The Missing Steamer

Southland Times, Issue 11653, 6 February 1891, Page 2

The Missing Steamer

RENEWED SEARCH ORDERED. Our Bluff correspondent writes to correct an error in his report of his interview with Captain Fairehild wiih reference to the s.b. Kakanui aa published yesterday. In taking notes of the Captain's information, he understood him to refer to Mr Hatch's men on the island when he repeated what Mr Melliah had told him (Captain Fairchild), which was to the effect that they had vowed that if they were once safely back in New Zealand again nothing would induce them to return to the Mauquaries. It now appears that Captain Fairchild was referring to the crew of the Kakanui (or some members of it) and it was they who made the statement to Mr Mellish when he boarded the missing steamer. From this it would beein that although the Kakanui had made a fast passage to the islands those on board of her had experienced something, either in the behaviour of the vessel or in the weather and sea conditions, that made them apprehensive and desirous of being safely back at the Bluff. At yesterday evening's meeting of the Invercargill Borough Council reference was made to the necessity for a further search being made. — Councillor McFarlane said he had heard that afternoon that instead of the Hinemoa being provisioned and sent off on a further search she had sailed away to the north. He was anxious that the Council should make a strong effort to get the Government to send her in search of the survivors, if any there were. In his opinion a telagram ought at once to be sent urging this on the Government, as it was greatly to be deplored if the Hinemoa went away and made no further effort to find the missing people. He moved that a telegram be sent to the Government urging that the Hinemoa be sent to search the Campbell and the other islands for the Kakanui or any survivors. — Councillor Froggatt seconded the motion. He quite agreed with Councillor McFarlane's remarks, and said that while it was scarcely probable there was a possibility that all were not lost. While such a possibility existed delays were dangerous as the men might be perishing for want of foad. — Councillor McLean approved of the motion for several reasons, one being that the Kakanui might be ar the Campbell Islands, oi even at a part of the Aucklands which the Hinemoa had not searched. — Councillor Storie asked if there was anything before the Council to show that Captain Fairchild had neglected his duty. Ihe motion seemed to him to be one of censure. — Councillor McFarlane said no censure was meant. It was simply this that Captain Fairchild had been allowed to leave the port without receiving instructions to make a further search. — Councillor Stead said he certainly did not understand that any censure was meant. Captain Fairchild had come back to the Bluff not knowing but the Kakanui, wl.i.ii had safely left the Macquaries, might !>■; there before him. — The Mayor thorou- ly endorsed the motion, and thought then- -Mould be censure, censure on the Government for not at once sending the Hineni'>,i back to search all the islands. — The motion was then put and carried uuanimously. In this connection it may be st?.ted that Mr McFarlane had been misinformed as the Hinemoa was at the Bluff last night, and it will be seen from a telegram appended that the Government have ordered her to the Campbell Islands to make further search. (Per Press Association). Dunedin, Feb. 5. Mr F. R. Chapman telegraphed to Capt. Fairchild with reference to searching the Antipodes Islands for the s.s. Kakanui, and has received in reply the following : — " I don't think searching the Antipodes would be of the slightest use. I would recommend searching the Campbell Islands and we could call at the Aucklands again when passing, but we searched the Aucklands well on the 25ih and 2tjth ; went into every b:iy and all round the cliffs, but the Kakanui may have got there since." Steps are being taken to raise funds for the relief of the families of those on board the Kakanui, many of them being in destitute circumstances. Wjrllinqton, Feb. 5. The Government have decided to send the s.s. Hinemoa to the Campbell Islands to search for the missing steamer Kakanui.