THE NATIVE MINISTER AND MRS BALLANCE IN DANGER.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5882, 19 April 1886, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER AND MRS BALLANCE IN DANGER.

■ 1 ♦■ CAPTAIN PAIROHILD'S GOOD SEAMANSHIP. (POVERTY BAT HEBAIiD.) " During the embarkation of Mr Ballance and party from the Awanui, East Cape, considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of the Hinemoa and Ministerial party, and serious results were only avoided, by the admirable seamanship of Captain Fairohild, whose nerve and oooleneas does not seem to diminish in the least with increasing years. A stiff breeze and heavy sea had set in from the Bouth-east during the night, causing the steamer to keep a wide offing. On tho arrival of the Ministerial party from Wai-o matatini the signal was given when Fairohild with a low tide and heavy breaking sea brought the Hinemoa within almost touching distance of the rooks, and when near the entrance between the two reefs, dropped anchor to go in stern first, not having room to Blew inside the reefs. Just at this critical moment several heavy seas broke, causing the anchor to jump, and threatening to cast the steamer broadside upon the rooks, the rolling being tremendous. Fairchild, as usual, cool, ■ by the aid of uteam and chain managed to swing head to sea well wiUwr the reef. Mr and Mrs Ballance and Mr Lewis, Under-Sec-retory, then went off in a whaieboat, narrowly escaped being swamped by the heavy seas. On getting alongside Mrs Ballance attempted to aßcqnd the gangway sterjs, but slipped from the grasp of those holding her, falling back heavily into the boat, the next roll of 1 the ship causing the steps to strike her on the chest, whioh caused her to faint for a few seconds, The accident might have proved fatal had it not been for the ready aid of Mr Lewis, who himself was knocked down. The party, after some further difficulty, managed, to get on board, when the Hinemoa steamed safely away between rocks and broken water, greatly to the relief of the spectators on chore, who all agreed that none but Fairohild could have done it. A telegram to;day (Saturday, the 10th) states that Mrs Ballanoe has quite recovered."