TAKING AN INVOLUNTARY BATH.

Evening Star, Issue 4117, 8 May 1876, Page 4

TAKING AN INVOLUNTARY BATH.

A droll chain of accidents (says the Wellington ‘Evening Post’) occurred on Monday afternoon. The p.s. Manawatu was lying alongside the wharf, but a short distance away, having been moved for some purpose or other. The landing stage, which usually is placed from the paddle-box to the wharf, still remained projecting from the vessel’s side, but in consequence of her having been moved off, did not quite roach the wharf. A passenger coming up in a hurry, under the impression that he was late, without noticing that the shore end of the stage rested on air alone, stepped out boldly thereon, only to find himself instantly pitched head foremost into the water. This was but the first link in the chain of mishaps. On the other ’ end of the stage was standing Captain Harvey, who, by the powerful leverage thus brought to’ bear on the loose end of the stage, was also jerked off his foothold, and speedily followed the unlucky passenger into the briny deep. The stage, evidently filled with contrition for its share in these misfortunes, promptly went after the two men, but was unable to help them. Then the chief officer scrambled down and tried to fish out his skipper and the passenger, but instantly overbalanced himself, and in he went too ! These four unfortunates—three men and a stage—proceeded to splash about in the salt water for a considerable time, less to their own satisfaction than to the amusement of the spectators, by whom at length all four extricated from their involuntary bath. They were wet.