Warrnambool Standard
June 16   1934

To the Editor

Regarding the several letters that have appeared in the "Standard" of late in reference to the wreck of a ship supposed to be wrecked between Port Fairy and Warrnambool coast, I noticed a wreck at the top end of rocks about half a mile towards Port Fairy in the year 1855.  There were about 10 or 12 standing ribs about 6 feet to 8 feet above water, quite bare of any boards on them.  Most likely it as [sic] from this wreck that timber was seen up near Gorman's lane on the beach, as I was often up and down from Gorman's lane to Warrnambool about twice a week at that time, and it was the only wreck or any sign of one.  My father had the care of the pound, and I used to mind the impounded cattle.  About the year 1865, there were only 2 or 3 ribs standing.  I left Warrnambool in 1869 and went to Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand, and to Adelaide, and when I came to Warrnambool, Mr. Archibald stopped me and asked if I had seen a wreck, so that was the first time I heard of the Mahogany ship.  I told about this wreck.  I am willing to show anybody the place where I saw the wreck.  If they let me know, I will come to town and show them the spot.  I am only 85 years of age.  We landed in Portland, 18^th July, 1852.

Yours, etc.,
FRED K. BEST

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