FIRE IN SHIP AT SEA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19131, 28 September 1936, Page 6

FIRE IN SHIP AT SEA

PASSENGER TELLS STORY

TRIBUTE TO CREW

\LL DESERVE MEDALS

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day

A vivid account of a, passenger's experience in the Orient liner Ormonde when the fire broke out in the No. 4 hatch on September 23 while the ship was between Melbourne and Sydney was given this morning by Mrs. 11. Fisher, who arrived by the Awatea from Sydney. "I cannot, sneak too highly of the work of the officers and crew nod stewards during the trying ordeal," she said. They were heroes all nnd should all be given medals. At no time was there any panic and the officers'and stewards did everything possible for the 320 passengers! the majority of whom were women and children."

The first indication that the passengers had of the mishap was when the Ormonde suddenly reduced speed and the engines were shut. off. Everyone rushed on <leek to see what had occurred and smoke was observed issuing! from ventilators in other parts of the ship, said Mrs. Fisher. The fears of the passengers were considerably allayed by the officers, who said that a "fire had occurred in one of the holds, but there was no great, danger. All. however, were ordered to don lifebelts and stand by the boat stations. The boats were suspended over the side. "It was a most trying experience to those of us who had little children, but the stewards were wonderful." said Mrs. Fisher. "My little girl was terrified when a lifebelt was fastened round her, but the steward, busy as he was, had a little talk with her and the child went on deck with mo quite happy, making sure that she took her doll ' Mrs. Fisher said that she and many of the passengers kept their lifebelts on all night and did not sleep a wink. The forward saloon was extensively damaged and looked as thought an earthquake had occurred. The fire was got under control and the Ormonde, which had put into Twofold Bay in the event of an emergency landing of the passengers, later proceed to Sydney. The majority of the New Zealand-bound passengers joined the Maunganui for Wellington.