THE FIGHTING ON THE CANAL.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15218, 4 March 1915, Page 8

THE FIGHTING ON THE CANAL.

EXPERIENCES OF A 'STEAMER'S

PASSENGERS

THE NEW-ZEAL-ANDERS IN THEIR

TRENCHES ■ t

(srwiAL to "the i'ress.")

WELLINGTON, March 3,

Mr S. B. Houghton, of Napier, who en mc out on the Orsova. speaking to a '•New Zealand Times" reporter, said that iv the Suez Canal the perilous character of the surroundings was emphasised by the following notice which Wits prominently posted up on the Orsova -.—-'Warning. During the steamer's passage through the Canal, passengers are warned to keep away from the port side of the whip, as there is a ri.sk of their being fired on from the Canal bank on that side. Passengers exposing themselves to this danger ■will do so entirely at their own risk, and the Orient Company will not be responsible for any harm which may come to thorn in consequence." An engagement. Mr Houghton stated, had taken place the night before the vessel came through. The New Zealand troops entrenched in the banks were quite close at. hand, and as tho steamer was sighted they called out the names of the various regiments to which they were attached, such as "Taranaki/ , "Wellington." and ko on.

MY Houghton saw the wounded being brought in and heard distant firing. For the safety of the i>ilot who conducted the ■shin through the Canal, his place on the briflge was protected with sandbags. Hie cruisers were seen which had backed up the Imperial forces in tho engagement, and at the time when the Orsova passed throuch, the Turks only about seven miles away from the Canal.