The first query today is a really long shot. It’s from Linda Keown (nee Botha) who wonders if anyone might know the final resting place of her father’s ashes. He was Albertus Johannes Botha and died in Durban 29.4.90. I have had a look at the SA Gravestone Project which is discussed on this site, but I didn’t uncover anything.
The next query is from John Readman and concerns the Consolidated Whaling & Deep Sea Fishing Company of South Africa Ltd. I hadn’t heard of it but I did know that there had been quite a number of short-lived whaling operations in Durban. Anyhow, John wrote:
The Consolidated Whaling & Deep Sea Fishing Company of South Africa Ltd operated in Durban from June 1912 to November 1913 – it was a partnership between Sir George Doughty, M.P., a fishing entrepreneur and member of the British Parliament based in Grimssby, Lincolnshire, England, his son Wilfred Vere Doughty & his nephew, Stanley Doughty. In June 1912, Stanley Doughty travelled to Durban with the aim to grab a toehold on this whaling enterprise, and later he was joined by his wife and two children. At some time in 1913, Sir George & Lady Doughty travelled to Durban, but by November 1913, the business was over and everyone returned home.
Apart from a record of travel to Natal, a photograph in Durban of Stanley with his wife & two children being pulled [in a Riksha, Ed.] by a Warrior (a tourist photograph it seems), I have very little about this enterprise. Can anyone supply me with a other information please?
John sent in this evocative picture of Stanley, his wife and two children posing with a Riksha puller during their visit to Durban. One can hardly imagine how exotic the experience must have seemed to them in those far off days.
John also sent an extract from The Times of July 13th, 1912, which mentions the departure of the two vessels for Durban.
Derek Austin
If I can make a suggestion to Linda she should join Rootschat, it is free and has forums covering every country in the world. She can place her query on the South African forum or contact EGGSA as they have CDs of cemetery records. Not sure if they have finished photographing the Stellawood cemetery which is probably where the ashes are kept. FAD is even mentioned on Rootschat. Regards Derek.