THE WRECK OF IRE 'TASMANIA.'

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue VIII, 14 August 1897, Page 239

THE WRECK OF IRE 'TASMANIA.'

AMONG our illustrations will be found the pictures of the officers and crew of the ‘Tasmania.* These reproductions cannot fail to be of interest to the friends of the men, and the public generally will be pleased to see the brave fellows who behaved so well at the wreck. Mr Arthur H. Aiderton, who perished in the wreck of the ' Tasmania,’ was an old Auckland resident. He was educated at the old High School, and was for manyyears associated with the Auckland rifles Deceased, who was a brother of Mr G. E Aiderton, of the IPAaagarei Advocate, was single, and 46 years of age. One who knew him intimately writes of him as follows: —* He was a very quiet, reserved man with simple habits, but one of the most unselfish men that ever lived. He was one of the last to leave the wreck, and it was his nature

to see everyone served before himself. Had he, poor fellow, got into one of the lifeboats, be would not have sacrificed his life. But his last act was one of unselfishness, in keeping with his whole life. His loss is a great grief to his relatives, who knew his sterling worth and thorough goodness. He had led a blameless life, and his every act was one of thoughtfulness for others.’ At Christ Church, Whangarei, on Sunday, the incumbent, Rev. L. L. Cubitt, made touching reference to his death, and the ‘ Dead March ’ was played, the congregation standing. Mr Chas. Henderson, the chief steward of the ‘ Tasmania,’ who perished in the loss ot the ship’s gig, was about 40 years of age. He was married and leaves a wife and two children in Sydney. Mr Henderson was a universal favourite, and perhaps no circumstance connected with the loss of the ill-fated vessel has occasioned such

widespread regret as his death His place was in the Captain’s boat, but it is believed that as he was concerning himself with the safety of the passengers, he was not ready to get into it, and so went into the small boat that was lost. When the ‘ Tarawera ’ was coming alongside the Auckland wharf with the survivors from the * Tasmania,’ two boys named Doyle and Hu'chinson, while clambering on board the American barque * Grace Derring * in

order to obtain a better view, fell into the water. They were both speedily rescued, Doyle by Mr Testa, Harbour

Board Assistant traffic manager, and Hutchinson by Mr J. W. Holland, son of Mr Holland, M.H.R. We give a photo of Mr Testa, and one of Mr Holland will appear next week.