UNKNOWN

Charleston Argus, Volume 1, Issue 7, 6 April 1867, Page 2

UNKNOWN

Eiarleston. Watkii. a.m 11-50 p.m a.ni 010 p.iir a.m 1.30 p.m* a.iu 2.20 p.iuVALS. i.s.j from Ilokitika, with * ugger, Norman, master, , Wing, master, from the LED. r, for Auckland. r, for Nelson. Constant, ketch, Green, master, for Westport. SERIOUS ACCIDENT. Another accident lias occurred at this port, and we fear that if the present recklessness is indulged in such casualties will be the rule and not the exception. On Thursday last the Southland steamer hove in sight, and brought up off the bar. At that time there was a very heavy break, and 6ome monstrous curlers were blocking the entrance at intervals. Notwithstanding this, and the absence of the harbor master's authority in the shape of the red flag, and the veto in the form of the danger flag, the two boats, Lizzie ana the Star of Brighton, went out. By a fortunate providence they got out without accident, and transhipped a considerable number of passengers, the Lizzie having another lucky run in with ten people. The second boat, the Star of Brighton, was not so fortunate. hen close to the en* trance, a very heavy sea broke on board her, sending her like a shot against the rocks at the entrance. The force of the concussion completely smashed the boat to atoms, stored her in, and left the unfortunates who were her passengers struggling in the wa'er. There were at this time in addition to the boats' crew, Mr and Mrs Harnett, Mr and Mrs Williams aud two children, and two other men whose names we are not acquainted with. On seeing the accident the harbor master, Captain Beveridge, at once came to the rescue, and having provided himself with life lines, jumped into the surf from the rocks.. There were several anxious to assist, amongst whom we may specials mention James Dnscoll, John Ha\, aud John M-Herron, who rendered great assistance, and very materially aided the harbor master s efforts. " Hay, we may say, was the coxswain of the shattered boat, but had previously managed to scramble ashore, and through him chief!} the children were saved. At this time the females were screaming in the water, one of them holding her twin children, but after a time these were fortunately landed safely with only the casualty of bruise on the head of one. Captain Be\ eridge, who was in the middle of the boiling surf during all this time had in the meantime carried the lines to the women, and desired those on shore to haul on them This was done, and Mrs Harnett was thus saved Mrs Williams, however, remaining in imminentperiL Captain Beveridge dived after ■her, *he was submerged, caught her by the throat, and, after the pair had been ftnnblM over and over more than once, was hauled up by the end given from shore. In the meantime, the boatmen and the men had got safely to land, and thus terminated happily what might have been a most lamentable accident. To Captain Beveridge belongs the lion's share of praise for this fortunate denoument, and to his gallantry is owing the lives of more than one of those referred to. When will the Government recognise acts like these by fitting and not pecuniary reward? ? In the old country such conduct would have earned a medal; here it is looked on as a matter of course. This is not the first life that the same man has saved, and it is atrocious to thiuk that even an empty honor, the least reward tlwt might be given, is withheld. One thing, however, is certain, that in the eyes of his fellow citizens, his behaviour on this trying occasion will not soon be forgotten. If the Government are oblivious, should the public Ik? so too ? We regret to say that in thus saving life he sustained serious bruises and injuries. \\ emust not ortitto-mention that Dr. Lee was most assiduous in rendering able professional assistance to the sufferers as they were rescued. The cutter Volunteer, that was lately wrecked at Fox's, has been got off, and sailed to the Buller. Whilst there she shipped a new mast, set up fresh standing rigging, completed repairs necessary to the hull and is now in every respect as smart a boat as when she last left the Manukau. Though she got a tremendous pounding on the Brighton j rocks, she suffered no damage beyond starting a plank or two, and she is now as sound as the day | on which she was built. The fortunate purchasers of the so-called wreck were Messrs Blair and Co., and a luckier venture they never made.