THE TYRONE INQUIRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 57

THE TYRONE INQUIRY.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir,-The evidence in this inquiry has reminded mo that I can offer ovidonc# corroborative of that given anent tiio effect of tlio fog on the lights and the effect of <l current (from the north) on the steamer. On 22nd April, 1878, I travelled from Oamarn to Dunedin per U.S.S, .Samson Captain Eadie or Captain Malcolm (I for. get which). At sunset the fog overspread the sea, and for fully an hour the engines were at half-speed. When the distance to the Heads had been duly and carefully inn, and no lights hovo in sight, the captain and his companion on the bridge (Mr Henry Aitken, Oamarn agent for U.SS) became anxious. “Dead slow” was ordered and the tw r o kept excitedly peering forward. To me, leaning in the leo of the port paddle-box, appeared, high through the I'ipgmg between the masts, a reddish light. , .i> as * ‘t u light you’re looking tor.' Ihe agent retorted angrily; but the captain answered with a nod. i P.°* n ted to the light; the captain !?£, ’ saw ’ a,ld : mmediately telegraphed Full speed astern ! Before the steamer rr ,? un to retrograde that. Taiaroa Hoads light was abeam and in line with the bridge. When a mile out wo began to make another try for the entrance, and I was invited to the bridge and asked to make use of my eyes to tell when I saw a white light and a blue light in line. I asked where they should appear, and wan told, “Close by the foremast. ’ I did nol see them there, but, guessing that the same influence was at work as had previously taken the boat south of the Heads light, I looked to the starboard quarter, saw the first light, and reported it. The captain at once gave the man at the helm sufficient orders, and, all dangers being jiast, wo three retired to “splice the bainbraco.” Then the two. as an amusement after so much anxiety, began to barrack me, saying I would not reach Dunedin that night, as the fog would prevent steaming up. I said, “No; there will bo no fog on the water. It goes inland by the hilltops.” As we went on deck again we were passing the second light and lo I there was Pork Chalmers twinkling in the forward distance. I got the bod I had bespoke at the Criterion in Moray place. These currents from the north: their influence is not observed when there is no fog and the lights appear as guides to steer by; but when the boat goes slowly boggling forward through fog without a light to guide the steersman, they use their power to drag it southward. It is all quite natural, and must be kept in mind by those seeking to enter the harbour and by those making inquiries into future strandings. The second officer of the Tyrone, as a now chum to the Hoads, the coast, and the harbour, must be pardoned if he did noE itnow about that current. There are many others who arc ignorant of it. Should you, or any of your readers, desire to know it« origin, I shall be glad to make it the subject of a second letter.—l arn, etc., R. P. “Aldcrsyde,” Clarksville, October 24.