THE TARAWERA FIRE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12001, 19 October 1906, Page 5

THE TARAWERA FIRE.

» (Per United Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 18. Mr Bligh, continuing, said the behaviour of the officers and crew was simply perfect, and they fought the fire without the least sign of excitement. While the steamer was stopped we drifted 86 milea from the land, with a probability of having to desert the vessel in the boats. W 7 hen the passengers came up from the main deck cabins they declared that the smoke and heat were becoming intolerable, but they were unable to arrive at anything definite as to the extent of the fire. "I suppose we were on deck about an hour and a half when the crew obtained control. They quickly reduced the flames, but before this was accomplished some six or seven feet of water was poured into the hatch. I have not been able to gather the extent of the injury, but it was remarked after the fire was suppressed that the whole space under the saloon was a seething mass of flames. There was nothing on board, so far as ib known, which was likely to cause spontaneous combustion. Isrfor arrival in Auckland, Mr BLierh, on behalf of the passengers, presented tf> the captain, officers and crew of the Tarawera, a testimonial expressing appreriation of their successful efforts to save them from the terrible danger of fire, and admiration of the excellent order maintained, the quiet demeanour of the crew preventing any needlessfear among tho passengers. The captain replied, acknowledgeing the testimonial, and said the officers and crew had only done their duty. He congratulated the passengers upon the manner in which they faced the situation, which was at one time certainly enough to cause uneasiness.