NO LIVES LOST.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5335, 2 November 1885, Page 4

NO LIVES LOST.

[united press association.] . Gisborne, November. l. Great sensation was caused when the Wairarapa steamed into the bay about six this morning, and dense volumes of smoke were seen issuing from about a third of the length of the vessel amidships. The steamer came, unusually close to shore, sounding signals of distress with her whistle. Immediately the anchor dropped, the ship's were lowered, aud the crew and passengers were seen getting into them. The steam tender Noko went off immediately and assisted in getting out the passengers, and all were soon landed on the beach in safety, many however with only the bed clothes wrapped around them. There were about 100 passengers for here, Auckland, and Sydney, and on arrival on shore they were taken in busses and cabs to the various hotels. Boats went off from the shore to the vessel about half a mile distant. Smoke continued to belch out in dense masses, and on arrival on board all hands were found straining every nerve to subdue the fire, the fire-engine working its hard- . est, and buckets being used over the side. The Wairirapa left Napier at half-past nine o'clock last night, and came along under easy steam as usual to arrive here at daylight. The day was beautifully calm and fine, and at four this morning, just at daylight, when a few miles south of Neck's Head, the alarm of fire was raised. All the passengers were awakened with the utmost expedition, but some of the cabins were already filled with smoke, and several of the passengers were nearly suffopated before they could escape. All hurried on deck through the smoke and flames, taking what clothes and effects they could catch, all remaining on deck til arrival in the bay. Meantime all the crew had turned to their allotted stations under Captain Chatfield, and chief officer Anderson, to combat the fire, which was found had originated in the linen closet, and from there it had spread along to the ladies' cabm. The fire had a pretty good hold when discovered, and despite the utmost efforts to subdue it, it travelled aft, and spread the whole width of the ship. It worked through into the hold and to the upper deck into the kitchen and rooms adjacent, and up through the ventilators. The plates on both sides of the vessel got red hot, and part dropped off. The iron ventilators also got . red hot. A number of fire extinguishers and hand grenades were taken off from the shore to assist in fighting with the fire, : iwhich kept up with unabated energy "un]bil|^quarter to nine, when the chief officieii^reported it had been got under, and tiuere was no fear of .the loss of the ship. 'It, had been feared for several hours that there was no hope of saving the vessel, and a proposal had been made to beach her. On inspection after the fire was got under, it was found that the whole centre of the ship for about one fourth of her length was completely gutted, all the pitch and paint sealed off, the flames shot up through the skylights, which were destroyed. As soon as the fire was subdued they began to clear away ; and in order to pump the water out a hand engine was sent off from the shore to assist. The dock presented a great scene of confusion — luggage, furniture, life belts, and bedding being strewed everywhere. It is not known what caused the fire, but the most plausible suggestion seems to be that some one must have gone into the linen room in the evening with a lighted match and dropped it, and that the linen smouldered some hours before the fire broke out. Captain Chatfield states that the men all worked splendidly, and the passengers say that great order and good discipline were shown. There was not much excitement or fear shown by the prssengers, the shore being so near, and being daylight Some 'ladies, however, were greatly alarmed for a time. Some passengers lost nearly all their effects. It is reported that several were injured by the heat. It is computed that it will cost at least five thousand to repair the vessel. Owing to the wires being down between here 1 and Napier at the' time the intelligence of the. disaster could not be sent away at once ; but they were got to work about ten. After working a few minutes the wire was down again, but subsequently it was got up. It is believed that the steamer will be sent back to Dunedin to refit, another steamer being sent to take on the passengers. The engines and machinery are unhuit, and the vessel could go on, but there is no accommodation for passengers. Fortunately the number of passengers was unusually small for the Wairarapa. The pumping gear and donkey engines worked splendedly. A number of persons who were on board say that if a few hand grenades were available when first discovered the fire could have been easily got under, but it obtained a good hold before the extinguishing apparatus got into play. The boats were readily lowered without accident.

There is not much more to add in regard to the Wairapa disaster. The ship's pumps worked continuously "and had nearly all the water out by 2 o'clock, and the vessel regained an upright position. Jt is not known what her movements will be, but captain chatfield is awiting orders from Dunedin. Food was sent off to the crew from shore. The passengers, who were but partly clothe!, have had their wants supplied from loans and from one of the shops, which was opened for the occasion. It has been found that one of the stewardesses is rather seriously burned on hand and back, otherwise there are no injuries of a serious nature. The main deck is on the level of the saloon, and is only burnt through in one place, a large hole in the passage across the vessel near the engine room. Not much injury is done to the cargo by the fire. Many of the passengers sustain losses in clothing and effects. Commercial travellers lost a good deal in samples. The crew have beeen this afternoon clearing away the debris and throwing it over the side, and things are now beginning to look as ship-shape as can be expected in the circumstances. The weather has been remarkably fine, and the sea in the bay is quite smooth. All the passengers speak in the highest possible terms of the coolness and: energy of the captain, officers, and crew, and say that there was the utmost order and discipline.

News fromLyeil states that a highly promising make of stone has been cut in the north end of the Crcesus mine.