FATAL ACCIDENT AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 657, 4 November 1899, Page 2

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CHRISTCHURCH.

A BALLONIST DROWNED. . " Captain " Lorraine, the balloon parachutist whose exhibitions have created great interest in Christchurch, was tendered a benefit on Thursday afternoon. The mayor and prominent citizens gave it their patronage, and the exhibition was splendidly organised. Thankful to the aitizens for their generosity, Lorraine determined that on this occasion he would attempt to surpass all his previous efforts in ballooning. He proposed, if the conditions were favorable, to mount higher than ever and to vary the parachute descent by evolutious on a suspended.trapeze. The ascent was announced for 4 o'clock, and there was a large gathering at Lancaster Park. Lorraine was in the gayest mood and everything seemed to favor his adventure. When the balloon was set free, however, the parachute by some means fouled and hung below. Lorraine clung to it, but tht strain proving too great, had to let go. Then the balloon went up with a great rush and a rising no th-west wind carried it speedily towards. Sunoner. Lorraine appeared to be drawing the netting down on one side and to be climbing up to the silk balloon. Then it was remembered that he had no knife with him ; that he' bad had to borrow one to cut a string. His only chance seemed to be in his own nerve and strength. If he could turn the balloon ever so slightly, so as to allow the gas to escape gradually, he would doscend. The balloon travelled out beyond the coast line, and at a quarter to five became invisible, and the fate of the osronaut a matter of conjecture. The sigaalrnan at the heads, however, who had been watching Lorraine, saw him fall into the sea near the Port Levy rocks, and boats were sent to his rescue. It seems that Lorraine sat for some time on the balloon, which remained buoyant in the water, but subsequently sank. On latest advices the balloonist was swimming towards the heads, from which two boats were proceeding. At 5.30 p.m. Captain Clark received a message irom the pilot station that Lorraine was seen to disappear in the water. A~boat from the station pulled over the spot but discovered no trace of him, and the tug returned having seen no sign of him.