GRIM TALE OF THE SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 185, 17 August 1901, Page 5 (Supplement)

GRIM TALE OF THE SEA.

1 STORY OF GALLANTRY,

The wreck of the steamship Talier, ut Mauritius, at the end of March, furnished mi occasion for a very marked display ot humanity and bravery on the part of those who attempted—in tho absence of lifeboat or rocket apparatus—to effect the rescue of her passengers and crow, who were being drowned in sight of all in tho harbour. Although it was blowing a hurricane, with 11 mountainous sea running, the lifeboats frQiu the steamer Wilheliulua and the Government steamer Stella were manned and launched, the former being in charge of Mi-l-rooks, R.N.R., and eight of his crew, and the lutter of Captain A. Nairn, of Port Lculs, and live others, belonging to the sU'Uiuets Ucawada and Afghan. The boars were brought under the stern and alongside to leeway of the wreck, among the breakers and a large quantity of wreckage. The. could not, however, combat the terrific sea with the Jesuit that both boats capsized and three tit the occupants were drowned. Tho Mauritius authorities Issued a "Government Gazette Extraordinary" eulogising In the highest terms this splendid piece of gallantry, and deploring the loss of those who had sacrificed their lives in such a he

role manner. Th e names of tho latter were Mr William Pawsey, chief officer of the steamship Afghan; Mr W. Hutchinson, second engineer; and Mr C. Hansen, carpenter of the Wllheliaina. In England the Merchant Service Guild havo taken tho matter in hand, and have been Informed by the Uoyal Humane Society that silver medals have been awarded to.the twelve survivors and "in memorlnm te*itli oiiinls" to the relatives of those who I st tii.tr lives. Lloyd's have bestowed the; r : v.v.i medal upon the officers aud the bronze medal upon the men wi.o manned the lifeboats. j n a letter from the Colonial Office Mr H, Bertram Cox states that they will forward a communication to the Board of Trade, as suggested by the guild, and concludes as follows:—

"I am glad to add that Mr Chumberlaln is glad to take this opportunity ot expressing Ids high appreciation of tho courage displayed by the officers and men concerned and his sympathy with the relatives ot those who lost their lives in the attempt."