SHIP WITH A HISTORY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17425, 25 November 1930, Page 5

SHIP WITH A HISTORY

FIGURED IN NOVEL ILL-FATED TAHITI The ill-fated Tahiti was formerly the I’ort Kingston, and at the time of the Tahiti disaster, Air. I’. .14. Cork ill, of Wellington, remembered his fellow countryman, Sir William Hull (’nine, writing “The Cruise ol the I’ort Kingston, ” Mr. Oorkili forwarded copies of an Auckland journal containing descriptions of the disaster to fiio distinguished author, and Sir Wilti:im has now replied: — •' ‘Dear Mr. <torkill: Tour letter of August 22 was handed to me on Sunday' bv my sister-in-law. I hasten to thank you for your kind thought* fulness in sending me the paper, by which 1 am enabled to identity in the ill-fated Tahiti lay old irieml the Port Kingston, the background of my book of i 9117, nit it led 1 The < Tuise ol the Port Kingston.’

“When I read tile thrilling account of the ship’s proud elfort to keep alloat, until help was ill hand, I had no idea that- this Tahiti was a vessel so closely interwoven in my own personal experiences. During the strain at, Jamaica following the earthquake, her decks were like an operating theatre. And, after a. week ol such service, she brought away all who cared, or had the means of paying for the voyage home. “Now she has gone to her .eternal rest, and 1 feel that something, lias o-otie out of me when i. think ol her reposing in the bosom of many waters of five far-stretching Pacific Ocean. “I have long lived in the. hope of setting eyes on your beaut it til bind, as to which my doctor- Haskins, ol Hampstead, by name, a native of. New Zealaud-is ever ready to expand, and instlv so. I mu convinced. (i \H good wishes and best thanks. AV RALPH HALL PAINE.