Information wanted about Maitland wreck

Gosford librarian Mr Geoffrey Potter is appealing for information about the wreck of the HRNSC paddle steamer Maitland in May 1898 at Cape Three Points off Broken Bay.

Gosford Library is seeking donations or loans of authentic photographs, documents and souvenirs relating to the disaster to be compiled into a book for the library.

"For this project, I am uncovering details and images never before published," said Mr Potter.

"I hope to present a history which tells more about the human side of the wreck than previously known," he said.

"These people were incredibly courageous in the face of amazing odds.

"Many local pioneering families were involved in the rescue, and I am hopeful that their descendants may still have some of the many souvenirs retrieved from the wreck.

"As time goes on (the wreck occurred 113 years ago), the opportunities to record these local family connections to the wreck will become more difficult.

"If you are related to the Cox, Davis, Warmoll, Riley or Murray families, there is a chance you may have something of interest.

"This is probably the last chance for those connections to be remembered.

"Woy Woy families in particular were extremely generous and caring in the support they gave to survivors in the days following the disaster.

"This is an amazing story, which deserves to be better known," said Mr Potter.

With inquiries, phone Mr Potter on 4325 8118

Email, 3 Mar 2011 Geoffrey Potter, Gosford Library