SHIPWRECKED.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 13714, 2 October 1908, Page 5

SHIPWRECKED.

THE LOSS OF THE AEON.

CASTAWAYS AT SUVA,

Hress Association-By TeJeerapb -Copyright SUYA, October 1.

Fifty-four of the Aeon castaways, including 55 Ch'nese, have arrived aL Suva, well.

The Aeon struck at 9.50 on the night of July 18th. The captain estimated that he was twenty miles clear of danger, and attributed the accidents to currents. Life preservers were supplied, and the boats were got ready. There wa; splendid behaviour on ine part- of the crew and passengers. The captain took soundings, and decided to wait till daylight, but no one on board had any sleep, all waiting to take the boats ;f necessary. When daylight showed, the 'shore was seen to be 500 yards distant. The land wri> merely a desert Island. A boat under the first officer went- ashore, and secured a cable for the boats with passengers. The ladies and children went first. • They spent- the. day without food, and exposed to the sun. Three canvas tents were erected for the ladies, and the ■officers and crew then had snpper. Thenwas plenty of fond, including tinned meats, biscuits, and tea. There was no. living thing on the island, not even mosqu'tos. A condenser was rigged up. and supple mented the local supply of water, which was .strong with lime. Fine strong south-east weather prevailed. The crew built eight tents, one hospital tent for Mrs Patrick, to whom a baby girl was born-twenty-four hours before the Manuka entered Suva. ' There was a trained nun o and every -convenience at. jihq confinement.

The Aeon ran emoolhly on to a coral rock at Christmas -oland. The night way very dark, and the current strong. The engines were Tcept running astern for ai. hour and a half, bat the w'nii swung the steamer broadside on to the reef.

Ihe Aeon- lies on an even keel, but her recovery is hopeless. . Her bottom is knocked out, and sh? is full of water. Given good .weather, much of the cargr. may bs yave-d. The Manuka ako brought 500 bags ol Ihe Aeon'r, mails.

'The Manuka arrived on .September 22nd. and found th? castaways all well, and delighted at succour coming so soon. Th? skilful manner in whhh the Manuka was handled by Captain iMorrisby and his officers all night oir the dangerous shore, with a strong current running, and ji embarking the., passengers and mails without the slightest mishap, excited the greatest admiration of the passengers, who passed a resolution of commendation.

The passengers embarked safely after f p.m., despite a jumping sea. which made the conveyance of Mi's Patrick and her baby especially difficult.

The American supply ship Solace takes the Aeon's Sampan parsengers, and rejoins the cruiser fleet at Honolulu.

A PASSENGER'S NARRATIVE.

CHINESE CREW USELESS.

SUVA. October 1. A lady pr.Gsenger by the A?on .states: "It Was a dark night when- the wreck occurred, and great tonfewion prevailed. The Chinese grabbed all the lifebelts and did nothing for anyone but the captain. Thj boats could not be lowered at first owing to the panic among the, Chinese crew. ' The captain kept very cool, and finally all. were provided with belt.". None of us dared go below, and waited or, deck till daylight, when we were rejoiced to see land, though il wan bare and desolate. The Clrnese looted the wreck. The captain ordered them on". They refused to do any shore work. There* wa; always w European guarding the Chinee, who ww armed with knive:; and pistol-, got from th-e cargo. Life on the island was very wearisome, the only incident being the utohiug of a wild "cat."