AN ILL-STARRED PICNIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1190, 21 December 1894, Page 19

AN ILL-STARRED PICNIC.

Sydney, December 19,

The people oh the steamer Princess, run down in the collision in the harbour, had been to a birthday picnic given to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the birth of Major Bridge’s twin daughters, one of whom, Marjorie, was drowned. . The only other fatality, was the loss of a child named Buckland, aged six years. A child named Ward and a nursegirl are in a critical condition.

The collision, occurred in daylight, otherwise there would have been heavy loss of life.

How the accident happened is inexplicable, as the. harbour is quite clear at the spot where it took place. After the impact there was a panic. The awning deck of the Princess collapsed, injuring a number of passengers. A little child was seen in the water right under the sponson, and Miss Javas, who was struggling in the water, saw the upturned face, and grabbing the little one, succeeded in raising it up above her, head a-t arm’s length. A hasty sea at the moment overwhelmed both the girl and the child, and the latter was seen no more. A soldier sprang in and rescued Miss Javas. A volunteer, named Borland, holder of the Royal Albert medal for bravery displayed at the submarine explosion which happened some time. ago at Middle Head, bravely rescued a lady. :i .- ... After the collision, lifebelts were promptly served out on the Princess.

Both vessels were going, at nearly full speed at the.time. The Princess had her bridge t carried overboard. Elizabeth Egan, a nurse, and a child named Leila Ward, have since died from the effects of injuries received in last night’s harbour collision. The steamer Princess was floated to-day.