THE MAPOURIKA WAVE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 3 May 1901, Page 4

THE MAPOURIKA WAVE.

An Incident of the occarauce

Nelson, This Pay.

Mr and Mrs. Arthur M’Keo of M’Kee and Co., Wellington) were among tho passengers by tho Mapourika when she was struck by the heavy sea. They wore not injured, though they had ti narrow escape. As the boat emerged from the Heads they were both on the lower deck near tho gangway, which a few minutes later was smashed to splinters, watching the waves beating on the rocks. There was only one other passenger and a steward on deck; the other passengers were either in bed, at tea, or in the social hall. Suddenly the steward caught Mrs. M’Koe by the arm and called out “Come in, quick!” and all four rushed into the social hail, and made fast the doors just in time to avert being swept overboard. Tho huge wave thundered over tho boat, and there was a rapid descent, not unlike the descent into a deep coal mine, minus the sense of security. After the frightful crash there was hoard a rush of water in dm saloon, and several people cried cut, “ Wo are on the rocks !” In the social hall men and women stood or sat in an attitude of terror, fearing the ship would instantly go to pieces. The next few minutes was a terrible time of suspense. An hour later the sea went down, and the remainder of the passage was made in almost smooth water.