ATHENIA SURVIVORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 October 1939, Page 4

ATHENIA SURVIVORS

ARRIVALS AT AUCKLAND. [FEB PBJEBS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, October 16. The first of the survivors of the Athenia disaster to reach New Zealand, Mrs T. Newcombe, an IrishCanadian, with, her family of two children, Clive and Jean, arrived at Auckland with the tragedy of the liner’s loss still fresh in her memory. Mrs Newcombe felt nothing but relief at reaching a haven where the war has not the same sharp effect on life. “There was no panic when orders were given to man the lifeboats on the Athenia.” said Mrs Newcombe. “Everyone had been dulled by the shock, and the work of placing them in open boats was just like moving- sheep.” For six hours, with, her two children, she was in a. crowded boat, which pitched and swung in the heavy Atlantic swell, her position being shown by the use of flares. The children showed little fear at the time of the explosion or during the harassing hours on the open sea. “They were very good,” said Mrs Newcombe proudly. “In fact, I could not. help feeling surprised at them.” The Norwegian motor-ship Knute Nelson, which arrived at the scene some hours after the sinking, picked up the lifeboat containing the party, and stood by to render further assistance. When all hope of further rescue was lost the vessel headed for Galway. After spending some days there the party joined a ship tor Glasgow. and a few days later were able to connect with the Duchess of Atholl at. Liverpool for the Atlantic crossing. ; Mrs Newcombe, commenting on denials that a shot had been fired at 1 the stricken liner, said one shot, a ' light shell, was tired in an atempt to 1 bring down the Atbenia’s wireless 1 equipment. The journey from Britain - was made by the family to join Mr 1 Newcombe, who has been in New Zea- < land for some time. They will reside in Wellington. I