THE WIMMERA.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16252, 1 July 1918, Page 6

THE WIMMERA.

SURVIVORS REACH AUCKLAND MANY STORIES OF HEROISM. WARM TRIBUTES TO COURAGE OF THE WOMEN. (SPECIAL TO "THE FRESS.") AUCKLAND, June 28.

Round after round of cheering broko out among the crowds waiting outside the gunrded wharf at Auckland as tho Clansman, with the survivors from the Wimmera. ranged alongside. All who could get passes to the wharf barrier were pressing; against tho ropes, eager to lose no time in welcoming back their friends, brothers, sisters, or wives. Not a minuto was lost in getting those who were left of tlie crew and passengers disembarked and into the shelter of the great wharf shed. Tho survivors from the crew filed in half naked. Some of the others were rigged out in what store clothes they had managed to get, but all were cheerful and entirely matter-of-fact, with smiles and nods for people they knew and hearty hand-clasps for those dear to them. Tho police had left ropes inside, and rescued and friends were soon intermingling.

The women, who had bomo up all through the oomfortless days and nights and had been the bravest of the brave, then began to Jose their control. Many broke down utterly. Tho sight of tlieso poor women who had lost almost everything they had, moved many to tears, and each found herself tho centre of a crowd of sympathisers. It was pitiable to see another lady, saved with all her six children, bravelv keeping up while her boys proudly told all thoy knew of the tilings they had seen, but the tension of the past dreadful hours was too much for many, and tears were general. One weeping woman, in tho throes of somo great grief, was joined by a great broad-shouldered man, and together the two sought a. quiet corner and wept in company. Chairs were placed for tho survivors*, but in the majority of instances they wero not necessary. Friends thronged round them and boro them away. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 29. The Wimmora survivors arrived here by tho Clansman this morning, and wore accorded a hearty welcomo by the authorities and public. Every assistance possiblo was rendered to them. All woro well,, excepting* a stoward named Corner, who had a broken collar-bone, sustained by falling timber when the disaster occurred. One woman was limping, owing to her feet being cut by broken glass. They wore a great variety of clothing, and* Captain Fleming distributed orders for clothing; on behalf of tho Shipwreck Relief Society. The members of the crew wero looked after by tlio Seamen's Union and the Harbour Board. The survivors state tliat Captain Koll displayed the utmost coolness and courage. One heard him Bay to the passengers in the boats. "Stand by; we'll havo you back to breakfast "in tho morning." EXPERIENCES RELATED. UNCONCERNED SOLDIERS. (SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") AUCKLAND, June 29. A singular experience is related by Mr Oscar Fair, of Auckland. He found himself in the same cabin as two returned soldiers, who, in a dazed and sleepy condition, imaginod, after the explosion, that they were back in the trenches, and that the detonations were those of a Hun strafe opening up. Mr Fair says ho felt uneasy, and, consequently was awake all through Tuesday night, and, up to tho time of the disister at five-fifteen. He instinctively looked at his watch on the explosion. Ho heard a tremendous crash, and within less than a second camo another shock. Rushing on deck in his pyjamas, he judged there was no fear of the ship sinking immediately, and therefore leturned to the cabin, where he found the two returned solaiers sleeping on, as they had through many such noises. Neither responded to his efforts to arouse them at first. One. replied sleepily: 'It's all light, old man, it's only a small attack," and then turned over to resume his slumbers. Mr Fair convinced him that tho situation was one of. immediate danger, but even then had to take him by the arm and assist him up to tho deck. Mr Fair (returned again to the cabin for his clothing ar.d personal effects. Regaining tho deck, ho waited with others for his turn in a boat. He added that up to the time he left the deck, tho best of good order prevailed. Mr Fair was in number six boat, which was in charge of a Swedish sailor, who is described as "a man with a perpetual smile," who kept his nerve and his smile throughout the adventure, just as though it was a most everyday occurrence. Tn this boat were two tflderly ladies, one of whom kept humming tunes half the time, in an endeavour to keep her companions in good heart. Mr Fair was particularly enthusiastic concerning the second officer, Mr C. Wilson, who, he says, did tho work of throe men, helping women and children into boats, and seeing to all preparations that lay within his province. There was difficulty in getti£s number six boat launched, owing lo the gear not working properly, and it was Mr Wil?on who pot it "away. This boat landed at Tom Bowline Bnv, where 'he occupants were taken in hand by Mr Murdoch Munro, a settle'*. The appearance of the shipwrecked folk on tho const seems to have canned surprise rmoncst the Maoris. Mr Fair ■»avs the Maoris vied wit'i th»ir white in extending hospitality to the castaways. OUT OF A TRAP. A description of the scenes and occurrences in the saloon passengers and stewards' quarters immediately after the explosion was given by Mr H. Gallagher, a steward, who was off duty and in his berth asleep when the roar and concussion which announced the explosion occurred. "I and the other stewards," he said, "were thrown to the floor. We made ;; rush for the door, not knowing what had happened. The lights -went out immediately, although J found that in some other parts of the ship they were not extinguished until nearly five minutes later. "Roaching the alleyway, T met several ladies and children in their niqht attire. They all displayed admirable calmness. They merely asked what had happened. There was no panic. I guided them to the deck and returned to make a more thorough search of tho passengers' cabins, to show tho way to any who might be unable to find their way to the deck in the darkness. The alleyways were strewn with debris, including broken glass from the lamps, mirrors, etc.. which were shattered by the concussion. I found no more pas- i sengers about the alleyways, so groped j my way in tho direction of the stewards' , quarters. On returning. I found my way blocked bv the social hall stairs, | which had collapsed and piled up | against the doorway through which I i had passed. The sides of the state- J rooms were tottering, and some had fallen, further bloc king, the alleyway. 11

Ono of the walls collapsed while I passed, knocking out four or my teetn and gashing niv head. I recreated tho other way t-owards a lintch in tho cipck through which stores were received. Here I found two other stewards who were endeavouring: to reach the deck K' feet above. Ono of my mates was of a heavy build, and it required the efforts of two of us to enable liim to reach the dock. The two of us left could hear the water lapping against the alleyways. Wo decided to have another look round before going, to see if anybody was left. Going into a cabin I found one of my mates, a steward, sitting 011 his bunk, evidently dazeil by a fall. "\\e dragged him out and, assisted by someone oil the deck, succeeded in pushing him up the hatch. Apparently ho _ wandered, away in the darkness by himself and went down with the ship, for we did not see him again, .and lie is among the missing. By this timo wo were up to our waists in water, which was swirling and gurgling in the alleyways. Wo shouted for someone on deck to assist us up, but there was no reply. I hoisted my mate lip the hatch, ana with his assistance from up above, and by a superhuman effort, I managed to gain the deck. Looking round. I noticed tho boat was settling down steadily aft. I made my way to a boat on the portside. It was No. (>, and I noticed that Mr Brookes, third officer. w:is superintending its launching. Ho did magnificent work, and assisted in lowering all tho boats on tho port side. I was ordered to enter this boat, ■ which was lowered by Mr Brookes and Mr Benson, an A.8., both of *whom are missing. There were 50 altogether in No. G j>oat. Smith, an ordinary seaman, was in charge. We rowed for half an hour and then hoisted a sail, reaching Tom Bowline Bay at 12.40 p.m. We wore in sieht of the boatswain's boat. No. 5, all the way. She landed first, about half an honr before we did. The women and children in our boat showed wonderful spirit. Most of them were a little seasick. Our boat* was eecond away from the shin, which sank about. 15 minutes after .we left. The end Mas plainly visible. Just, before,the vessel plunged she took a list to port and upended.

A BOAT STOVE IX. The incidents surrounding the tragic fat© of tho occupants of the ill-fated No. 4 boat were graphically described by Air D. Bnckstcdt, donkeynuui, the only one in that boat who was subsequently rescued. "I was asleep in my cabin in tho forecastle when the explosion occurred," he .said. "It throw me from tho berth heavily on to the floor. Slightly dazed, I made my way to tho deck. I liad very little clothing, so returned and groped my wav into .1 pair of trousers. While coming'on deck again I heard the captain's voice: 'All hands come along.' I went and took my station on the boat deck on tho port side, and with other members of the crew assisted in the lowering of No. I boat, under tho supervision of tho captain, j recollect noticing in tho boat before she was lowered, three stewardesses, two female passengers, and two .little children, tlio rest being males, passengers and crew. The boat reached tho water without mishap, and the captain then ordered mo to board tho boat. I slid down the falls and plot safely into tho boat, and found tliev wcifo having trouble in releasing it from tho falls. Wo were on tho weather side, and the waves and wind causod the boat to hump heavily against the ship. At last tho ropes wore released from the stern, but. in spite of tho most desperate efforts, the bolt could not be drawn so as to release tho forward block. Tho captain called down from tho darkness overhead to cut. away tho fall with an axe. I commenced to do so, and' had sucecded in cutting two of the four ropes of tho fall when a cry was_ raised 1 that tho heavy bumping against tho side of tho ship had stove m tho boat. At this moment I was knocked off my feet l>y a lurch of tlift boat, and fell into tho sea. I found myself right underneath the boat, and, striking out, reached the surface a few yards away. I noticed that tho boat was now swamped, its sides being awash. It _ was pounding heavily againsr, tho side of tho ship. I am certain some of the occupants met their death by being dashed by the boat against the steamer, but most of them were drowned. Tho cries of tho women and children struggling in the water were heartrending, but we were all helpless. I was swimming about for some time, and I tried to got as far away from the ship as possible to avoid the suction, but I could' not tell where I was going in tho darkness. I owe my life to the fact that my leg struck a rope whilo swimming. This proved to he attached to No. 2 boat. I caught £old of the rope, and, pulling myseLf along, reached the boat, and was dragged aboard. It was occupied by six men,, all members of the crew but 0110, a passenger. We drifted about in the vicinity for some timo, but no more .of the Unfortunate occupants of No. 4 boat were picked up. Tho swamped boat was carried down by the shin when she sank.''

ALLEGED SELFISHNESS. Only one instance of selfish behaviour comes from the Wimmera. The castaways who escaped in one particular boat aro almost unanimous in their execration of a person who they state escaped from the ship fully clad, even suporfluoußly clad, yet, so the otners allege, though surrounded by thinlyclad men and women, some of the latter, in nightgowns and one man with nothing more than a singlet, ho refused to surrender any of his wealth of gear until the man in charge of the 'ion insisted, when he reluctuntly handed to another person one of his coats. The same person, so it is snid, gov© no assistance in working the boat, in which all the others were, in turn, doing their bit. A PLUCKY WOMAN. In an interview, Miss Denman, concerning whose behaviour everyone is so enthusiastic, said: "Everything was quite quiet. Just as wo were pushing away from the ship we packed up the chief engineer and another of the crew. After the excitement of seeing the Wimmera go down wo began to think of our own plight. One of the men in our boat had had his collar-bone broken and his face cut, and nearly everyone had bare feet and hardly any clothing. There were a number ot women and children with us, and as there were apparently not enough men to row. I took an oar with one of the stewards." Throughout that day until five o'clock in the evening Miss Denman stuck to her post. "I have never handled an oar before," she said, "but these things come easy enough when you've just got to do them. My hands certainly hurt, and I got very tired, but there was no question of giving in. There were some of the men far worse off than I. One of them had only a singlet on. Spray dashed over the boat, and he looked so cold that J offered him my underskirt and rug, but someone else gave him a coat." In spite of the hardships endured during the day, the spirit of mo6t of the castaways was splendid, but of the behaviour of one member of the rarty Miss Denman could liardlv bring herself to speak. "Not only "did ne malce no offer to help row the boat, but lie sat there fnlly clothed. while others round bin' almost perished with cold. It was the most amazing 'nstnnce of cold-blooded selfishness I have ever seen in my life!" Late in the afternoon the boat rnn:c into Tom Bowline Bay, where three othjT boats had also arrived, and not until then did MJf.s Denman lay down hei oar. A TRYING JOURNEY. "Tho walk to Monro's station was a terrible experience," she said, "but tho kindness shown us made up in great measures for what we had suffered." The walk from where the first boats landed at Tom Bowline Bay to Monro's station was a very arduous one. Tho first portion of tho journey was along the beach, and this, of course, was almost devoid of incident. The real ordeal lay in the journey from the beach

to tho Station. This started with a climb over a razorback ndco. about <50 feet high, and as most of the party, including tho women and children, were without boots, they suffered severely. Tho path for the most part was a rough sheep track, which had been worn by rains in many places into deep ruts and holes. Manuka Btumps and roots, and occasional swampy areas where gullies had to be crossed, added to tho discomfort of tho trip. The second steward, Mr E. Curtis,, who was in the leading division, said it was a wsird sight to look back on the trail and see a long, straggling lino of people with burning flares here and there illuminating patches of the surroundings. Tho fortitude of the women and children during the trip is described as remarkable, all hardships being borne without a murmur. Men carried tho children whenever possible, and thus lessened their sufferings to a considerable extent. The ship's carpenter carried a lame passenger nearly tho whole of tho distance. •A TRUE HERO." One of the castaways, William Cowlan. of Rod fern, Sydney, has been shipwrecked throe times, although ho is only twenty-eight. "I went, to sea as a brass boy very young, I can tell you,'' he said. "I was in tho El inqii mi to whon she was wrecked at Throe Kings in 1902. and again in the barque Leiilclnm Foster. I have been a fireman on the Wimmera for tho last three years. When the explosion occurred I got out in niv flanuel only. Most, of us got out very lightly clad. I can tell you one thing I want to say before I forgot. You cannot givo too much praise to Captain Kell. 110 was a true hero, if ever one lived. TTn> crow jilso stood to their posts till the captain sang out for them to savo themselves. Xo praise is too high, also, for the way in which tho head stewardess eared for the women and children. The majority of the crew did not leave I lie vessel until just before sho was sinking. I walked off it mvself. llio most wonderful thing, lioVovor, was tho pluck of the women. Tliero was no panic amongst, the ladies.

"SAVE OTHERS BEFORE ME." ''What struck me most of nil was one old lady (said'to be Miss Gould), who sat down 111 a deck chair and said: 'Savo the younger ones. Save them before you save me. They want to see life yet. I have seen my day.' While sho was wymg tins, two of niv mates just picked lior up and landed her into a boat. Talkabout pluck! She must havo been close on /0 years of age, yet sho stood the tnp all right, although, like most or them, she was only in her nightdress.: hho was barefooted, yet she stood the tr'TJ all right, mid managed tho elevenmile walk afterwards until wo got to Mr Munro s. KINDNESS OF MAORIS. "1 cannot speak too highly of the' kuiu way tho .uaoris treated us. They simply stripped olf their clothes to cover our nakedness. 0110 man gave m© his pants lor I had only my singlet o u. .the Maori women stripped tliemselves down to one garment each, in order to cover ladies who had very little on." Anotner fireman who was standing by, hero interjected that Mr Munro was in such a hurry- to provide food that he killed a prize ram by mistake. •J heard him sny he did not care so long as we all got a good feed." 'I'HE WOMEN'S COOLXESS AND bra vmr. Mr John Davidson, manuging dirocOKphwrtv Ltd., London and Edinburgh, had the good fortune to bo together with nis wife and soveu children and two young maids. They got off in tho last, boat to leave thtf snip. Describing tho occurrence, Mr Davidson said: ' There was not a scream or a cry whilo the boats wero being launched. The one in >vhich a party of 20, including my wifo and family, sat in, vns No. 3. Just prior to our coming up, something appeared to co wrong with the boat's gear, and soveral people vacated it, crossing to another boat on ( the port side, thus making space availablo for tho remaining passengers. Just as an attempt w«a being maae to lower No. 3 boat, tho vessel took a list to starboard, and the ropes at the bow stuck. Tho Bailors, however, proved very cool, and the troublo \vas got over almost instantly. Just at this instant No. 1 boat got underneath and caused Borao anxiety, but she soon pulled out of the way. When we wero launched tho sea was pouring off the deck nt the stern, towards which our boat was being driven. At one time it appeared to be only kept from colliding with the steamer by the oars which wero pushed against her side. One man jumped from tho ship's dock, striking his shins on the gunwale of the boat, and then fell into tho water. He and three others were taken out of the water. The boat was then pulled a short distance away to avoid being swamped by the ship, which was evidently about u> sink. In a few minutes tho Wimmera reared perpendicularly. Then, thore were two loud explosions, and we heaid tho screams of tho horses left on board. Tho ship then quickly disappeared Our boat stood bv for somewhere about half-an-hour. We were tho boat to arrive at Tom Bowline Bay—about 5 P-Hi. The first boat had arrived about noon and we found two i»res burning and arrangements well ahead for the ontortainmont of all survivjiv. Able-Seaman Jones took command <.f our boat not Jong after we left tho ship, and kept the steering oar lor most of the wav. I feel that ho cannot bo too highly commended for the skill which he displayed, and the cleverness with which he beached the boat in the surf. During the day a shark followed the boat and took hold of the steering oar, giving a tug which forced tho steersman's elbow into the chest or one of tho passengers. He, however, did not mention tho fact so as not to alarm the ladios in the boat. On landJiig the. party proceeded over the hills to Munro s station, where a sheep was roasted and a continuous supply of food provided all night. The lady passengers cannot be too highly praised for Jieir individual coolness and bravsry. The general opinion was that they put the men to shame."

IN THE ENGINE-ROOM. Ono of the fortunate members among those of the crow who arrived at Auckland was Tom Williams, tho ship's store-keeper, the man who -was reported to have been in tho propeller tunnel a k "is time of the explosion. Ho de-' dared ho was tired of being asked to toll the story of his miraculous escape. As a matter of fact, he explained iie was not down the tunnel nt all when the explosion occurred. If he had been he would not hnve had n hope of setting out. It was part of his duty to keep the propeller bearings in the tunnel well oiled, and he was about to go into the tunnel for that purpnse it about 5.17 a.m. and was at tho entrance when the explosion shook the ship, and ho saw water rushing; up the tunnel. He at once went back to tho engine-room, informed the second engineer of tho incoming water, and after the engineer had stopped the engines went on deck to help launch the boats. He eventually /'ot a place in No. 2 boat, which had only about half a dozen in it, and stoocl by till the ship went down, jjnd then kept near No. 3 boat, which was fullv loaded. MEN ON THEIIt METTLE. Shaking of his experiences, he stated that he had been in two _ .-ollisicns, but litis was his first experienn? of quick sinking, and he never wanted to meet another. He was full of admiration for the behaviour of the women on board, and said that their presence was perhaps fortunate, in that it put the men on their mettle and prevented the panic and fighting for places that would probably have occurred had there been only men on tho ship. As it was, he Heard not a whimper to sj>cak of from tho children and no complaint from the woman, some of them showing the greatest hardihood in the boats and on the eleven-mile walk to Munro's farm after landing.

COLONEL GRAHAM'S HEROISM^ Two commercial travellers, MessrsiW. ff Sedgeloer and A. Kierman, of AusEdiTwho were returning to Australia Bar a business trip to .New Zealand, amongst tho survivors. The latter claimed that he was tho first passer on dock after the explosion. He turned to his cabin in tho dark, and, r w with his friend, who had given lifebelt, returned on deck and assisted Mrs and Miss Browning (reto bo missing) into 4 lifer«+which was partly swampod and in before it tad left ?be ship's side. Both mw Colonel firtham standing on the deck in hiß with a lifebelt round lum. The Lionel remarked that "l,e would JSber see younger lives than his «ved " and with that they parted. As SI latter is amongst the missing, he SoaSy stuck to tho ship to, tho last. T?ev both acknowledged that tho crew «rtnd snlendidlv, and gavo Thomossen M returned soldier) and Smith A.B.'s, irodit for saving their lives. Tnomassen Sftodiseof No. 0 boat, in which they safely journeyed to land after ws of continuous baling, the boat having filled as sho was being launchod. Both agreed that ho was "as cool as a rnenmber," and that by his courage and ooolness he did much to inspire confi£ce in tho others. Tlio sickening Effect of the fumes of tho explosion added still further to tho horrors of tho situation.

last of the steamer. f#>ES DOWN IN SHOWER OF SPARKS. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, Juno 29. Tho calm courage and heroism of tho jfomen made a deep impression on Mr V Bradnoy, son of Mr J. H. Bradney, of Auckland, an ofheor on leavo Irorn So Union Steais Skip Company, who Son his way Air lirauney paid that, so far as he coulu make out, the explosion occurred at 5.10 a.m. ills bunk was directly over the explosion. He said he was wakolul, and was reaching into the top bunk i?r a blanket when he heard tho explosion and i elt a shock. The ship seemed to stop dead. As later information showed, sho did. In the darkness he groped about for his near, but failed to hnd it, and hurried on'deck. Passing along the alleyway to'the saloon companionway, no mot several ladies coming out in pcrtect calmness. "They were bricks, ' he said. Ho could talk for a month about thom, so heroic were they, oven surpassing the men. Ho changed his mind at this stage, and decidcd to return to liis cabin to find an overcoat, but he was turnod from his object through fumes which threatened to suffocate him. He assisted in getting No. o lifeboat out, which was accomplished after great difficulty. A heavy sea was running, and when the boat left the steamer's side with its complement of 26, the water was just -beginning to lap the main deck of tho Wimmera, which was settling down heavily at the stern. They got safely away from the ship's side, and stood off about a quarter of a mile, to be safe from the suction. All the time the wind was taking them further away from tho ship. At about 5.30 they saw her silhouetted against the moon, a beautiful sight, lying right down with her yellow funnel showing oat against the moon. She seemed to right some few minutes later, and then took a heave by the stern, and the bow stood right on end out of tho water, and -went down in a shower of sparkß, presumably from the fires. They hoisted their sail then, and, with « fair wind, headed towards Capo Maria. EXPERIENCES ON THE BEACH. It was about six, or a little later, when day broke. They had women and children in the boat, all very scantily clothed, 'some of tho children having practically nothing on them only their nightdfeeses, ana seas coming over them.' They did what they could to make them comfortable?. Shortly after Mr Brodney got into the boat hi ' was - praotipcally overcome with the : fames he had encountered, ■tho cold," and the movement' of tho boat. They eventually landoa oh Tom Bowline beach —about 12.30 p.m.—and carried the women and children ashore, and rigged a tent with sails, and gave them biscuits and water:' Another boat came in two or thred hours later. Between that time : and five p.m. there wero four boats on tho beach, the last arriving just about sunset. The second officcr left • /for assistance, and a number of men Went - otlt scouting: Afterwards two Maoris arrived on the scene, and the party set out for Mr Munro's home- • stead. Just as they got off tho beach night fell, and they had to go up what . waa practically the face of a cliff through bush and scrub. The children and-Women were barefooted. Here Mr Brodney interjected with a remark that the tromen and children were absolute heroes. They eventually got them to the too of tho cliff. Some of.thei men, Ue.-said, .were worthy of tho greatest praise tor carrying the children. They lost their way on top of the Trill, and as it was coming on to rain, they built f and got the women and children into tho scrub. About a quarter of 1?? 5? ur ' a J er they heard Maoris and i Mtinro (constituting a search party) iftft The party had red flares IS?!?-,t 8^l 5» an d these they burnt, whtle others Jower down tho "track did I k® partv was located, ana m «et out to walk to Mr Munro's ® ® I W e The women experienced .great hardships all the wav. J ■" A NARROW ESCAPE. , second steward, Mr E. Curtis, fj an . extremelv narrow escape from • ' K ™ p r son , ed , in his cabin, and talnJd tt the , injuries he susHe Bays he was thrown to wc floor _of his cabin in the afterdazed, by the first : *Jf m S brought to consciou?.K 7 & eling wa , ter flying over his vi. » secon d explosion occurred feu! J' - a ? d 110 Precipitated r&?r^ abin . the partition hv « * been smashed K 6 ,.™ explosion. Tho doors of w , e . r ® bIoc !« d , and he had to ««8h a skylight and scramble through. anrl^ 1S ' n,e t i hG water was knee deep he rtnn° Unn s wn the hatchway, J>i;t £& ge l t0 !" each trap' door tefe, V - oon 4 eck - In the affiLr 5 3^ am ? BUlt was torn off, S>l«k °n« red 4 0 F" r of trousers ™ <*e tte&. pe x? tor r s r ? ora - He reached taken t as ) bo lnsfc hoat left, but iras Sm > ard - hen in the wireless ' tai?a »L t e operator trying to *e£^r ge 'TT ancl^ ld him the wires oparitnr «' • not see s he S ® nd thought he had i Bte.v P°. s t and gone down. hueltW excitement was a feaS £ w P Q for ecabin stecalSWnvo W - S v Meed - He said tho -shlpEd re Be ? n b - v a Maori '.'"iif' A-®-' n '* lo wfts " n F tio , ]' f nil" a time of the explofeen Vn np , I,ear , ed to occur 4,SIaSsS n 'i a ? d - 4 ha tehes, said No. afSrd s m ° S + l immedia tely. Direot- • - .tor, a -n! ? e wireless opera'nf B° roont » who is missing, r >ireless Ii f e -\ cl « lT ning: "The • in the Jw 't fi McFarlane was j Snd Baw +!.„ 5* f the last boat to leave, S the nln»s ? busilr superintendl i/lfflimediatev <5 0 pe ? ple on board. T t,ng off don.ml taken'a Wd Was found afloat T ''Canto " L W HEROES." •iNicW the chief officer, Mr ' - B ")dkeV t r officer, Mr ®i n B fi M acfarlane, "acted like i. t " al , sceii e, thinking tif illStv p,i?f lr dut 5 and responsitVarvT v We were the last to rEgKiii ahv ®. and it was Captain 525.1T? ? rj ? d me ix l to the boat. Pre'Ss6ntn>£. i seen him directing pasto ,? evera l. boafc s. After he possible on the starboard i across to port and helped ®r° can be no doubt at all by the ship and went ilillr • ® r *"

PASSENGERS SAVED. The names of three saved, in addition to those already announced, are: — Manuel Sanudo, Jose San Pedro, and Mrs Gould, all passengers. LIST OF MISSING. TWENTY-SIX UNACCOUNTED FOR. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELECBAM.) AUCKLAND, Juno 30. A majority of ttio survivors agree that there wore two distinct explosions between JN r os. 3 and 4 hatches. fortunately, no ono was actually berthed over tho spot. The explosion wrecked tho social nail and staircase leading to it. The shaft tunnel was shattered, and the shaft broken, letting water into the engine room, and flooding the dynamo, with a result that all tho lights were extinguished. The Wimmora remained on an even keel for ten minutes, and then heeled to port, until her funnel was lying on the water. Sho partly righted liorself beforo sinking by the stem twenty minutes after tho explosion. , It is thought that the safety of tho stewardesses was due to tho lact that they were attending to passengers at tho time, otherwise tho explosion, occuring near their room, would havo prevented them going forward. Tho stewards, berthed further aft, were forced to climb out of tho storeroom hatch to the deck. The wind was blowing strong from the south-west, and there was a rough sea, with a heavy ground swell. Tho vessol was fairly steady while the boats wero being launched, which accounts for their getting away without much damage. Of the eight boats carried, six were on the boat dock, five of these getting clear of tho ship, the other being smashed in swinging out, and swamped when tho vessel heelod over her. It is fairly cortain that several stewardesses wero lost in this boat, as some survivors say they saw them in it. The fourth engineer was also engaged swinging out this boat, and was not again seen. Of the two smaller boats on the afterhouse, one, it is stated, was destroyed by tho explosion, and the other was too small to bo of much use. So far as can be gathered, there were no rafts on board.

Mr Wilson, second officer, and the senior officer states he was when tho explosion occurred. Dressing hurriedly, he made for tho boat deck, and took charge of No. o boat on the starboard side. After he got it swung out, ho placed women and children in it, taking all there were on the boat deck at that time. The boat was lowered with about thirty people aboard. The bos'n, who romained to let go the painter, jumped into the sea, and was picked up. Mr Wilson's boat stood by until the steamer sank and there was no hope of rescuing anyone. Sail was then set and a courso steered for North Capo. When near land they saw the smooth beach of Tom Bowline Bay. and decided to land, which fras safely performed at midday. Number G boat arrived at 1 p.m., followed by others at 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Everything for the comfort of tho women was done, and Mr Wilson organised parties to scour the district for assistance. With three seamen he climbed a point overlooking the hay in which two . boats wero anchored. As darkness was approaching, distress flares were obtained, and with these tho attention of the boats was attracted and two were sent on shore. Commander Kiely picked up Mr Wilson and his companions, and sent a message to Wellington. On the boat reaching Tom Bowline Bay it was found that the other survivors had left for Munro's station. Mr Wilson, Commander Kiely, and two of the boats' crews set out with blankets, coats, tea, and other comforts. At midnight, when half-way to the homestead. Mr Wilson crtllansed and the others proceeded without him. Ho slept on the ground till daylight, and then joined the others. Following is the list of missing:— Passengers. Mrs Jones Mrs Schuberg and infant Mrs Barnett Mrs Peter Mi's Mcl>onold and child Miss Jones Mr Graham Mr Peter Crew. Captain Kell Mr A.. Nichol (chief officer) Mr A. Brookes (third officer) Mr S. Collier (second engineer) Mr D. Mowatt (fourth engineer) Mr A. Bofiiont. (wireless operator) Verge (steward) E. Greaves (steward) C. Woodard (steward) E. Newton (stewardess) C. McMillan (stewardess) < J. Robertson (stewardess) •T. Mulvenna- (A.8.) B. Benson (A.8.) F. Tildsley (fireman) C. Cross (night watchman) Grand total missing 26.

THE CENSORSHIP. SIR JAMES ALLEN'S EXPLANATION. On Saturday evening Sir James Allen, Acting-Prime Minister, passoct through Christchurch, on his way to Wellington, and a representative of "The Press'' aßked him if he couid explain ;the reason why tho "Otago Daily Tknes'' had been able to print the news of the loss of the Wimmern twelve hours in advance of the othe.-newf-papers of tho Dominion. Sir James stated that it was past 12 o'clock on the night of Wednesday last when he received the news in regard to the Wimmera, and he handed on fcho information to the office of the Daily Times," and gave the necessary authorisation for its publication. On Thursday morning early he sent a telegram to the Naval Adviser of the Dominion authorising him to release tne news. j Apparently Sir James Allen was under the impression that the news he had handed in to the office of the "Otago Daily Times" would be sent oat as a Press Association message by vho Dunedin agent. At any rato ho saw no reason why tho information should have been withheld. Sir James waa asked if Colonel Gibbon or the-Dominion's Naval Adviser had the controlling authority over shipping news. He replied that the Naval Adviser dealt with the wireless communications. In reply to a further quoetionjis to whether Colonel Gibben or the Naval Adviser would decide as to the necessity or not of withholding shipping news, Sir James said that Colonel Gibbon controlled tho staff of censors, but he could not say if ho or the Naval Adviser controlled shipping nexs without further enquiry.