THE LOST WARATAH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14208, 3 November 1909, Page 6

THE LOST WARATAH.

The sea has had many remarkable romances,' and it may be urged that the Waratah cannot be regarded as lost beyond hope until some definite evidence of its fate has been obtained. But the - overwhelming weight of the circumstantial evidence available renders it practically impossible, to come to'any other, conclusion than that this great steamer has been lost with all on board. It is this unavoidable - conclusion, arrived at after the most exhaustive search has been carried on for months, which sustains interest in the strange story of a burning vessel told by the Harlow. ' But whether . this was the Waratah or not, and whatever was the lost vessel's fate,, we cannot too earnestly emphasise the duty of our colonial Governments in the matter, of wireless ' telegraphy. Liners •of the Waratah class would invariably be fitted with installations if the system were in vogue throughout the regions where they trade. But until our Governments take decisive action we cannot expect all linersto be thus equipped, although the P. and 0. boats, which are coming to Auckland in the summer, possess wireless installations. If our Governments require any incentive to activity they should' find it in that intense sympathy which must move public opinion at the thought of this terrible and heart-rending, tragedy, which,- wherever it ; terminated, commenced within sight of land, and probably within sight of. friendly shipping. >