THS LATE COLLISION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 47, 7 February 1879, Page 2

THS LATE COLLISION.

A gentleman on the Huia when that boat recently collided with the Go-Ahead, (as reported in our last issue), informs us that tho affair created a good deal of stir on board, and spoilt the sleep of some of tho passengers for the rest of the night. The weathpr was fine, and both the ladies' and main saloons were crowded with passengers, all of whom had turned in, when voices were heard on deck, immediately followed by a heavy crash Tho passengers were violently shaken, and the glasses and lamps were knooked over. Upon rushing on •leek it was found a collision had occurred with the Go-Ahead, and the two vessels were lying to, ia order to ascertain if either had sustained very great damage, but as nothing serious was reported they procoeded upon their respective journeys. Wo believe Captain Holmes says he saw the Go-Ahead bearing down upon him, and that he called out to them to alter their course, when seeing the steamer coming dead on to him, he brought his own boat sharp round, and the two vessels thus struck at an angle and then glided off. Had this not been done, it is quite possible both steamers being of light construction \yould have surk at once, and we should probably have had to record great loss of life. Ad it was, a hole over two feet wide whs made in the bows of the Huia, though fortunately above the water mark. Ths night was clear and starlight, and both vessels had their masthead lights up. It is therefore difficult to account for | the collision. Tho cause of the accident may have been, that the Go-Ahead being under canvas, and probably no look out forward, the helmsman was unable to see the Iluia. Upon arrival at Wanganui, Captain Holmes' passengers handed him a testimonial expressing their admiration of his skilful seamanship during the affair.