FIRE ON THE VOLTURNO

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 17 October 1913, Page 5

FIRE ON THE VOLTURNO

. D*UE TO CARBIDE.

(Psjess Association. —Copyright./

LONDON, Oct. 16.

The survivors from the Volturno at Rotterdam are agreed that the fire was caused' by an explosion of carbide of calcium.

They declare that the work of the fire fighters was so successful that the flames would undoubtedly have been extinguished if news of the approach of the liners' had not led the passengers and crew to abandon the task, believing that the arrival of relief meant safety.

STATEMENTS BY OFFICERS OF*

THE VOLTURNO

NEW YORK, Oct. 16

Mr Disselrran, third officer of the Volturno, believes that between 80 and SO passengers were trapped by .the first explosion, and killed or incinerated. He admits that some of the stokers were driven back to work at the point of the pistol. The Carmania did all that was possible, but boats were unable to live in the sea when the first ship arrived/ Mr Lloyd, the second officer of.. J the Volturno, interviewed, bitterly criticised •the failure of the-liners to send boats. Be declares that Captain Inch became desperate, and reauested volunteers to show the other captains that it was not impossible to'launch boats. Mr Lloyd arid three others volunteered, and got as far as the Grosser Kuxfurst when the boat was smashed and almost lost. Captain Inch'sent a wireless: "My God, mk cannot stand this long; send some boats." „ . The other captains replied : "We nave tried/our best; the sea is too heavy and no boat could live." • Asked whv the Carrran:a saved only one person, "Mr Lloyd said, "God. only knows; no boats were lowered by the Carmania, even after wo showed the way." Many of the Grosser Kurfurst's passengers corroborate this statement.

NO TRACE OF THE VOLTURNO

BELIEVED TO HAVE SUNK

(Received Oct. 17, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 16. The White Star liner Cymric searched for, but was unable to find, a trace of 'the Volturno. It is beli-ev-ed she has sunk.

"SEE THE CONQUERING HERO

COMES."

OVATION TO THE NARRAGANSETT

(Received Oct. 17, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 16.

; The oil steamer Narrangansett was greeted on arrival at Purfleet with a popular demonstration. A band aboard a tug played "See tho Conquering Hero Comes." The vessel's progress up the Thames was accompanied by ships' sirens and cheers from the crowds on the banks. The captain, states that he used only fifty tons of oil to calm the waters round the Volturno*..

A woman a photographer's studio, and said to the proprietor : "Do you take children's photos?" "Yes, certainly, madam." "How much do you charge?"

"A guinea a .dozen " "Well," said the woman, sorrowfully, "I shall have to see you again. I've only K°t eleven."

The town of Martinborough, in ;hs Wairarapa, is to be lighted by electricity, and the authorities have accepted the tender of Messrs Turnbull and Jones, of Wellington, for its installation (says the "Post"). The contract price is between £3OOO and £4OOO.