CROSSING THE BAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 29

CROSSING THE BAR.

OIL LAUNCH FATALITY. While crossing the bar at the mouth of the Oatlin's" River estuary on Monday, 17th iiist, the oil launch Shamrock "wa6 stove- in and capsized by a 6ea, and the occupants, Alfred E. Bates and Thomas Murray, found themselves struggling in the water. Clogged with their gum boots, the men were in the act of einking when they managed to scramble on to the partly submerged hull of the launch. Bates here managed to rid himself of his gum boots, and was in the act of helping Murray to get his off when another sea struck them from their hold. Murray, handicapped b-" his heavy boots, speedily became distreseed. Bates made two successive efforts to cave him, but both men went under each timo. Murray on again coming to the surface disappeared and Bates, after having paeeed an hour in the water, just managed to scramble ashore near Catlin's Heads, where, two hours afterwards, he was found by Miss Miller, and taken to the home- of her family, and cared for. The beaches have been searched for any traces of Murray, but so far without success. The two men were returning from fishing when the accident happened. According to a telegram received by the Inspector of Police, Mr Murray was 22 years of age, and leaves a widow and one child at Ahuriri. The launch, which was completely wrecked, belonged to Mr Bates. Search is still being made for the body of Thomas Murray, the man who was drowned! at the mouth of Catlin'6 River a few days ago, but &o far without success. Alfred Bates, the other man, who succeeded in making the shore, is making progress towards recovery, although he ie very much knocked about. The launch, with its engines and fittings, has been recovered. Murray was a single man, 22 years of age.

Api'opos the visit of colonial bishops a London writer says : " I should mention that it is not strictly correct to apply 'my Lord ' or ' Lordship ' to colonial bishops, ■although they do not object to it. The correct addres-s is, of course, ' tho Right Rev. the Bi-shcp of Wellington ' or ' tho Hight Rev. Bishop Walhs ' I noticed that when the Bishop of Dunodin was over here his photograph was given, and under it tho words ' his Lordship the Bishop of Dunedin. This was technical] v incorrect."