NO SIGN OF A PANIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15626, 4 June 1914, Page 7

NO SIGN OF A PANIC.

SAILORS BEHAVE NOBLY. DEFENOEOFTHE CAPTAIN. ABSTAINER ALL HIS LIFE. deceived June 3, 9.50 p.m.) Toronto, June 2. A statement published here that tho foreigners travelling in the steerage of the Empress of Ireland fought with knives when escape was barred, is denied by authority. The Canadian Pacific Company's marine superintendent (Mr. Welsh) says the crew behaved splendidly, and that there was little or no panic amongst the passengers, who seemed too dazed by the suddenness of the accident to cause a panic. Mr. Welsh also denies Mrs. Anderson's statement that Captain Kend-11 was drunk when he arrived on the Storstad, and maintains that Captain Kendall never drank intoxicating liquor once during his life. Mrs. Anderson, wife of the captain of the Storstad, further alleges that Commander Kendall arrived aboard the Storstad with a number of passengers whose legs and arms were broken. Commander Kendall, she declares, was so anxiouß to board the Bhip that he scrambled across the suffering people. The Canadian. Pacific marine, superintendent describes this story as a tissue of lie's. He is fully convinced that Captain Kendall in*

tended to go. down with his ship, and was only prevented by fate. When the Empress of Ireland heaved over Captain Kendall grasped the rail, intending to drown himself, but the imprisoned air blew up the bridge, throwing him into the water.