The Haver sham Grange.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxviii, Issue 7031, 20 November 1906, Page 3

The Haver sham Grange.

Totally Destroyed by Fire-

The Story of her Loss.

Auckland, Nov 20 TheMatatua has arrived, At 6.15 a.m. on the 23rd ult, thick smoke was seen issu-? ing from a vessel bearing nearly right ahead. On getting closer it was discovered that the vessel was on fire, about the after end of the bridge deok in the locality of No. 4 hatchway. The vessel proved to be the Havershsm Grange, bound from New York to Australian ports. The steamer Elax was standing by. The Matatua stopped a couple of miles to windward, and signalled asking if they wanted assistance. They answered with a request to come within hailing distance. A boat from the Mafatua was sent alongj Bide in charge of the chief officer who returned with a message that the captain wished the Matatua to stand by her. The Matacua complied. As the day advanced, the fire apparently to some extent subsided at the af 6er,bridge deck, and No. 4 hatchway, but caught No 5 hold and afterwards No. 6. At i p.m. boats came alongside the Macatua with part the crew and a request from the captain that the men should be taken on board for the night. This was complied with. At 6 p.m. the captain and the remainder of the crew were taken on board, the captain statingVfchat he wished to stay alongside only for shelter, as he was hopej ful that the fire would expend itself aft, and leave the forward end of the steamer and the cargo intact. The Matatua stood by all night, but daylight next morning disclosed that the fire had spread forward to Nos. 3 and 2 hatches. Huge flames were issuing from the. former and dense smoke from the latter. AH hope of saving any part of the cargo or vessel was then abandoned, and a boat was sent to do what was possible to scuttle the I burning steamer as dangerous to navigai tion.

The Matatua called at Capetown to land the rescued crew of 62 souls, being the ship's complete company. On leaving, the Haversham Grange was one huge mass of smoke and flames throughout hgr whole length.