ANOTHER GRAPHIC ACCOUNT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2779, 19 June 1907, Page 32

ANOTHER GRAPHIC ACCOUNT.

COOLNESS OF THE CAPTAIN. Tho telegram from Kawhia on Saturday states: A man has just arrived from the scene of the wreck. He provides the following details :— There was a very heavy fog on Wednesday night, which did not clear but got worse. The steamer went dead slow. Mr de Wolfe, the first mate, was on the bridge till midnight, and was relieved then by the second officer, Mr Robinson, who wfs on watch when the vessel struck. One of the two lifeboats was smashed on the rocks. The captain showed great coolness, and ordered coftee for the passengers. Shortly afterwards Engineer Bagg6trom came on the bridge and announced that the vessel was making water. Everybody had been aroused by the impact, and some were thrown out of their bunks. Lifebelts were handed round, and the second boat was got ready for the women and children. It went oft under the chief officer. Before the boat got far the Kia Ora SLIPPED OFF THE REEF, and went down stern first. The suction nearly drew the beat in. The male passengers and the crew jumped into the water and the raft previously let loose floated off. Many got on it. and others clung to loose wreckage. Forbes, Ross, and Captain Blacklock were never seen again. A passenger named Kavanagh was picked up two hours afterwards on a bag of chaff. This man, who was reported to be lame, displayed more than ordinary courage and coolness, and did great work in getting the women and children safely away. Another man, who had his leg broken, was picked up by the boat. Engineer Baggstrom was also hurt considerably, but his fractured limb was set. The survivors in the boat sang "Home, sweet home" and other songs. The stewardess Miss Kellar, inspired confidence, asking them to sing. When she landed on the beach she broke clown completely. The boat did not reach the shore until daylight. The night was cold, and all wero in their ni^ht clothinq-. but fortunately tho sea was calm. News was sent to Marokopa, and Messrs Shearer (a settler), Willison, Lane, and Roach nacked on six horse loads of clothing and tucker, and Mr Rose, J.P.. forwvrded a special messenger to Kawhio. The women and children received kind attention at Mr Shearer's. GENERAL, ITEMS. There may be difficulty in getting them to Kawhia. as the traclc is bad and a hi2-h hill muat be crcfsod. It is not expected that the eurvivors will roach here for some time Some have walked to Marolcopa. on the way hero. They are in a delapidat-rd condition, with hardly any clothes. The survivors spe-ak highly of the conduct of all aboard. It is supDO?ed the three cloompd men wore caught in the rigging. The sea off the rock is very deep, and there is no trace of the- Kia Ora. The flags aro flying at h-Uf mast and business practically suspended. No bodies have boon i"cov«red.