A BROKEN SHAFT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 210, 5 September 1899, Page 5

A BROKEN SHAFT.

THE SAINT LOUIS.

In connection with the breaking of the Waikato's shaft the following details of a similar accident which befel the French liner Saint Louis will prpve interesting:—

The Saint Louis left New Caledonia on August 11 and had fine weather at the outset, "As she neared the Australian coast however, heavy weather set in in the shape of a fierce gale. At 3 o'clock on the afternoon of the 16th inst. those on board were alarmed by a terrific shock and a moment later the machinery came to a standstill. An examination showed that the propeller shaft had broken. Sail was set to keep the ship under1 control, and meanwhile efforts were made by the engineers to repair the damage. After considerable difficulty a "collar" was fitted, and the engines started, but the strain was so great that the collar carried away, leaving the vessel once more at the mercy of the elements. A sharp lookout was kept for passing- vessels, but none were seen. Signals of distress made at night met with no response. The weather gradually moderated, and the Saint Louis under sail headed for the land, and on Saturday afternoon, the 19th, she was in the vicinity ofByron Bay. Captain Terrasson had a consultation with his officers, and it was decided that the best thing to do under the circumstances was to send a boat ashore, and obtain assistance. A passenger named M. Veron and one of the crew volunteered to put off in the lifeboat with the chief officer, Mr Guillonneau. Accordingly the boat was lowered, and the venturesome trip of about 40 miles was commenced. It was a plucky undertaking, and was carried out successfully, the boat reaching Byron Bay at 6.30. Telegrams were forwarded to Sydney giving particulars of the accident and Mr G. W. Nicoll's steamer Excelsior, which happened to be in Byron Bay, immediately put out to the assistance of the Saint Louis. The Excelsior picked her up at 7 o'clock on Sunday morning, the 20th inst., and by noon had her safely at anchor in Byron Bay. The tug Hero took the Saint Louis in tow on Wednesday, arriving next morning in Sydney.

The success attending the hoax which victimised the Hon. W. McCullough has evidently inspired some budding wit to go and do likewise. His Worship the Mayor (Mr D. Goldie) yesterday received the following .telegram from Wellington:—"R.J.S. says after inquiry I will not send r. steamer to search. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The police have been instructed. —W. Crowther." Of course the Mayor took no notice of the matter, the attempted hoax being altogether too .transparent. _^ w ,_