Captain Alexander Mills

Description

First NameAlexander JamesLast NameMillsDescriptionCaptain Mills was the Harbour Master in Timaru and the captain of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade. He was also one of the founders of the Timaru Masonic Lodge.

In 1882 the ships the City of Perth and the Benvenue were washed onto the rocks at the base of the cliffs at the north end of Caroline Bay. Captain Mills and his men attempted to unsuccessfully save The City of Perth.

Captain Mills and eight others lost their lives in this event which became known as 'Black Sunday'. The inquest ruled that Captain Mills, who made it back to shore, died of shock (The Timaru Herald 16 May 1882).

The Aoraki Heritage Collection holds copies of the book 'Captain Alexander James Mills (1833-1882)' written by his great, great, granddaughter Susan Bound. Please contact us for more information.External LinkPapers Past, The Timaru Herald: 'The late Captain Alexander Mills', 16 May 1882, page 3.Date of Birth3 Oct 1933Place of BirthScotlandDate of Death14 May 1882Place of DeathTimaruSubjectBiographyEarly SettlersDisasters

Oil painting of Captain Mills c.1880s.
Image courtesy of the South Canterbury Museum, item P0071. Please contact the museum for more information.

Connections

PlaceTimaruTimaru PortBenvenue CliffsOrganisationTimaru Harbour BoardThe Rocket BrigadeEventThe Ben Venue and City of Perth shipwreck

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