1864 – Ideal for shipbuilding the plentiful supply of spotted gum near Huskisson attracted George Dent Snr to Jervis Bay. Setting up his shipbuilding operation on the banks of Currambene Creek George rapidly gained a reputation for producing ships of all sizes to the highest standards. By the 1890s the Dent family were well established in Huskisson. George and his sons couldn't rely on shipbuilding alone to support their large and growing families.
The family realising early that tourism was a growth industry which could turn a handy profit, built and ran some of the earliest guest houses in Huskisson. Members of the family were involved in the transport industry running passenger services to and from Nowra. They ventured into the profitable Grass Tree gum collection industry which thrived in the area around 1885. In 1896 the Dents operated a sawmill near Huskisson employing 35 men. Tragically in 1910 James Dent 64, was killed while harvesting timber. Members of the family served on the local Clyde Shire Council Board based at Tomerong, they were involved with many decisions which shaped Huskisson in the early years.
The Dents built the present day Huskisson Pictures as a community hall for the local people in 1913. By the 1930's the large family, men, women and children were involved in all aspects of the Huskisson community. Cricket, tennis, fundraising, peace day celebrations, community dances, school functions, market stalls, members of the family served on the local church committee helping to organise and run many fundraising events. They operated fishing vessels taking tourists around the bay. They helped build the first pedestrian crossing over Moona Moona Creek. 1902, They became involved in the newly formed Jervis Bay Railway Extension League, urging the government to have the railway extended from Bomaderry to Jervis Bay. The Lady Denman Ferry, the iconic centrepiece of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum was built by the Dents in 1911. They were community spirited and risk takers, entrepreneur's, in the true sense of the word.
One of the more challenging business ventures the Dents invested time and money in was stranded ships.
When a vessel became stranded on the coast, efforts were made to recover anything of value before the remains were sold at auction by the underwriters. The Dents attended auctions and bought some of the stranded ships in an effort to turn a profit from the salvaged cargo, fittings and machinery. It was a very risky business, many investors lost money because the ship would sink or be torn apart by storms before anything of value was saved.
1890 - S.S. Riverina.
One of the more profitable ships the Dents bought was the S.S.Riverina, a three-masted screw steamer of 2801.0 (imperial tons),
27 January 1 am - In hazy conditions bought about by bushfires in Gippsland, the Riverina was running at full speed when she ran ashore onto Island Point east of Cape Everard. The shock from the impact was terrific and came without warning for the passengers. The forward lookout screamed out a warning " breakers ahead" and despite the captain putting the steamer into full astern, she struck almost immediately. The captain tried in vain to reverse the steamer off the rocks by putting her into full astern but the steamer was stuck fast. The ships carpenter sounded the hold and found water rushing into the engine compartment and number two hold. Captain Prehn ordered the boats to be lowered taking the passengers safely away from the ship which was found to be stranded 150 yards from shore. The crew set about making a makeshift camp with food and water for the frightened passengers. Signals of distress were fired and soundings were taken around the vessel, finding 12 feet aft. The ship's officer was dispatched in a boat to intercept any passing vessel and give them notice of the stranding. The steamer Wendouree arrived at the scene at noon, some of the passengers were safely taken onboard and she set sail for Sydney.
Despite the ship resting in a very exposed position she was still stable and standing on an even keel. This allowed salvage teams to recover much of her cargo. She weathered a storm during her time ashore and came through relatively unscathed, allowing the salvage work to continue.
The Auction.
14th February 1890 - There was a large attendance at the John Fraser and Co.'s rooms when the wrecked steamer was put up for auction. There was an estimated 400 tons of cargo still on board and the biddings commenced as 500 pounds and increased by 50-pound bids in rapid succession until the vessel was knocked down to Mr Dent for the sum of 1050 pounds.
Recovery.
27 February - Mr Dent arranged for the steamers Trident and Sophia Ann to head to the Riverina which was still upright and intact despite the recent heavy weather.
28th February - The steamer Sophia Ann arrived at the scene but due to very poor weather had to run for shelter back to Eden where she stayed for a few days. She was joined by the steamer Trident, and in calm weather arrived at the scene of the stranding together.
Dent and his team of workers quickly went about their business recovering a large quantity of cargo. He carried with him a powerful portable boiler and engine which was put on board the Riverina to facilitate the lifting of the heavy machinery which was submerged in 12 feet of water but could be seen at low water. Three divers had to feel their way in the discoloured water to secure the machinery and the cargo which was submerged in the vessels hold.
The only cargo remaining dry were cases of currents and some vinegar. With Sophia Ann alongside the men recovered valuable winches, anchors, chains, sails, and other furnishings.
The ship was badly damaged, immediately under the stokehold was a large hole through which Captain Laidman says " a Sydney tram could go through."
The weather co-operated allowing Dent and his men to make good progress. They had to work as quickly as possible to recover as much as they could, should a severe southerly storm develope, the vessel could break up. The decks of the ship had not sprung and she was still upright but moved about in an unnerving manner whenever a strong wind from the south blew.
The Dents investment was paying off.
After everything of value was salvaged the vessel was abandoned becoming a total wreck.
18th March - Marine Board Enquiry.
The board found the wreck was caused by the wrongful act of Captain Prehn. His certificate was suspended for six months.
The vessel had on board a cargo valued at £32,000, fully £20,000 of which is insured in Sydney offices, as follow: — Australian General £6000 - Alliance Marino, £5000; Pacific Company, £1800; Sydney Lloyds, £3000 ; New South Wales, £600 ; China Traders, £400 ; South British, £200 ; North Queensland, £1200, and the remainder in other offices
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