The Missing Monowai.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 October 1901, Page 3

The Missing Monowai.

(pee pbess association.)

General Rejoicing on Board.

Dunedin, October 25.

Sneddon, one of the Mokoia's passengers, said the Monowai had a lot of sail on while drifting about. When 330 miles out from Bluff on Tuesday night, our look-ont reported a vessel in sight towards New Zealand. Shortly after a rocket went up, but was hardly discernable. The skipper immediately sent up a rocket in reply, which was answered. He then turned on coloured lights ; so did the other. They were soon in hailing distance. Had it not been for the delay caused by a fog, the steamers would probably have missed each other. The rejoicing on board the Monowai was tremendous, everyone singing " Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow." She was perfectly helpless, and was 87 miles out of her course.

A Monowai passenger states that everybody vied with everyone else to amuse and entertain his fellows.

The officers and crew did all possible for their comfort. '

No sickness or mishaps occurred. White of the Jubilee Singers says that when they heard of the accident they resigned themselves to enjoyment with a heartiness and good nature which could not be excelled.

One of the Mokoia's passengers says that after getting the vessel in tow, it was an anxious time for both steamers as heavy swells set in and both rolled heavily. The Mokoia's passengers took the delay in best spirits and were overjoyed when they found the Monowai. There was a slight shortage of fresh water and flour which were immediately sent aboard.

Captain Spinks, continuing, said: — When we picked up the Monowai she was 200 miles west of Puysegur. It was an uneventful tow. There was little excitement among the passengers when the two ships met, and they started singing. I am not a musical man myself, and can't tell what they were singing, but it was a hymn of some sort. The first thing we saw when looking for the Monowai was a rocket. We replied with another rocket, and then steered straight for her.

Whilst Captain Spinks was talking a bundle of telegrams was put into nis hand, among them one from the Premier, congratulating him on once more saving a disabled vessel.

The Monowai was taken to George street pier preparatory to docking. There was an interesting scene late this afternoon at Port Chalmers, when the Mokoia, having taken on board nearly all the Monowai's passengers, left for Melbourne. Captain Chatiield, the officers and crew of the Monowai were on the wharf and heartily cheered Captain. Spinks and the Mokoia.

The Monowai's late passengers then cheered Captain Chatfield and the Monowai, and tie Mokoia steamed away with the fi'passengers ; assisted by the Opera Company and the Jubilee Singers singing lustily, "For he's a jolly good fellow.''