LOSS OF THE 'STAR OF THE EVENING.'

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 2997, 4 March 1867, Page 5

LOSS OF THE 'STAR OF THE EVENING.'

The interesting report of the lons of the ' Star of the Evening,' which appeared in our columns from the pen of Mr. Weaver, one of the survivors, created a very general feeling in town that something ought to be done in the way of rewarding the two men who bo signally distinguished themselves in rescuing their fellow voyagers from the wreck . Two letters appear in our columns to-day bearing on this Bubject. One of these is from the crew who were rescued by Hammond and Weaver at the risk, of their own lives ; the other is from Mr. Abbott, suggesting that the case be brought before the Royal Humane Society. The letter of thanks must be gratifying to the brave men ; but doubtless they would esteem the medal of the Humane Society as a distinguished badge of honour. We hope, therefore, that our friend, Lloyd's agent, and other gentlemen of influence, will place the facts before the Humane Society, with ihe view of obtaining for Weaver and Htmmoiftl ihe badge for distinguished conduct they have so riuKy. earned. There is one fact connected with this unfortunate casualty which has not yet beep published, and which still further strengthens their case. It is this : that these two men staited from the ader.e of the wreck for Mr. Reids station, and walked barefoot along the beach a distance o! twelve miles, arriving footsore at Mr. Reids as soon as Captain Turner's messenger, who was on horseback, and who received £1 for his trouble. Weaver, when there, bad the presence of mind to ask for a coil of rope, which he divided into three lengths, so that if one was lost all hope of saving the men on the wreck was not gone with it. And it was owing to this forethought that their lives were saved. The courage and devotion of Weaver and Hammond are beyond *U praise ; and indeed, but for the superior strength of Hammond, Weaver also would have lost his life m his exertions to rescue the men. We trust a subscription will be opened for the survivors^ who have lost everything they, possessed. The widows and orphans of those who were lost must not be foreotfan.. And here ,we may add that Mr. Crombie has taken the likeness of Weaver and Hammond in one picture, which will be sold for the benefit of the subscription fund when set on foot.