WRECK OF THE KIA ORA.

West Coast Times, Issue 14140, 17 June 1907, Page 3

WRECK OF THE KIA ORA.

Interprovl n vial

(Per United Press Association.)

Later Particulars.

New Plymouth, June 15

Nofuither particulars are available re« gardiog the Joss of life by tbe wreck of the Kia O:a. Tbe sbippitg office only accounts for 32 passengers aud tbe crew having left Waitay, fo that if this is correct five have been lost. Most likely, however, some wect aboard 'without booking, and already one survivor has tamed up at Kawhia whose name does not appear on tbe passenger list. Ie may be that the second steward's estimate that 36 were aboard ia a correct one.

It is not known whether there were any additional to those who made tbe ■bore, bnt tbe boat and raft heve turned op. Magnus Forbes, who was drowned while swimming to the boat, was a well known Taranaki farmer, who had also a large holding in thd Kawbia distriot. As offering an explanation why tbe Kia Ora was closer in shore than she ought to have been, it is suggested that there is a stronger set iv towards tbe shore than tbete used to be. This has been noticed lately by Oaptain Norbury and Captain Hood. Tbe latter also points out that contrary to the old theory that the current on the coait sets northwards, tbe only wreokage from the Kia Ora yet found was picked up eeveral miles to the southwards

One of the Kia Ora'a paassngers, W Lash, arrived at Wa'tara on Saturday by tbe launsh Kotahi from Marokapa. In his account of tbe disaster, he states that on the vessel striking, coffee was immediately ordered and- served to tbe women and children. He states that there were eleven aboard tbe raft and twenty on the boat. This accounts for three more saved, and with the rescued members of the Bbip's company accounted for, wonld reduce the loss of life to five at moat. One pvsseuger, Kavinagb, was picked up floating on a bale of chaff, two hours after tbe shipwreck. Partridge was the passenger whose leg was broken, and he was picked up in the water. The leg was temporarily set by Mr Bagetroom, who Was also considerably hurt. Tbe suivivors in the boat sang " Home Sweet Home " and other songs, the stewardess, Miss Kellur, inspiring confidence and leading them. Her conduct is highly spoken of. She collapsed on reaching shore.

A late telegram from Kawhia autici pates difficulty in bringing the survivors* there, owing to the almost impassable tracks. Nobodies have been recovered.

Auckland, June 16

Thbmaa Chambers, A.B. on the Kta Or*, said, on being interviewed ; " When the ctash ca-na; all rushed ou deck. They got the boats ready, and swung them out, The two boats were swung out, snd the women and children put into one and got away safely, While we were getting one bo»t away, another went "about" aad got smashed. The poop and deck were submerged fi.et, and the the captain's bridge went under. A.wo others and myself (the captain included) we~e getting off the top of tbe bridge, when the tea caught us and omied us away. I was thrown on to tbe aide and the oaptain iutajthe middle of the bridge. Then I was tarried right •way, and partly sucked down by the water. I got hold of an oar, and did not see any more of the cap'.ain*"

He further stated that be b»3 one of those Who got on the raft. There nai not any great exhitement nor panic. The fortitude of all right through, and especially the women, was most noteworthy. Among the party, was an old lady, Mrs Cox, of Raglan. Chambers says 27 were saved, but he could not tell the names. Similar statements wcra made by other members of th* crew. Mr Ranson, Manager for^the Northern Gompmy, cays the others will be got off without dolay. The engagement of the crew terminates with lha loss of the vessel, but the Company will be responsible for any of the crew trho may need to go to tbe hospital -