaide
‹ James Miller, Victoria
Fore-cabin
‹ Thomas O'Halloran
‹ Thomas Richarson
‹ Patrick Carrick
‹ Michael Forrester
‹ Hugh McInnes
‹ Andrew, servant to Mr Rochfort
‹ James Webb
Seventy seven people perished - 64 passengers and 13 crew
Crew that perished
‹ Miss Clendinning, stewardess
‹ Margaret Meagher, fore cabin stewardess
‹ Soren Holm, able seaman
‹ J Johnson, second mate
‹ James Hare, cabin steward
‹ Simon Munro, first engineer
‹ Walter Brown, second engineer
‹ J Orr, first cook
‹ Two assistant stewards
‹ Three seamen
Passengers that perished
Cabin
‹ James Magarey, Geelong
‹ - Holbrook, Adelaide
‹ Dr Vaux, Ship Norfolk
‹ - Whittaker, Adelaide [James]
‹ George Fisher, Adelaide
‹ Miss Nugent, Adelaide
‹ - Harris, master mariner, Adelaide
Fore-cabin
‹ Mrs Goode
‹ Patrick Lennan
‹ Mrs Lennan
‹ John Watson
‹ Mrs Watson and two children
‹ Mrs Ramsay
‹ Fernando Bade
‹ George Watkins
‹ Hester Watkins
‹ Charlotte Short and four children
‹ Benjamin Baker
‹ Mrs Coxell and child
‹ John Battrick
‹ Mrs Bowie
‹ Mrs Keith and four children
‹ Edwin Chambers
‹ George Forrester
‹ Mrs Forrester
‹ Eliza Paul
‹ John Tregeagle
‹ Patrick Arthur
‹ J Carmichael
‹ James Davidson
‹ J Davis
‹ Wilhelm Alfred French
‹ Mrs Gold
‹ Henry Grosse
‹ Edward Haynes
‹ Wilhelm Hermann
‹ Edwin Jackson
‹ Mrs Kerwin and three children
‹ Richard King
‹ Thomas Mensforth
‹ Mr Murray
‹ Mrs Murray
‹ John O'Brien
‹ William Rosewell
‹ William Taylor
‹ Walter Underwood, a youth
‹ Mrs Weatherall
‹ Mr Williamson
‹ Mr Wood
The Admella disaster experienced the greatest loss of life inthe history of European settlement in South Australia.

1859. 1859. WRECK OF THE STEAMER ADMELLA.
In a former issue, we mentioned the circumstance of the Adelaide steamer Admella having been wrecked in the vicinity of Cape Northumberland on the morning of the Bth instant, while on her passage to Melbourne. The following particulars of the disaster are copied from Victorian journals since brought to hand:-
“The first intelligenceof the wreck having occurred was conveyed to the keeper of the lighthouse on Cape Northumberland by two of the seamen, who fortunately got ashore on a small raft which they had constructed from pieces of the ship's boards. One of these men states that the vessel struck about five o'clock on a reef, and broke immediately amidships; her after part remaining high above the water and her fore-part sank. When the vessel struck she was out of her course, having been put before the wind while one of the racehorses on board was shifted, and having been again put on her course without allowance being made for leeway. The weather was foggy at the time. The boats were washed adrift, and the quarterboat was lost through the carelessness of a passenger. It was last seen drifting out to sea, with a man astride the keel. If these boats could have been kept there is every probability all hands would have been saved. The ship broke into four pieces and ropes were used to get people from one part to another. The second mate attempted to reach the shore by means of a life-buoy, but was drowned in the surf. The two survivors reached shore by means of a little raft they constructed out of a boom, and they were offered £500 by Mr. Magarey, one of the passengers if they would carry him with them. The scene was heartrending;- bodies floating round the wreck, passengers clinging to the hull and frantically offering money, jewels, everything they possessed, to be safely carried ashore."
The following telegrams contain later intelligence from the wreck, and chronicle the numerous efforts made (eventually with success) to rescue the survivors:
Mount Gambier, Friday, 12,25 p.m. Latest intelligence from the wreck of the Admella.
Have just received messages from the wreck, dated 7.30 this morning. Both boats were tried again, and beaten back. About a dozen survivors yet on the wreck. As soon as boat's crew have recruited a little, they will try again. Sea mountains high.
Mount Gambier, Friday, 6 p.m. The steamer Lady Bird here with the Portland life-boat. They made one attempt, but failed, with loss of oars and damage to boat. Had to put back to repair. Will make another attempt before night. She behaved splendidly. A fearful surf, and breakers very high. Two rockets were fired over the wreck, but without success. Boat's crew report having seen fifteen on the wreck. The Ant, from Guichen Bay, is here with another boat's crew. " Mount Gambier, I3th August. News from the wreck dated 8.30 a.m. Life boat from shore has a rope attached to the wreck. Sea running high. (Three) other boats being in attendance near the wreck. Captain M'Ewan, Andrew Follard, Thomas Davey, brought on shore safe by shore boat, Nineteen saved by Lady Bird's life boat, and taken on board.
Portland, 13th August. Lady Bird arrived with nineteen from wreck. Those on board terribly exhausted, but the unremitting care and attendance of Dr. M'Donald have considerably alleviated their sufferings. The untiring perseverance and gallant conduct of Captains Greig and Fawthorp, and the crews of the Lady Bird, the whaling company's boat, and the life boats are beyond praise. The last in particular are described as acting in positions of extreme danger. Enthusiasm here immense. The sufferers will be conveyed to Mac's hotel, where every comfort is prepared for them. Two (2) died yesterday on wreck, and one (1). fell from wreck exhausted. As soon as some of them have sufficiently recovered, further intelligence will be obtained from them. They remain on board tonight.
Portland August 13. Very few lost at first, about eight each night. Four last night. Nothing to eat or drink. Everything washed out of the cabin. Ship on beam ends. Two of them told Mr. L. tonight, that they had no shelter but the rigging. The deck was at about an angle of 54 degrees, and they were huddled up on lower side. All their legs dreadfully swollen. It was supposed that if it had not been for fifty tons copper ore in that part of the vessel she would have broken up, but its weight kept her firm. Passengers all too ill to question tonight, some can hardly speak. It is supposed the compass got out of order, and not sufficient allowed for lee-way. There has been a fearful heayy sea, and so they kept falling off. They threw themselves into the life-boat, and were caught as they fell by the boatmen. No communication from shore to the steamer. Mr. Rochford says that M'Ewan was very much exhausted, and was dragged by a line from the boat to the shore through surf, Magarey was trying to get ashore on a cork mattress, and got drowned in the surf. Several died mad, throwing themselves overboard. Miss, Ledruth is going on well but her legs, have swelled. Very difficult to elicit anything from the survivors.
The Age of Monday contains the following important telegram :—
Portland, August 14th. Corrected List of those saved by The Lady Bird. Passengers— Rochford, Millar, H. Fisher, Miss Ledruth, M. Forrester, H. M. lnness, J. Webb, G. W. Richardson, P. Carrig, T. O'Halloran.
Crew: James Hutchinson, first mate; M'Nair, purser; D. Peters, fireman ; R. Wright, trimmer, C. Locke seaman; George Hillis, forecabin; steward; John M'Dermott, second cook; J. Duckering, lamptrimmer; Geo. Ward, cabin boy.
Saved by Admella Lifeboat from Beach. Captain M'Ewan; Davis, seaman; Andrew, servant of Mr. Rochford, and a passenger. These last four are on shore at the beach. Total saved by Lady Bird 19. By boat from beach 4. Total 23.
I have just seen Hutchinson, chief officer; he is getting on finely. All other patients are doing as well as can be expected.
Portland Sunday. The Lady Bird was ordered down while on her to Portland, but unfortunately she did not call at the latter port, where she might have obtained clear information as to the position of the wreck, which she did not succeed in finding on the first trip on Thursday. At 6 p.m. she returned to Portland for information and again left at 9.36 p.m., taking with her the new Government life boat whale-boat with all appliances, and 20 extra men as volunteers. She reached the wreck at 9 a.m., standing off about. one and a half mile. The life boat was manned and the whale-boat launched. A terrific sea was running, and breaking about three miles in shore. Captain Fawthrop, harbor-master, commanded the lifeboat. She got close to the wreck and fired two rockets with lines attached, but from the surf washing into the boat they got foul and broke. Immediately after four, heavy seas struck her, smashed eight oars, tiller, etc. filled her each time, and washed one man overboard, who was however picked up. For three minutes, they all appeared, to be lost. All they had now to depend upon for, their own lives was the line attached to the anchor which had been dropped outside the surf. They returned to the steamer quite worn out. About 5 p.m., the sea moderating, Captain Greig manned the whale-boat to reconnoitre and see if another attempt could he made that night. He got within hail of the wretched survivors, whom he could hear uttering the most piercing cries for water and help; he, however, found it to be utterly impossible to cross the surf and make any further attempt that night. He shouted to them to cheer up, and told them he would be back in the morning. All the steamer could do that night was to fire rockets and burn blue lights, etc, at intervals, to cheer the poor creatures amidst the exposure of another night, benumbed, starved, and parched with thirst. Saturday morning came, and at dawn of day prepared for another attempt. At 8.30 the life-boat left the ship, and let go her anchor near the wreck. They threw a line to the survivors, who made it fast, and by that means drew the life-boat alongside. Time was precious, and the survivors immediately threw themselves into the boat, with the exception of Miss Ledruth, who could scarcely be prevailed upon to let go. All arrived in safety alongside the steamer, and were immediately well cared for by Dr. M'Donald and others who accompanied the steamer. On their arrival at the steamer, some three or four were in the last stage of existence. Captain M'Ewan, two passengers, and a seaman had three minutes before been hauled through the surf by the Admella's life-boat, and reached the shore in a most exhausted state.
STATEMENT OF A SURVIVOR. James Hutchinson, chief-mate, states: Saturday morning, 6th August, I relieved the captain at 4a.m. The steamer was then steering her usual course by compass. The morning was very thick with much lightning. A look-out was kept on the bridge. The ship struck at about 4.30 a.m., and in less than ten minutes she was in three pieces. About forty people were clinging to the bow part for two days, when they were nearly all washed off and lost, with the exception of about fifteen, who were brought to the after-part, of the vessel by means of a rope. Some very harrowing scenes of separation occurred at this time. All the provisions that were saved in the first instance were one filter of water, a small bag of almonds, about 20 lBs of cheese, half a ham, 10 lbs. of beef, eight bottles of porter, and one bottle of whiskey. We might have saved brandy, but no one desired to run the risk of drinking it. We put one case on one side, but this, and all the small stock of provisions were washed away during Sunday night. So that they had tasted nothing since Monday morning, the surf breaking over them night and day; yet all appeared composed and collected. Each night carried off its victims. About twenty died on Tuesday night from cold; it was a bitter night. Deaths were so frequent as to lose all terrors to the survivors, who looked callously on. A Captain Harris, of the Waitemata, did all that man could do, in diving for provisions, whereby he suffered so much from the exertion, that he died from exhaustion on board, close to Rochford. Magarey was most anxious of all to go on shore, and continually wishing to make attempts. He at last fell overboard by accident; and, although he was kept up by a life-buoy for a time, he at last sank about 300 yards from the wreck. Three days before, he gave a large warm coat to Rochford, which the means of saving his and Hurtle Fisher's lives. Tho people had no shelter whatever; they sat on the top rail, with their feet resting on the moulding running fore and aft the ship. They placed their cabin seats from rail to mizen rigging", which gave resting room for about twenty. When the boat was obliged to return the first time, they all despaired of being saved. Their anxiety was brought to an extremity when they saw their deliverers only a boat's length from a large rock, which, had they struck, would have launched all into eternity. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Captain Fawthorp, Captain Greijr, Coxswain Rose, Vear, and the crews of both boats, whose names will appear hereafter; also to Mr. Johnstone, a volunteer, who went in the lifeboat to fire the rockets with lines attached, and got his hand severely injured; for their gallant behaviour on this trying occasion. The passengers will be brought on shore during the day, and every precaution has been made for their- comfort. The public are indebted to the kindness of Messrs,. W. Learmonth and Brother for compiling and furnishing the foregoing.
As may be expected, this sad occurrence has thrown the people of Adelaide into a state of painful excitement. Immediately the news became known, the Legislature adjourned for a week, and business was brought to a dead stand still. Both in Melbourne and Adelaide public subscriptions have been opened to reward the captain and crew of the Lady Bird, the crew of the life-boat,' and those other persons who have been instrumental in rescuing the survivors. At Melbourne upwards of £3000 had been contributed up to Wednesday afternoon. The delay manifested by the Victorian Government in sending assistance to the wreck in the first instance has been strongly condemned at a public meeting. The South Australian Register thus speaks of the steps taken by the people of Adelaide on hearing of the disaster:— Immediately on hearing of the disaster, Messrs. Elder, Stirling, and Co., Lloyd's agents, made arrangements to despatch the Havilah to the scene of the and for this purpose Mr Derwent most handsomely offered the services of that vessel; but it was subsequently found that her machinery had been taken to pieces, with the view of placing her on the slip, so that too long a time would be required to get her ready for sea. The Chief Secretary, however, on application being made to him, with excellent promptitude gave authority for the services of the steamer Corlo to be engaged, in the hope that some assistance might be rendered to the surviving passengers (if any) of the ill-fated vessel. It was thought possible, in the uncertainty of our knowledge of all the circumstances attending the wreck, that some of the persons on board might have escaped in boats, or otherwise be in such a situation as to receive assistance only from sea. The Corio sailed in due course, having on board Capt. Quin, and Mr. Brown, one of the owners the Admella. She also took, by permission of the Trinity Master, the Government life-boat and its crew. It may seem singular that a vessel could run ashore at five o'clock in the morning in the immediate vicinity of a lighthouse; but Captain Douglas, the Collector of Customs, and a naval officer, informs us that if a steamer was close in shore, or at the spot where the Nene Valley was wrecked, the lighthouse could not be observed by her. He imagines the place to be five and a half miles  N.N.W. of Cape Northumberland, near a point called Cape Douglas, which shuts in Cape Northumberland light in coming from the north-west, The reefs are about a mile from the shore, with detached rocks, inside. It will be seen, however, from our last telegram, that the spot is ten miles further than this from the lighthouse, the light of which was, therefore still less likely to be serviceable. Indeed we hear that Captain M'Ewen frequently remarked to his agents that the light was of little use beyond 12 miles. It is probable that Captain M'Ewen in shaping his course from Kangaroo Island for Cape Northumberland, had supposed that he had not run his distance, and through the influence of some current, or other circumstance, had struck upon the reef before he was aware of his exact position, The Havilah sighted Cape Northumberland on her way to Adelaide about two hours after the wreck is reported to have taken place, but having no idea of such a catastrophe it is not surprising that her attention was not attracted to it. The mail steamer Bombay would also have passed Cape Northumberland during daylight on Saturday. From Colonist, Volume II, Issue 201, 23 September 1859, page 3.

1907 Wills. Robinson of Boston, Lincs. died 24th of June 1907.Harriet D. widow. Effects £338 0s 1d. (Michael)

Will of Robinson Duckering.
'THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me ROBINSON DUCKERING of Boston in the County of Lincoln Master Mariner. I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Harriet Duckering all my household furniture, plate, linen, china, glass, books, pictures, wearing apparel and other household effects and all my money and securities for money of every kind. And all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and of what nature or kindsoever, including any Ships or Boats of every description. To hold the same unto and to the use of my said wife Harriet Duckering, her executors, administrators and assigns. Subject nevertheless to the payment of my just debts, my funeral and testamentry expenses I give and devise all and every my messuages or tenements, cottages, lands and heriditaments situate and being in Boston aforesaid or elsewhere, whether in possession, reversion, remainder or expectancy. Unto and to the use of my said wife Harriet Duckering her heirs and assigns for ever. Subject nevertheless to the payment of any mortgage or mortgages charged thereon. And I give devise and bequeath all estates vested in me by way of mortgage or as a Trustee Unto and to the use of my said wife Harriet Duckering her heirs executors administrators and assigns according to the nature and quality thereof respectively subject to such equities and upon such trusts as shall be subsisting therein respectively at the time of my decease. And I hereby authorise and direct that the receipts of my said wife Harriet Duckering shall be good discharges for all monies paid to her by virtue of this my will. And I declare that such Receipts shall exonerate the persons to whom the same may be given from all liability to see to the application or disposition of the money to be received or any part thereof. And I appoint my said wife Harriet Duckering sole EXECUTRIX of this my will and hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made I declare this only to be may last will and Testament IN WITNESS whereof I thesaid Testator Robinson Duckering have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eigh thundred and seventy seven - ROBINSON DUCKERING _ Signed by thesaid Robinson Duckering the testator and by him published and declared as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us both present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have here unto subscribed our names as witnesses _ W G PHILLIPS 65 Liquorpond St Boston - JOHN SEEDAM 85 Liquorpond St Boston.'
'On the 27th day of July 1907 Probate of this will was granted to Harriet Duckering the sole Executrix. ' (Michael)

Boston Guardian, 6 July 1907. Dcukering. On the 24th inst., at the Merchant Seamen’s Houses, Skirbeck-road, Boston, Robinson Duckering, aged 74.

Lincolnshire Monumental Inscriptions: Robinson Duckering born 1833 died 24 Jun 1907 buried Boston Cemetery, Lincolnshire, headstone ‘Master Mariner, Safe home in port.’ Location Marian Road, ref C419, record 10260. (FMP)

'THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me HARRIETT DUCKERING of Boston in the County of Lincoln, Widow. I give and devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate wheresoever situate and of whatsoever description unto my nephew Samuel Marjason subject to the payment of all my debts funeral and testamentary expenses and I appoint the said Samuel Marjason sole EXECUTOR of this my will IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this third day of July one thousand nine hundred and seven - H DUCKERING - Signed and declared by the said Harriett Duckering the Testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other have here unto subscribed our names as witnesses C PERKINS 5 Chinchilla Road Southend on Sea Essex -Wm WILLCOCK Clerk to Messrs Waite Marris & Ricew Solrs Boston
On the 10th day of August 1914 Probate of this Will was granted to Samuel Marjason the sole Executor'. (See file - Michael10.7.97)

Wills. Harriet of Boston Lincs., widow died 17th June 1914. Probate to Samuel Marjason architect. Effects £227 6s 3d. (Michael)

The impression that this gives, is that Robinson and Harriet had no children, as none are mentioned in either of their wills. In addition that his brothers also had no children.

Marriage was announced in the Lincoln Rutland & Stamford Mercury - Robinson Duckering, Marriage Notice, 30 Jun 1876, Stamford, Lincolnshire to Mrs Hy Keightley.5157

Parish register: 1876. Marriage solemnized at the parish church in the parish of Boston in the county of Lincoln. No. 280, June 24th 1876. Robinson Duckering, age 42, bachelor, mariner, residing Liquor Pond St., father Thomas Duckering, Master Mariner. Harriet Keightley, age 43, widow, dressmaker, residing South St, father Joshua Marjason, Master MAriner. Both signed in the presence of William Mitchell and Ann Jackson X her mark.