SURPRISED PASSENGERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1926, Page 9

SURPRISED PASSENGERS.

BY JOVE! WE'VE RUN ASHORE. EXPERIENCES UP " FOR'ARD." GRATING AND HEIGHT BUMHNG. -When we left Tauranga we expected that the following morning would =cc us landed in Auckland," said Mr. C. A. Hlllc, of Katikati, but before midnight we were on the rocks. "I was up for'ard with three others in the same cabin. We were all in our bunks when she hit with a grating feelin"- and slight bumping. One of my cabin mates said, 'By Jove! We've run ashore.' We all hurried and goc dressed, and on getting on deck I saw that the Manaia's bows were right upon the reef. Slipper Island and other small islands near could also be seen.

"After the lifeboats were ready we all sat round the deck discussing the situation, and at 2 a.m. the welcome lights of the Motu showed up as the auxiliary schooner came close and stood by. When daylight came the weather was cold and dull with occasional showers, but about 0 a.m. the sun came throusrh the clouds and made things a lot more cheerful. When tbe Ngapuhi arrived we were quickly transferred to her by the Manaia's boats. "Tlie Manaia had her bows well up on the reef when we left her," continued Mr. Hille. "She also had a list, which made it difficult to walk along the decks. Her forehold had a lot of water in it, and the vessel was rolling slightly and bumping. We have all good reason for being thankful for getting off so lightly, as with a gale or heavy sea there might have been a different talc to tell. Personally I feel very grateful to those in charge on the Manaia and Ngapuhi for the splendid attention that the passengers received."