ATHENIA TRAGEDY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23479, 17 October 1939, Page 9

ATHENIA TRAGEDY

SURVIVORS ARRIVE FIRST ,IN DOMINION mother and children SIX HOURS IN BOAT Tlie first of tho survivors of the 'Athenia disaster to reach New Zealand. Mrs. T. Newcombe, an IrishCanadian, wit!i Iter family of two children, Glive and Jean, arrived at Auckland yesterday. With tho tragedy of the liner's loss still fresh in her memory J[rs. Newcombe said she felt nothing but relief at reaching a haven whero war had not tho same sharp effect on life. There was no panic when orders were given to man the lifeboats on the stricken Athenia, said Mrs. Newcombe. , "Everyone had been dulled by tho shock, and the work of placing them in the open boats was just like moving sheep," she recalled. For six hours tho mother, with her two children, was in n crowded boat, which pitched and swung in the heavy swell, tho boat's position being shown by tho uso of flares. . Children Not Frightened : The two children showed little fear tit the time of tho disaster or during the harassing hours on the open sea. •'They'were very good." said Mrs. Newcombe proudly. "In fact, I could not help feeling surprised at them." Tho Norwegian motor-ship Knute Nelson, which arrived at tho scene some hours after tho sinking, picked up the lifeboat containing the party and stood by to render further assistance. When all hope of further rescue was lost tho vessel headed for Galway. "We arrived there with just those, possessions in which we stood," said -Mrs. Newcombe, "and we all felt grateful for the hospitality given us at Gnlwav."A Shot Fired After spending some days there the party joined a ship for Glasgow, and n few days later were able to connect with the steamer Duchess of Atholl at. Liverpool for the Atlantic crossing. Mrs. Newcombe, commenting on denial's, that, a shot had been fired at the stricken liner, said that one shot, a light shell, was fired in an attempt to bring down tho Athenia's wireless equipment. The journey from Britain was made hr the family to join Mr. Newcombe, who has been in New Zealand for some time. They will reside in Wellington.