CREW'S GRATITUDE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 145, 20 June 1940, Page 8

CREW'S GRATITUDE.

/ HELP FROM PASSENGERS. Members of the crew spoke in terms of deep gratitude of the help that had ibeen given them by the passengers and crc\v of tile rescue ship, which later brought them to Auckland. "Clothes were given to the women and children and in some cases to the men. Cigarettes, tobacco and -money were pressed on us," said one- of the men. "Wu 'had the run of the ship and -they did everything they could for us." The boatswain of the Niagara, Mr. F. Burge, and his mate, Mr. F. Muir, expressed the thanks of the crew to the ratings of the warship which went to their assistance and those at the naval base, for all that they had done for. the comfort of the men. "They gave us shoes, socks mid all kinds of clothing from their personal kits," said the Niagara men. "They could not do enough for us and we would like them to know that we are grateful."

It -was learned that the losses euffered by the crew were extensive. Clothing was the heaviest item in most cases, and it is estimated that the average of the loss would be in the vicinity of £40. There wore eases of heavier personal loss, one of the stewards losing a new radio set, while others lost similar valuable articles and prized discharge papers. Pyjamas for those who slept in hotels last night were provided by the St. John Ambulance Association. These were from stocks collected from the Sick and Wounded appeal and which have been kept for such emergencies.