Don't be late delivering the mail

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In 1894, Captain Fred Douglas had contracts to deliver mail and goods along the south coast of Western Australia between Esperance and Israelite Bay. His small ship was named the Grace Darling. Early in October and sailing at night, Captain Douglas saw the flash of a lamp off Middle Island. Upon investigation, he found 12 men in a lifeboat. They had sailed to find help for the ship, Rodondo, which had struck a reef. Almost all passengers and crew had made it to land in seven lifeboats and two rafts. A baby on board had been strapped to a lifebuoy and thrown to a seaman. Despite catching the buoy, the child fell into the sea but was immediately plucked out. Next morning, despite treacherous conditions, Captain Douglas got close enough to the island to pick up the rest of the crew and 100+ passengers. All were cold, wet and hungry and mostly in night attire. Eventually, the rescued were taken back to Adelaide on another ship. Poor old Captain Douglas was fined 40 pound for late delivery of the mail. On appeal, he was compensated and later lauded a hero. I wonder what Captain Douglas thought when he opened the letter advising him of the fine. The photo is from the State Library, Queensland.of the Rodondo at an unknown port.