APPALLING DISASTER.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 306, 25 June 1898, Page 3

APPALLING DISASTER.

(IJY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT) London, June 21. WHILE the warship Albion was being launched at Blackwall the stagiug collaped, and many aboards were submerged and several drowned. London, June 23. The warship Albion was launched from tho Thames Iron "Works and Shipbuilding Company's works to-day. Among those present were tho Duke and Duchess of York, Sir W. liarcourt, Lord Brassey a number of foreign Ambassadors and many members of the Houso of Commons. The Duchess of York, who performed the christening ceremony made three unsuccessful attempts to break tho bottle of champagne on th 2 battleship's bow. The vessel's approach to the water was the signal for a great outburst of cheering and the guests having departed a general holiday was proclaimed at tho yards. The workmen and their wives and familes had massed at all points from which a view of the launching was obtainable Despite the efforts of the police and warnings placarded in conspicuous positions 200 occupied an old wooden bridge. As the vessel entered the water a huge backwash rose high above the bridge, and swept the occupants into water twelve feet deep, and a terrible scene ensued. Owing to the shrieking of steam syrens, on board the vessels in the neighbourhood, the departing guests did not hear the cries of the drowning. Prompt and gallant attempts were made to rescue those in the water. Many workmen dived from the quay walls and brought out- numbers of screaming women with babies in their arms, and boats saved many others. One gallant sailor rescued six. And one boat rescued fifty. The greatesr confusion prevailed. Officials of the St John Ambulance succeeded in reviving four by artificial respiration, and altogether 25 were revived after being taken out of the water. Thirty-sis bodies, so far, have been recovered. Upon receiving tho news the Duke and Duchess of York telegraphed their deepest condolence. Later. The majority of the victims of the Albion disaster were women. The Duke and Duchess of York an 3 Mr croschen were chatting for a quarter of an hour, within a hundred and fifty yards of the scene, without hearing it. Sailors aboard the Albion foresaw what happened and threw outs buoys before hand. The Thames Ironworks Company have opened a relief fund for the sufferers by the catastrophe at tho launching of the warship Albion, and head the list with a subscription of £IOOO. The Queen has sent a message expressing her deep sympathy.