WRECK AND LOSS OF LIFE AT FIJI.

Western Star, Issue 854, 21 June 1884, Page 2

WRECK AND LOSS OF LIFE AT FIJI.

Particulars to hand from Fiji give the following account of the wreck of the Syria : —The loss of life by the coolie ship Syria is now definitely ascertained to be 66 coolies—namely, 31 men, 15 women, 8 boys and girls," and two infants. Great energy was displayed by the authorities and others in going to the rescue, and some nobly risked their lives in the boiling waters to rescue the drowing men and women. LTnfortunately hours elapsed before news of peril of human life.could be got to Suva or Levuka, and hours elapsed before help could be got to the spot, but in as short a time as possible the scene of life-saving was a very busy and exciting one. The Acting-Colonial Secretary (Hon. W. M'Gregor, M.D.), the head of the Immigration Department, the chief harbourmaster, and other officers were there, and also the Rev, F. Langhara (chairman of the Wesleyan Mission), and the Rev. Win. Lindsay, in whoso more immediate locality the accident happened. Dr McGregor’s coolheadednessand energy in directing is spoken of in high commendation ; as also the very efficient help afforded by Mr Langham and his ciew of well-trained mission students. By skill and pluck they rescued 48 coolies with the mission boat. The inspector of police, Mr Fowler is credited in the official dispatch with successful bravery, and four of the police are recommended for the Humane Society’s medal. One of them su am through the waves with a coolie child in each hand, and the mother on his back. The scene is by a person present as terrible in one aspect, dead bodies be ng driven backwards and forwards and the women with their infants drowning before men’s eyes. The Fijians of the locality behaved well to the survivors, and in the case of five poor wretches who inarched over the broad Rew.i Delta the villagers came out and met them with kindly signs or

sympathy and presents of food and fruit. A few black sheep are reported as giving themselves entirely to loot and neglecting the drowning, but they have not as yet been identified. A subscription has been got up amongst planters and merchants for the benefit of the shipwrecked folk, and has reached £IOO. The vessel, which with her cargo, &c., was valued at £50,000, was sold at Suva for £lls.