CAPTAIN’S TRIBUTE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21144, 20 June 1940, Page 6

CAPTAIN’S TRIBUTE

NIAGRA’S PASSENGERS

EVERYTHING LIKE CLOCKWORK SHIP’S CAT ONLY FATALITY (By Telegraph. —Press Association) AUCKLAND, Thursday “It was a wonderful show,” declared the master of the Niagara. Captain Martin, to-day. “Everything went like clockwork right from the start. Officers and crew to the last man did their jobs and acted up to the finest traditions of the sea. “The calmness of the passengers was remarkable. You would never have thought there had been a shipwreck. When they got into the boats you would ha\ r e thought they were going to a picnic, laughing, singing and joking, and no suggestion of confusion. “I would like to pay tribute to the passengers on the liner which rescued us. There weren’t many of them, but they rallied round in great style, doing everything possible for us. The citizens of Auckland, too, have the greatest thanks of the Niagara survivors for their great hospitality.” The Only Fatality The survivors of the Niagara, particularly members of the crew, are mourning the loss of “Aussie,” the ship’s cat, a half-Persian about two years old. A great favourite with crew and passengers, “Aussie” was born on the Niagara and went down with her. Several members of the crew made efforts to save him, and some had him in their arms. When released, however, Aussie, being terrified, strayed away. At ports of call the cat was always first ashore, and never missed a trip. One member of the crew said the cat seemed to sense danger, for he was up and about before the explosion occurred. It was the only fatality on the ship.