OUR AUSTRALIAN LETTER.

Evening Star, Issue 8816, 4 May 1892, Page 4

OUR AUSTRALIAN LETTER.

[FtfOM Or/H MESBUPBN2 CORRESPONDENT.] Tuesday, April 26, COLUSION IN" 110CS0JT BAY. A collision occurred in Hobson Bay on Wednesday evening last between the steamer Bellinger, from Strahan, Tasmania, and the barque Presto, outward bound, in ballast. It occurred in a very simple manner. The Presto left the Bay on Wednesday morning nuder the command of Pilot Berber, who bears the reputation of being one of the most careful and experienced pilots'in the service. Tho vessel had all plain sail set, and was gliding swiftly, and seemingly safely. The chief officer, Mr Basil Kamaar, was on the forecastle, and noticed the lights of a steamer about a milo off, inward bound, Thi3 was somo timo between 7 and 8 p.m., and when the steamer closed in on the barque the steamer, it is alleged, ported her helm and ran across the barque's bows. This occurred at a point between the pile light signal and tha Swanspit lighthouse, near No. 3 buoy, two miles from Queenscliff, The barquo stfluck the steamer just forward of the bridge, on the port side, The crash was violent, and the vessels jolted from stem to stern ominously, and then they hung together for fifteen minutes, the steamer being held well up by the barquo. The water rushed into the forepart of tho Bellinger, which quickly Rank beneath the surface, while the stern remained out of the water.

The conduct of the captain, officers, and men of the Bellinger in the emergency was all that could be desired, coolnese, tact, and decision beiog prominent. As soon as the blow was struck between the two vessels everybody engaged on the Bellinger was at hi 3 post quickly, wfthout any oonfusioD, The Presto kept close in to the steamer, and it was probably due to this fact that no litfos were lost; Had the barque been a steamer instead of a sailing craft, in all probability she would have backed away. While the barque kept close to the Bellinger those oh board the latter prepared for quitting, and thia was done without confusion and almost without excitement. Tho good old rule of women and children first was Btrictly observed. Then followed the male passengers and tho crew, for the steamer was rapidly sinking forward. Captain Lloyd, of khe Bellinger, remained at hia post on the Dridge, and hii vessel sank with him standing there, but it happened that the water was not deep enough to cover tho bridge. Prominent amongst those in assisting the passengers to leave was Mrs Shepherd, the stewardess, a young woman apparently not over thirty years of age. The passengers and crew speak highly of her coolness throughout, and of her close attention to the women and children subsequent to the collision. She was one of tho last to leave the sinking steamer. Only ten minutes elapsed from tha collision to the time of the Ballinger touching ground. The passengers scrambled aboard the Presto with little more than what they stood in. | Somo passengers who were on the deck of tho Bellinger aver that they were not aware of tho presence of the Presto until she was close to them, and that they could see no lights whatever on her. They also state that when she scrambled on to the Presto there was nothing but confusion and helplessness, most of tho crew being foreigners. So much was this so that passengers from tho Bellinger had to fire off the rockets, etc., from tho deck of the Presto. It is due to Captain M'Ksnzie of the Presto to say that he denies this, as well a# the statement that tho lights of hia boat were Dot burning according to tho regulations, He says he does not wish to make any statement which would show upon whose ahoulders he believed the blame ought to bo put, but inferentially ho may ba taken as casting the responsibility of the accident upon the captain of the Bellinger, for he asserts that hft lights were all brightly burning, and tho courso he was steering was a proper one, The chief officer of the Presto corroborates this, and adds that everything possible for the safety and comfort of the crew and passengers of the Bellinger was done by himself and hie men without the slightest confusion or delay. He says also that there were eleven hands on board all told, including Ciptain John M'KenKie, everyone of whom was British, and all of whom were quite sober until after tho Bellinger passengers got amongst them and introduced some liquor. Ho adds that all the signals of distress fired from the Presto were sent up by the crew of the barque, and that none of the Bellinger passengers touched any of the rockets. The passengers also express disappointment at the conduct of the captain of the Government steamer, Lady Loeh, which vessel was lying a convenient distance away. They consider that the communication from that vessel was long delayed, and remark that no answering rockets whatever were sent up from the Lady Loch. Further, it is alleged that the captain of tho Bellinger requested the captain of the Lady Loch to take the passengers away to Melbourne, and that he refused. Being on board the barque created some uneasiness amongst such a large number of persons, because it was feared that if a wind arose she would not be able to live in the sea. Another complaint is that from first to last there waa not the elighteat sign from Queenscliff. It was fuly expeoted, after the negligence of the watch kept there shown during the Gambier-Easby collision, that a sharper look-out would have been maintained. As it was, the Queenscliff lifeboat was never seen.

At the time of the collision the Prento was making fairly good way, although the wind was light. She was carrying a goodly spread of canvas, the whole being set with the exoeption of the spanker and gaff. The vessel was on the port tack. She was light at the time and stood high out of the water* being in ballast, bound for Wollongong to load ooal for Hokianga, in New Zealand, whence she would return with a cargo of timber. It is generally agreed that had the water been rough at the time, although it was inside the Heads, a serious sacrifice of human life must have ensued. So quickly did the Bellinger sink that there was no chance to get out her boata to be used effect. Aa soon as the steamer had settled down and the Presto was fonnd to be safe for the time being,- a boat from the latter was put out with the object of recovering

eftectsi A few belonging tfl both fieaffiea and passengers were saoured, but not many. The providore has lost all his clothing and a considerable quantity of stores whioh he had on board, besides other articles. The chief officer of the Prcßto states that as soon as things beoame settled on bvird his craft everything possible was done for the comfort of the Bellinger's people, especially for the women and children, who were accommodated in the cabin aft. At the time the oollision ooourred, shortly after eight o'clock, the night was dark, the moon not then having risen. THE BENDIOO TKAGEDY. The death of Miohael Guerin at Bendlgo turns out to be a case of suiolde and not murder as was at first supposed. An exami' nation of deceased's injuries by a surgeon showed dearly that ho had inflicted them himself through the agency of a dynamite cap. At the inquest tho evidence of Joseph Guerin, son of deceased, showed that Guerin had been drinking heavily sinoe his (deceased's) mother, died, about three months ago; that on Tuesday evening la3t when witness oame home he saw only his mother in the house, and that about 6.40 she said to him " Your father had no dinner. You had better take up this soup." He did bo, and found his father dead. He had seen dynamite caps in his father's possession about four months before, and deceased generally used a piece of fuse as a belt, when working. He was alwayß quiet when drunk, and had never in witness's hearing threatened suicide, David Guerin, another son, gave corroborative evidence, and added that thore had been no uoplemntneas in the family. Dr T. Murphy gave evidence to the effect that death was due to the explosion of a dynamite dap, and a verdict to this effect was re* turned. A SAD SUICIDE. A young woman named Ellen Lowe, who had been employed as a barmaid, committed suicide at a boarding-house in East Melbourne on Wednesday last under prou» liarly painful circumstances. About three weeks ago tho deceased, along with a friend named Rose Bitctnan, engaged a room at a boarding-bouse, No. 543 Victoria parade, E*st Melbourne, Prior to this her Companion had met tho deceased casually as a boarder at another establishment in the city, where thoy befiame friends. The information obtained of tho deceased by her fellowlodger as to her antecedents is of a very meagre character. According to her own statement, the deceased belonged to Oxford, England, where her parent* now reside. About twenty-six years of age, she had twice visited tho colony, the last visit to her parents in England being made about four yeas ago. Here she was without relations or friends, but amongst a number of papers found in her boxes several testimonials have been found which go to show that in different positions as housemaid in private families and as a barmaid in various hotels sho bad acquitted herself with credit and with satisfaction to her employers, The laßt position held by the deceased, so far as can at present be ascertained, was that of barmaid at the Royal Hotel, Echuca, and the peculiar fact now elicited is that it was news concerning someone at Echuca that induced her to commit suicide. Up till Wednesday last the deceased had not developed any melancholia, but on Wednesday morning, being without any money, she obtained from her companion a sum of 10s. Oa securing this amount the couple travelled to tho oity, and in Collins street the deceased met a gentleman, who had a conversation with her. It was subsequently learned that during the interview some news regarding friends in Echuca had been communicated to her, which had the "effect of greatly agitating her. On returning to their residenco in Victoria parade, her companion told the deceased that she had secured a situation, which she was expected to enter on tho following morning. This announcement had the effect of adding to tho agitation under which the deoeased was laboring, and without relatives or money sho felt that she was losing the only friend she had in tho city. On hearing this tne deceased exclaimed "If you leave me I will throw myself in the Yarra." B;yond regarding this as a mere ebullition of feeling, no further attention was paid to the threat. At eleven o'clock on Wednesday evening, on her attempting to open the door of the bedroom occupied by the deceased, it was found to be locked from within, and as there was no response to continuous knocking, tho other boarders in the houße were summoned, and it was decided to burst open the door. On entering the room the deceased was found lying on the floor. Sho had cut from her dress a lady's girdle, and, winding this round her neck, succeeded in strangling herself. At the kquost it transpired that the deceased had given birth to a child, probably a fortnight before her death, and the want of money and other troubles she comphined of aggravating her weakness induced a sort of puerperal mania. A verdict of death by strangulation, self-caused whilst of unsound mind, was returned. SHOOTING A KUKGLAK, Since the opening of the Tasmanian Exhibition various parts of the colony have received attention frcm most undesirable intercolonial visitors, who did somo active work, and would have done more but for the vigilance of tho detectives. The latest piece of work by a Melbourne visitor was done on Saturday morning at the Retreat Hotel, Invermay. The proprietor, Mr Geo. West, hearing a noise for several nights as if burglars were trying to enter through the front and si.de doors, decided to sleep in a room over tho main entrance to the hotel. He was armed, and a friend named M'Mastcr, occupying another apartment in tho rear of tho building, was also armed. About three o'clock West was aroused by M'Master, and hearing a noiso in front of the building the former left by the rear, and going round the building saw a man getting throngh a window. He jumped out on seeing Mr West, and Btruck him a violent blow with a heavy stone, stunning him for a moment. Recovering himself, Mr West fired at the man, who had started to run away, the shot taking effect in tho calf of the leg. The burglar, however, continued running, followed by West, who arouaed a constable. The fugitive was then lost to eight, but the conetable ran to tho Tamar bridge, the only thoroughfare to tho city, and finding from the constable there that no one had passed returned to search for tho burglar. He perceived a man trying to cross the bridgo unnoticed, closed with and arrested him. A medical man hurried around and advised that the gaol doctors be sent to the prkoner, who gave the name of Goorge Wilson and his age as thirty-Bix. He had lost a quantity of blood, and beoamc very weak, the limb stiffening, He is improving slowly in tho general hospital, under guard. West UEcd a Bixchambored revolver, which had been fully loaded. All the chambers were empty when it was examined. It is believed that in his excitement he fired the whole six charges, though he states himself that he only fired two or three shots. Wilson, who ia said to have been born in Belgium, of English parentage, has a hole right through his leg, the bullet having completely perforated it. a clergyman's suicide.

An inquest was held at Hobart yesterday on the body of the Rev, Edward Browne, which was found in the Domain on Saturday. The medical testimony showed that death was caused by prussic acid. Isabella Lumsden deposed that Mr Browne had lodged with her for a fortnight. On Thursday morning she told him she wanted his room, and he appeared aunoyed, and Bald "Never mind till next week." He then left, and never returned. He was not in arrears for the lodgings. He appeared eccentrie, and said he had no friends, that all had left him, and he was reduced to one meal a day. When the body was found 15s were in the pockets, also a memorandum setting forth that the deceased took 6gr of iodine of potasßium, which he brought from London for photographic purposes, and expressing a wish that hiß death should be hushed up. The jury returned a verdiet of suioide whilst Buffering from temporary insanity. THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL. Preparations are being made at the Melbourne Opera-house for the approaching season of the new London Gaiety Burlesque Company. Mr E. J. Lonnen, a popular London comedian, will make his first appearance with the company in Australia, whilst Miss Marian Hood, a member of the first company, will be among the returning players. The season will commence about the middle of May. The Melbourne season of the talented actress Mrs Bernard-Beere

{« rapidly df»«rfag tea elflse, and the last week of 'Fedora' la antionnßed. Next Saturday 'London Assurance' will bfl staged. The only ohange of programme at the, Melbourne theatres on Saturday was at the Royal, where Mr J. F. Sheridan appe&rod in ' The Shaughraun.' , The Beason of the Royal Gomio Wperii Company at the Princess's Theatre, where * Girmen' has been performed with increasing popularity during the week, is rapidly drawing to a close. The oompany is now entering upon its twenty-sixth week at this theatre, and their annual tour will necessitate their leaving Melbourne in a few weeks' time on a visit to Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane. At the termination of the season, however, Mr Williamson has arranged for another powerful musical attrac tioit An Italian and English opera company has been engaged, including Signor and Signora CuttiCa and all the principal members of the Italian Opera Oompany, which has just concluded a Very successful ten weeks' season in Sydney. Ihe intention of the management is to play those operas with whlSh Signor and. Sigdora Gttttica are moat favorably identified for ihrfe'S of four, nights in each week, the remaining nights of tho week to be devoted to the production of popular English operas by a specially seleoted coupany. A new melodrama entitled ' The Trumpet Csll' was produced at the Sydney Theatre ft>yal on Saturday night for the first time in Australia by tho Bland Holt oompany. The piece contains several powerful scenes, aud ia likely to become one cf the most popular in the company's repertoire The rovival of ' Captafa Swift * at the Criterion by the memberß of the Brough and Bottolcault Oompany was greeted by a largo and appreciative audience, and there is every promise that it will have a BUdcoßsfUl run. Mr G. W. Anson, the popular comedian, was tendered a farewell benefit matiu<se at tho Theatre Royal, Sydney, yesterday. The theatre was packed in every part, and the proceedings were marked by the utmost enthusiasm. Tho programme included representatives of every mußical and dramatic company in Sydney, and additional interest was afforded by tho appearance of Mr J. Toohey, M.L.A., after many years' absence from the stage, in the part of Richelieu, Prior to the performance of a farce entitled ' Puppets,' with which tho day's entertainment closed, the curtain was raised, and discloHedTthe stage crowded with well-known Sydney residents, Including several members of the Ministry. Alderman W. P. Manning, Mayor of Sydnoy, who had been selected as spokesman, then presented the beneficiaire with a cheque for L 250 and a handsome illuminated address. Mr Anson, in replying, thanked his fellow artists, thopreßS, and public for tho support they had accorded him during his seven yearß' residence in the colonies. He said, in conclusion, he hoped to return to Australia at not too distant a date, and revive recollections which must always be the moßt pleasant in his career. A farowell boneflt to the comedian is to take place at tho Bijou Theatre, Melbourne, on the 30th init. Signor Foli is accompanied by Mr Orlando Hurley, a tenor Binger, and he will commence a concert tour hore almost immediately. GENERAL. M. Leon Ferret, mining engineeer, in the service of the Russian Imperial Government, is at present on a visit to Victoria. U. Perret has a mission to inquire into tho Urious methods of gold extraction adopted in Australia. Id connection with Mr Dibbs's visit to England it has been determined that Attorney-General Barton shall be ActingPremier, and that Mr F. B. Suttor, tho Minister for Public Instruction, shall offioiato as Colonial Secretary while Mr Dibbs is away from the colony. _ The annual demonstration in honor of Eight Hours Day in Melbourne took place laot fhureday. A procession of fifty-two trade societies, followed by the eight hoim pioneers, paraded the principal streets, starting out from tho Trades Hall and finishing at tho Exhibition Building, the march occupying just an hour. Some sixteen bands of mußie and forty-eight silk banners accompanied the procession. There were many thousands of spectators along the route, and at the Exhibition there was a very large gathering, which filled every part of the grounds and buildings. His Excellency the Governor visited the Exhibition in the afternoon, and at a meeting with the officials some appropriate remarks were made. During the afternoon and evening athletic contests and bicyole races took place on the oval, and a concert was held in the main building. The pioneers of the Trades Hall, who for a number of years always occupied a prominent position at the eight hours demonstration, accompanied the procession as far as the Treasury, and then quietly made their way to tho Friendly Societies' Garden, the scene of former demonstrations. Tho proceedings there took tho form of a luncheon, and in connection with tho toasts which followed every speaker delivered himself, some in sorrow and some in anger, regarding the conduct of the "now unionists" at the Trades Hall. Mr J. Anderson wont so far as to say that there were men now connected with the Tradeß Hall who were either Socialists or Anarchists, and who, if they knew a man had a L 5 note in his pocket, would knock him down in order to get possession of it. This bold allegation was warmly cheered, as were mauy other condemnatory criticisms on the methods cf the new unionists at tbo Trades Hall.