BOATING DISASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9125, 6 August 1888, Page 5

BOATING DISASTER.

TWO LIVES LOST. NARROW ESCAPE OF TWO MAORIS. ACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT. A STEAMER CHARTERED FOR THEIR RESCUE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Welu noton, Sunday. As intelligence was received here last ovening by Mr. Mitchelson that a boating accident had occurred at Kawerua, between Hokianga Heads and Mangonui Bluff, by which Mr. Wyatt, storekeeper at Kawerua, and one native, were drowned, and two natives had drifted out to sea clinging to the boat, I interviewed the Minister to-day on the subject to ascertain further particulars. It will be seen by the following narrative that the two natives clinging to the boat were subsequently drifted by the flood tide into the surf, and succeeded in reaching the shore, though badly knocked about. The prompt action of the Native Minister in chartering and despatching a .steamer from the Manukau on the doubtful chance of picking up the missing boat and saving the lives of tho two natives, will no doubt bo gratefully appreciated by the Northern tribes. The first tidings of the disaster were received last evening by Mr. Mitchelson from his brother at Dargaville, and about the same time a telegram reached Mr. T. \Y. Lewis, Undcr-Secretary of the Native Department, from Mr. Bishop, R.M. at Mangonui, acquainting him with tho disaster. Mr. Bishop, in a telegram at 4 o'clock, stated that ho had just received a message from tho telephonist at Rawene telephone station, informing him of the accident, which took place at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Mr. Jarvio, who is Mr. Wyatt's partner, had ridden in from Kawera to Omapere, a distance of twelve miles, where there is a telephone station, and reported the occurrence.

The water was so rough, in addition to which the settlers' boat was so smashed up in the surf that they were helpless to attempt a rescue. Mr. Bishop thought the only chance the natives had was to cling to the boat. As the steam launch at Hokianga could not cross the bar, the only way to rescue them was to despatch a steamer from the Manukau or Kaipara. Mr. Lewis, under the direction of the Native Minister, immediately sent an urgent telegram to the otticer in charge of the telegraph station at Auckland, requesting him to forward Mr. Bishop's telegram to Mr. Robortson, the harbour master at Onehunga, and obtain his opinion as to the probability of saving life if a steamer was despatched, also the cost, and when she could start. Mr. Heinus, assistant officer in charge at Auckland, telegraphed back that he was unable to rr e t telegraphic communication with Onehunga and Mangonui stations. He was at half-past six proceeding to Onehunga by train to see the harbourmaster personally, and would reply. Mr. Lewis also sent an urgent message to Mr. Lodder, at Newmarket, to see if there was a steamer available at Hokianjja, the Native Minister thinking that the Kaipara Steam Navigation Co. might have a steamer availabkTat that port. Mr. Lodder was unable to open up telegraphic communication with Helensville, it beinv a country station, ami nothing came of the negotiations. At eip-ht o'clock Mr. Hemus telegraphed from Onehunga that the harbourmaster of Onehunga, thought there Mas a chance of saving life if the steamer started. In three hours the Rowena could be secured, and could leave in a few hours, as soon as the crew were gathered together and coal shipped. Mr. Lewis thanked Mr. Hemus for his prompt action, and telegraphed by direction of the Native Minister to the Harbourmaster to arrange for the despatch of the Rowena, to give the captain such instructions as he deemed necessary. Meanwhile, the Premier had directed the telegraph stations at Auckland, Onehunga, and Mangonui to be kept open till released. At ten p.m. the harbourmaster telegraphed that he had arronged for the Rowena on the basis of the working expenses, and had given the captain what instructions he deemed advisable. This morning early Mr. Lewis opened up communication with Onehunpa, and ascertained that the Rowena had left at half-past five a.m., and had crossed the Manukau bar at nine o'clock in the morning. Information was also received from Mr. Bishop stating that the Maori drowned with Mr. Wyatt was To Marenga, and the native saved was Kingi Kaweranui, and a half-caste named Tai Tawhai,

The man saved were for many hours in the water. W'yatt clung to the boat, but was finally knocked oil' ami sank, as he could not swim. The boat drifted over a mile to the north, the witnesses on shore being unable to help, and was then gradually driven in by the flood tide. The men hung to (he boat till it was smashed upon the surf and rocks, and were badly knocked about in the surf before they readied land in safety. Mr. W'yatt was formerly connected in business with one of the brothers of the Hon. E. Mitchelson at Hokianga, but was lately carrying on business in partnership with Mr. Jarvie. A brother of Mr. Jarvie's was drowned at the same place some time ago while getting some stores landed from the steamer which called there. 1 understand that the deceased leaves a wife and family in fairly comfortable circumstances. He was a vent tiresome sailor, and went in and out of Hokianga Heads and Kaipara Heads under very risky circumstances.

Inspector Broham has received the following telegram from Mr. Bishop, of Mangonui, dated yesterday morning: — "George Wyatt and a nat ive were drowned, whilo two natives were saved, after having been many hours in the water. They are considerably knocked about. I have not the particulars as to how they were saved ; I presume that the boat they clung to was gradually borne ashore by the wind and tide. Wyatt clung to tho boat about half -an - hour, and was then washed off and drowned. The people on shore wore powerless to help, their own boat having been smashed by tho surf. Parties are now searching the beach for bodies." Inspector Broliam received a telegram asking him to engage and send up the Rowena to tho spot; but, on going down to do so, he found that the Rowena had already been engaged by the Government for the same purpose.