“JUST BAD LUCK.

Wairarapa Age, 10 August 1935, Page 5

“JUST BAD LUCK.

LINER NIAGARA’S MISHAP. EXPERIENCES OF PASSENGERS. AUCKLAND, August 9. The story of the Niagara’s collision on July 17 was told by passengers who arrived by the Mariposa to-day. “It was just one of those bad luck accidents that may happen at any time,” said a Sydney merchant. The collision occurred a few minutes after 8 o’clock when the ship was three hours out from Victoria, B.C. There was heavy fog and both the Niagara and the motor-ship King Egbert were on their correct courses and blowing their sirens frequently. There was a terrific crash, followed by a loud grating sound. The King Egbert struck the Niagara on the port side, shearing away a length of railing on C deck. The superstructure was damaged and several plates buckled above the waterline. The King Egbert’s bow was severely damaged.

Within two minutes the Niagara’s crew were at emergency stations and the boats were swung out, but it was soon seen that launching was not necessary. No official order was given to don the lifebelts, but a number of passengers did so. There was no suggestion of panic, though some of the more elderly women were badly frightened. It was fortunate that the other ship was not loaded and also that the Niagara was struck at a point where she was particularly strong. Captain Hill enjoyed the confidence of all and the conduct of the officers and crew eould not be praised too highly.

The Prime Minister of Australia (the Rt. Hon. J. A. Lyons) was inclined to treat the accident lightly, although the point of the impact was near hfe cabin. After satisfying himself that there was no serious danger, he went to bed.

The Niagara’s repairs completed, she left Vancouver on August I.—(P.A.)