THE ALPEMA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 7914, 30 September 1909, Page 4

THE ALPEMA.

AN EXCITING INCIDENT,

SYDNEY, September 29. The escape of the ..Alpema was only affected after an unusual and exciting incident. Ever since the captain and crew left, the vessel has been talked of as possible salvage. The captain made arrangements with the tug Port Jackson to tow the vessel m. At the same time the tug Leveret was liovering abouV seeking ah opportunity to secure the' prize. When the Leveret was seen making for the vessel, the Port Jackson started m pursuit. Prior to her leaving, Captain Neilson of the Alpema tried to get a gun from the police station, as "some blamed rascals", were trying to steal his vessel. The police officials explained that such methods were not sanctioned by the law, and with a curse on such out of date legislation the. American captain dashed back to the. tug. An exciting chase commenced. The Leveret had a good start and both were going at top speed. A big sea was running and the Port Jackson hugged the • Stockton beach closer than her rival. The Leveret prepared to lower a boat, but the Port Jackson dashed m between the Alpema and the Leveret. The captain of the Alpema hailed the Leveret and threatened to draw a gun, which he did not possess, on the first man who attempted to board the vessel. The threat caused those on the Leveret to cease the lowering: operations. Neilson then jumped into a boat which was lowered from the Port Jackson and boarded his ship. The Leveret then steamed off.