WRECK OF THE KIA ORA.

Waikato Independent, Volume VI, Issue 385, 15 June 1907, Page 5

WRECK OF THE KIA ORA.

CAPTAIN AND TWO PASSENGERS DROWNED. (rail -PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, Yesterday. Great consternation was occasioned in Auckland when the news came to hand that the Northern Steamship Company's coastal boat Kia Ora was totally wrecked about thirty miles south of Kawhia yesterday morning, and three lives lost. The Kia Ora was bound from Waitara to Onchunga.via Kawhia and Raglan, and after striking she went clean out of sight. There were thirty souls aboard, and of this number Captain J. C. Blacklock (master of the boat) and Messrs Forbes and Ross were drowned. The survivors were with difficulty landed on the beach, where they have had a most trying lime without food or shelter of any kind. Kawhia, Yesterday. Great excitement was caused here where it became known tli'efc the screw steamer Kia Ora was a total wreck on the rocks off Te Rua Point, about thirty miles from here. Deep anxiety was felt here as to the fate of the Raglan passengers, Mrs N. R. Cox and Mr Basil Herdson, who were on board, but latest news, however, states that the passengers are safe on the rocks. Twenty-seven survivors are at present on the beach, in an almost inaccessible place, without clothing or food. Constable McCarthy and'a party have left with rugs and food for the scene of the wreck.

It is believed that the victim Forbes is a son of the late ex-Sergeant Forbes, whose relatives live at Hamilton. It is also stated that Mrs N. R. Cox, formerly of Hamilton, was amongst the passengers, but was fortunately included in the rescued.