THE TAVIUNI IN A CYCLONE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10575, 16 October 1897, Page 5

THE TAVIUNI IN A CYCLONE.

LOSS OP THE SECOND OFFICER. . A TRYING EXPERIENCE. ADDRESS TO CAPTAIN SMITH. The Union Company's steamer Taviuni arrived from Sydney and the Islands last night with a number of passengers and a large cargo of raw sugar, fruit, etc Further particulars came to hand as to the cyclone encountered and the loss of the second officer. On leaving Sydney the steamer encountered a moderate south-east breeze, which freshened into an easterly gale on the 25th, and that night the wind changed to north-west and blew a heavy gale from that quarter all day on the 20th. At 1.30 p.m. Mr. H. Roe, the second officer, whilst engaged making the starboard ash shoot fast, which had come adrift, was leaning over the side when the ship gave a heavy lurch, and he, losing his hold, went overboard. Lifebuoys were thrown, tlio passengers sent below, and the ship brought to, but nothing could be done, as the unfortunate officer failed to reach any of the buoys, and being closed in oilskins and having sea boots on was seen to go down not long after ho was in the water, The port lifeboat was prepared andjswung ready for lowering, but owing to the heavy sea running it was useloss to lower it when nothing could be seen. As the ship rounded to, an immense sea struck the side which smashed some of the ports, and in one iostanco smashed the bulkhead of a room out opposite the port. For two hours the ship cruised about the scene of the accident and then continued her course to Fiji. From this to leaving Tonga fine weather was experienced. From Tonga moderate westerly winds prevailed to the arrival of the vessel in Auckland, with heavy south-westerly swell on tho 13th and 14th instant. Mr, W. Roe, the late second officer, was 27 yetirs of age, and a native of Sydney, where Ilia knottier and two sisteis reside, The deceased, who was a general favourite, had served in a number of vessels in the Uulon S.S. Company's fleet, and was well known in all the trades, so that his numerous friends will deeply regret to hear of his sudden death. ~ „ .. Just before the steamer reached Suva, the following address was presented to Captain R. E. Smith, commander of the Tavjuni i-» On the sea, 29th September, 1897, lab 21'18 8., long. 175.29 E. To R. E. Smith, Esq., commander of the U.S.S, Co. s steamer Taviuni. Dear Buy-Bef«:v ■• ling at the port of Suva, which we am i. j.proachtng, wo desire to express our npjn - '-lawn of your efforts to ensure our safety ami promote oar comfort. During the cyclone we encountered on Sunday last, when your second officer, by sad misfortune, was washed overboard and lost, the efforts you made to recover your comrade as well as your courage and skill in bringing the lavium through the perils of the storm challenged our admiration. Trusting that you and your brave officers and crew may long be spared to participate iu upholding the honour of our mercantile marine and with all other good wishes.— remain, on behalf of the pa* sengurs, gratefully yours, Samuel Cook,