THE DISASTER IN HOBSON’S BAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2249, 3 September 1891, Page 1

THE DISASTER IN HOBSON’S BAY.

Melbourne, Aug. 31. Mrs Davidson had two children on board the Gambler, both of whom were drowned.

Grave charges of inaction are brought against the captain of the Easby, and the chief engineer of the Gambier says that if the Easby had promptly lowered her boats not five people would have been drowned. It looked as if they were afraid their own vessel would sink.

Many cases of herqsim have been revealed, one of that of a lad of fourteen named Arvie Jaalger who was travelling with Miss Kelly when the collision occurred. His first thought was for his guardian. He took her on deck and tried to get her into the boats but failed owing to the confusion which existed. Leaving her on deck he said, “ Wait here, and I will go below and get a life belt.” He rushed away, and while below the vessel sunk. He was seen no more. Miss Kelly was among those saved. Another whose conduct stands out for honorable mention is George Martin, a steerage passenger, formerly resident of Auckland, He acted with great nerve and good judgment, and saved the lives of several people, among them being Mrs Robinson, a steerage passenger, Thomas Phillips, and Joseph Rorke, besides three children. Harriet Nuttall, who was in charge of these children, shares with Martin the honor of saving them. September 1. ' Two steerage passengers, named Miller and Quinn, who were reportedto be drowned in the Garabier,travelled by another steamer. This reduces the list of casualties to 21. A passenger by the Gambler controverts the statement that the Easby’s people were slow in coming to the rescue. He alleges that the lashings of the Gambler’s boats rendered it impossible to lower them in less than ten minutes.