A LAUNCH EPISODE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 462, 22 March 1909, Page 6

A LAUNCH EPISODE.

OFF RAGLAN. (BT IILEOBAPn.— BPSCIA!. CORRXSPONDBNT.I Auckland, March 18. As the oil launch Nita was bringing passengers from tho Waingaroa landing to Ragland tho other evening something went amiss with the engine, arid, in attempting to rectify the defect, Mr. Charleton, who had charge of the little vessel, used an oil lantern with a broken or cracked, glass. The lantern light, exploded the benzine vapour, and the launch amidships was at once enveloped in flame, the passengers being compelled to huddlo together in the stern. The tins of benzine on board were thrown overboard, but it was feared that the tank in the forepart would explode. It was impossible to get at it to turn off-tho supply to the engine owing to the fire, and, with the launch motionless in 20 feet of water, the situation seemed very serious, several of tho passengers being unable to swim. However, tho spirit burned'itself cut without setting fire to the woodwork', and. by means of a piece of flooring, the launch was paddled into shallow waterj when Mr. Charleton got ashoro and set- out, on foot to Raglar/ for assistance. After boing compelled to remain aboard for another three hours, tho passengers were released from their predicament bv tho arrival of tho launch Ripple, which towed tbe Nita to Raglan, arriving some time after midnight. Messrs. J. H. Bethune and Co. announco in our advertising columns that on Wednesday, April-21, at 2.30 p.m.. at their rooms, under instructions from tho Registrar of the Supremo Court, they are submitting a residential property situated in Waiwetu Road, Lower Hutt. The land has an area of 29.4' perches, and on it stands a compact eight-roomed dwelling. Full particulars and conditions .of sale may bo seen nt the office of Messrs. Travers, Campbell and LPaacock, solicitors, or the auctioneers.