This letter to the Secretary to the Premier, gives us an insight into the tone used by the Adelaide Steamship Company.
Transcribed as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Re: "Koombana"
We have yours of the 1st. The "Bullarra" was despatched from Broome on Monday last pursuant to the arrangement already made with the Chief Harbor Master and the Premier's Secretary that all resultant and incidental expenses should be shared by the State and Federal Governments and this Company equally. Southward freight on the cattle by the "Gorgon", coal supplies, and claims by the consignees and/or owners of stock (if any) will therefore be the subject of contribution and were indeed expressly provided for; and of course there will be wharfage dues and other port charges and perhaps further expenditure in addition, as well as the items mentioned in your letter.
Yours Faithfully,
Manager for W.A.
There is very little reference to sentiment or the glaring fact that Koombana was their property and responsibility. In fact there is the absence of the words "thank you"
The generous offer that generated the above response:
But there is a subtle twist to this story. The following adopts an entirely different tone:
"Captain Irvine 30-2-12
I have to thank you on behalf of the Adelaide Company for the very keen and unremitting interest that you have taken, and are taking, in this most unfortunate occurrence.
Yours Faithfully,
Moxon
Manager for W.A."
Captain Irvine was to play a central role in the inevitable Inquiry and as we have seen in a past post https://koombanarevisited.blogspot.com/2019/10/moxon.html he appeared to be assisting the manager - leading the witness if you will - in favour of Captain Allen holding all the responsibility cards in the demise of Koombana in 'cyclonic' conditions.
Am I wrong or was Moxon 'buttering up' Irvine in preparation for the whitewash Marine Court of Inquiry that was to come and go, leaving a bad taste in the collective mouth of the Nor'West ??
Transcribed as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Re: "Koombana"
We have yours of the 1st. The "Bullarra" was despatched from Broome on Monday last pursuant to the arrangement already made with the Chief Harbor Master and the Premier's Secretary that all resultant and incidental expenses should be shared by the State and Federal Governments and this Company equally. Southward freight on the cattle by the "Gorgon", coal supplies, and claims by the consignees and/or owners of stock (if any) will therefore be the subject of contribution and were indeed expressly provided for; and of course there will be wharfage dues and other port charges and perhaps further expenditure in addition, as well as the items mentioned in your letter.
Yours Faithfully,
Manager for W.A.
There is very little reference to sentiment or the glaring fact that Koombana was their property and responsibility. In fact there is the absence of the words "thank you"
 |
| courtesy State Records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
The generous offer that generated the above response:
 |
| courtesy State Records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
But there is a subtle twist to this story. The following adopts an entirely different tone:
"Captain Irvine 30-2-12
I have to thank you on behalf of the Adelaide Company for the very keen and unremitting interest that you have taken, and are taking, in this most unfortunate occurrence.
Yours Faithfully,
Moxon
Manager for W.A."
Captain Irvine was to play a central role in the inevitable Inquiry and as we have seen in a past post https://koombanarevisited.blogspot.com/2019/10/moxon.html he appeared to be assisting the manager - leading the witness if you will - in favour of Captain Allen holding all the responsibility cards in the demise of Koombana in 'cyclonic' conditions.
Am I wrong or was Moxon 'buttering up' Irvine in preparation for the whitewash Marine Court of Inquiry that was to come and go, leaving a bad taste in the collective mouth of the Nor'West ??
 |
| courtesy State Records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
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