Here stands a plaque. It commemorates the Convict Transport Surry and Thomas Raine.
Let’s dive into a story of typhus, survival, and redemption linked to the Convict Transport Surry. This is a story of Thomas Raine. Imagine sailing to Australia in 1814. The Surry was transporting convicts. Aboard, typhus spread rapidly.
Many people died including the captain and the surgeon. Thomas Raine, a junior officer, was the only surviving officer. He took command. He navigated the Surry to China and back. This difficult voyage marked the beginning of Raine’s distinguished career.
Raine made five more voyages to Australia on the Surry. This was between 1816 and 1823. Four of these voyages transported convicts. Raine was known for his humane treatment of convicts. Governor Lachlan Macquarie commended him.
But who was Thomas Raine? He was born in 1793. Raine was a mariner and merchant. He showed exceptional skill. He also showed resilience in the face of disaster.
During his voyages, Raine explored the Great Barrier Reef. Raine Passage and Raine Island are named after him. These voyages highlight his contribution to the exploration of Australia.
Beyond his maritime achievements, Raine established the first shore whaling station. It was on the Australian mainland at Twofold Bay in 1818. He speculated in shipping elephant-seal oil from Macquarie Island to London. In 1821 he rescued three survivors. They survived the Essex sinking after a whale attack.
In 1822, Raine partnered with surgeon David Ramsay. They founded Raine & Ramsay. The firm dealt in general merchandise, ship owning, and agency services. Raine continued to captain the Surry until 1827. He expanded his business interests. These interests included timber, sugar, and spices. He also traded flax from New Zealand.
Raine faced financial difficulties. His firm was heavily indebted to the Bank of New South Wales. Despite these challenges, he built three trading vessels in New Zealand. These helped restore his fortunes.
Thomas Raine possessed imagination and technical ability. He visualized the commercial possibilities of new localities. He exploited products and trade routes. He stood out among his Sydney colleagues.
One of the Surry’s voyages, in 1816, carried missionaries. They were Messrs Osmond and Barff. They were going to the South Seas. Aboard the Surry, Mr. Osmond instructed the convicts. He also instructed the crew. Many prisoners were attentive. Those who could read, read the Scriptures to others.
The plaque before us commemorates Thomas Raine. It also commemorates the Surry. It reminds us of a time of hardship and opportunity. It celebrates the spirit of exploration. It also celebrates entrepreneurialism that shaped early Sydney. Raine’s legacy lives on. In 1883 his grandson co-founded the company Raine and Horne.