THE TAVIUNI.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 516, 1 September 1902, Page 2

THE TAVIUNI.

PICKED CP BY MIMIRO. I 1 j I SOME r.XvTi’JKU EXPERIENCES I ‘ TOW LINE SHAPS TWICE. j ( TAVIUXr SAFELY ANCHORED OFF j 1 GABLE END. As a result of the prompt u-sistunee ren ilcrt i by the T.wr Company's st.amer j Mimiro. which lot tlie Gisburne roadstead I on Thursday evening in starch of the j Taviuni, tlie disabled steamer was sighted j at eighteen minutes past two on Friday morning, and after daybreak was taken in tow, but on account of the lines snapping twice the Mimiro could not bring tlie steamer to the Gisborne anchorage. The weather was anything but pleasant for the undertaking, but after being interviewed by the local manager of tlie L nion Company and Mr A. F. Kennedy, local agent of the Tyser Company, Captain J. G. Felgato, of tlie Mimiro, expressed his willingness to go in search of tho disabled steamer. Captain T. Q. East, Marine Superintendent, who was also on board tlie Mimiro, eo operated with Captain Falgate in the arrangements for tlie search. THE START. Upon receipt of instructions from headquarters, the local manager of the Union Company (Mr Crauiond) interviewed Mr A. F. Kennedy (representing tlie Tyser Company), with a view to ascertaining if the Mimiro, which had arrived in the Bayearly in the evening, could be sent- in search of the drifting steamer. Mr Kennedy promptly set to work, doing till in ; his power to assist in tlie undertaking. 1 At nine o'clock Messrs Nelson Bro. s Tuna, in charge of Captain Bennoy, with Captain Neal on board, was in readiness , at the wharf to make the trip out to tho big steamer Mimiro. Tito party that , boarded the launch consisted of Messrs A. ! F. Kennedy (local agent for the Tyser Company), Cramond (U.S.S. Company), 2 Alec M. Edwin (first officer of the Tavi--1 uni, and the Press representatives. A ROUGH TRIP.

The night was a wild and stormy one. As the lights of tho wharf wore left behind the staunch little launch battled down tho river in good style, and being skilfully handled by Captain Benny, was soon clear of the breakwater. A galo of wind was blowing from the south-east, and as it was lashing up the sea into a very rough state, uhe trip even for the short distance to tho big steamer, did not afford too delightful a prospect to those on board. Tho tug was quite at home in tho rough sea, and tho only discomfort that the passenger experienced was a good drenching from the waves that occasionally broke on board. Captain Denney took tlie Tuna alongside in a masterly way, but the work of transhipping tlie several passengers proved extremely difficult. As tho little vessel rose and fell on the great waves swishing in from the broad Pacific, there was tho peril that a person trying to board the large vessel might got jambed between the launch and the Mimiro, and to avoid this danger, one had to be on the alert, watch the chance, and make a grab for tho rope ladder. After several unsuccessful attempts eacli member of tlie party managed to get a footing on the ladder, and then displayed agility in scrambling up to tlie deck of tho Mimiro,- where half a dozen jolly tars were waiting to extend a helping hand. ON BOARD THE MIMIRO. Captains Felgato and East had retired for the night before tho launch reached tho steamer, but when tho mission of tho party was mado known, and a few minutes had boon spent in conferring with the local agents, the captains expressed their willingness to at onco make a start, despite tho state of the elements. At about half-past, eleven the anchor was weighed and a start made. After leaving tho roadstead the courso was shaped between tho Ariel rocks, for a position where the ship’s officers thought, from data received from the chief officer of tho Taviuni, it was most likely that they would pick up the steamer. OFF THE AIDEL-REEFS.

The weather was in every way most unfavorable for such an expedition. It was blowing a gale of wmd from the southeast, with very heavy rain, and no land was seen until after the Ariel reefs were passed. Tho night was also bitterly cold. A SIGNAL ANSWERED. Shortly after one o'clock the Mimiro sent up rockets, and showed blue lights, in the hope that they would bo seen by the disabled vessel, but receiving no response they went on for an hour. At eighteen minutes past two a rocket was sood, tho bearing being north-east by north. Tho signal was answered by a rocket from the Mimiro, and the steamer’s courso was immediately changed for the locality in which the rockets appeared. The engines on the Mimiro also slowed down. THE STEAMER SIGHTED.

Tor a long time no further sign of a vessel was seen, and the Mimiro continued to put up rockets and show blue lights from the rigging. Theso wero at length answered by several rockets and blue lights from tho direction in which the first ffatj appeared, and a little later the Taviuni’s white light could be distinctly seen. The Mimiro stood by the Taviuni at a convenient distance all night.

AWAITING DAYLIGHT. At five o’clock there was still a strong south-east gale blowing, accompanied with heavy rain squalls, but the roughness of the sea had somewhat decreased. The lights of the Taviuni could now be seen burning brilliantly, and the outline of the vessel was also plainly discernible. An hour later, when the day dawned, a full view of the drifting steamer was presented to those on hoard the Mimiro. The Taviuni had her forestay sail set, the object evidently being to get the ship to run before the wind. She was drifting to leeward at the rate of about two knots an hour, and from tilUo t 0 tlme tl)e steamer had to move astern in order N abicast of her. A LONELY APPEARANCE. The Island steamer, on.ee so smart and trim, presented a lonely appearance as she helplessly drifted on the ocean, rolling from side to side. As she rolled it could be seen that she badly nee led docking and cleaning. She was very light in the water, which fact no doubt was in a great measure the cause of the break down.’ THE WORK OF TOWING.

With the first streak of dawn ihe Mimiro ' proceeded to get to close quarters, and " when daylight \va* fully established the Tyser steamer hoisted the signal “ Have you a hawser?” and to this the Taviuni replied “ No.” The Mimiro again signalled “ Send a boat,” to which the Taviuni responded “ Wo cannot send a boat; can you send one?” Captain Felgate replying “ Yes.” The steel towing hawser of tbe Mimiro was at once brought on deck and attached to a new 8-inch manilla rope for a spring, and this was taken on board the Taviuni. A second line, a 10 inch manilla rope, was also conveyed from the Mimiro and attached to the port cable of the Taviuni. The work of launching the Mimiro’s boats was proceeded with in an (expeditious manner, the cheerful -yehos ” of the sailors being heard by all on board the Taviuni, and was the most . pleasant music that they had had for two days. The boat conveyed the line to thcTaviuni so that the latter could do the hauling, thus preventing any chance of fouling the propeller of the Mimiro. By 8 o'clock both lines were secure, and tire Mimiro went slowly ahead. A little time was spent in getting the Taviuni in position, but before the breakfast gong sounded both steamers were doing thc-ir seven - knots en route for the Poverty Bay road , stead. i BOTH LINES PART. , At seven minutes to twelve the steamers ; were off Loisei's and approaching the t Gable End. They were sailing along at t the rate of about eight knots an hour, v when an unfortunate accident occurred, s both the towing lines parting without a 2 moment’s notice. The first intimation t. that those on board the Mimiro received q

of the mishap was hearing the second | officer exclaim’ to the captain. ” Both lines | arc gone, sir." Captain Felg itc, who had obs; rved one lino part from tlie bringe, replied. "Are they aii clear of the propeller'.’" receiving an answer in the affirmative. BOATS DRIFT AT ART. The engines on the Mimiro were atonce stopped, Imt the boats soon drifted opart, the Taviuni looking the picture of utter helplessness as she drifted nearer to the s’stoie. To the eve of the uninitiated the cii'Obit d steamer appeared to be within ul) mi tiirtr- miles from the land. Inti the officer informed our representative that tlie st'iunei was about live miles from tile laud. The cause of the mishap Cull id not be traced to any daw in the j steel hawser or Mimiro’s Manilla line, so j it was concluded that the damage was

confined to the mooting apparatus on the | Taviuni. Such proved to be tlie case, tlie disabled steamer’s hawser having parted with tlie strain that- was upon it, whilst ( the shaekle to which the second line was attacked, also gave way. it was over half an hour before the boats came within speaking distance again, and after tlie Mimiro’s boat had been launched for the second time and the steel hawser again conveyed on board the Taviuni, tlie signal was given from the Tyser liner, “ Are you ready ?" an answer to this question being received in tlie negative. “ How long will the delay bewas signalled, but no definite reply was given. A FRESH START. At half-past- one, after an hour and 11 half's delay, word came from tlie Tuviuni, “ Go ahead—slowly." Some twenty minutes or half an hour was spent in getting the boats into position, and then they went ahead slowly, tlie rate being about- three knots an hour. The parting of tho lines lmd put everyone in the worst of temper, but the ringing of tho luncheon bell directed attention to that quarter. Stewards C, Arthur, Hazelwood, and Clark supplied an excellent repast, which caused all the members of the Gisborne party to look on the bright side of things, and sent thorn on deck again in a more amiable mood. TIIE WIRE HAWSER SNAPS. The afternoon passed slowly, and persons not having duties on the Mimiro to claim their attention found the time hang heavily. There was a good muster at afternoon ten, which was presided over by Mrs East, who accompanied Captain East in the Mimiro front Wellington. A plentiful supply of tea and cakes having been done full justice to,members of the Gisborne party took another tour on deck, and indulged in speculations as to tlie probable timo-of the steamer's arrival in Gisborne. At four o’clock.the Mimiro was just- about abreast of Ptikarao, and tlie officers of the steamer considered that in about four hours from that would see the vessel in tlie bay. But tlie fates were against this being accomplished, and at about five o'clock, when the steamer was making about five knots an hour, and was off tlie False Gable, the 51 in. wire hawser snapped off cioso to tho hits on tho Mimiro, and tlie two steamers were onco more parted. A heavy squall came up from tlie South, and tlie Taviuni was soon a considerable distance from tho Mimiro. Dismay was pictured on every face, and as night was fast setting in, there appeared to be a pcor chance of getting another lino to tlie disabled steamer. The Taviuni drifted for a while, and finally Captain Lobb dropped anchor off the False Gable, about five miles from land. Tho Mimiro steamed back to witiiin speaking distance, and Captain Felgato asked Captain Lobb if lie could remain at anchor until the morning, when he would make a third atteiupt to tow tlie steamer to Gisborne.

“ Wo will try to hold on,” was in effect tho reply received from tlie Taviuni. nnd as tlie wind had changed, and was now off the land, it was considered advisable to make no further attempt until morning to get a lino to tho steamer. General regret was expressed by everyone on board at the unsatisfactory ending to what had proved to bo such a good day’s work, but there was no alternative and Captains Felgate and East had to abandon the task for the evening. There was a stiff galo blowing and a heavy sea running, and in the uncertain light it was not deemed advisable to launch tlie boat, which had already made two trips of a perilous nature. Night set in very quickly and the weather being very thick the Mimiro could not return to Gisborne. A north-east course was shaped for a few hours, and at half-past eight the steamer was twelve miles to the east of tlie Gable Foreland. LAUNCHING THE BOATS.

The sailors of the Mimiro had a fairly rough time in launching the ship’s boats and going off to the Taviuni. The boat was in charge of the chief officer (Mr Thomas B. Linklater), and was manned by the boatswain (Mr W. A. Clousten), lamptrimmer (Mr O. Patterson), and several A.B.’s. The chief officer of the Taviuni also went off to the disabled steamer. The little craft got a deal of buffeting about in its short journey, but the work of conveying the lines from our steamer to the other was on each occasion performed without a hitch of any kind occurring. A WILD NIGHT. As night sot in the weather showed no signs of improving, and Captain Felgate doomed it advisable to put out to sea. One member of the shoro party jocularly suggested to the commander that ho should run for Gisborne, but the latter replied, “ I would not attempt to mako that port in such weather as this ; we are much better oil where we are.” One of two members of the Gisborne party expressed a desire to bo at homo, and as for the Tijiks’ representative, ho felt somewhat like Gonzalo, and would willingly have exchanged a thousands furlongs of sea for an acre of the Poverty Bay fiat, and preferred to die a dry death. Much concern was felt by all members of the party for the safety of the Taviuni, and it was hoped that she was riding comfortably at anchor. At ten o’clock the troopship Montrose was passed going South. MIMIRO LEAVES FOR GISBORNE. At daylight on Saturday morning the Mimiro was off Tokomaru, and a couple of hours’ steaming brought the vessel back to Gable End Foreland, where, to the satisfaction of all, the Taviuni was still found comfortably at anchor. The disabled steamer was in good holding ground and only one anchor was out. The weather was too rougn m tnwln ~ operations, and Captain Felgate did not deem it safe to send the ship's boat crew out to carry the lines to the Taviuni. A signal was given to the disabled vessel that the Mimiro would stand by for a time in the hope that the weather moderated. After a couple of hours' delay, there still seemed little prospect of getting the steamer in tow, and at half-past ten it was agreed that the Mimiro should proceed to Gisborne, so that the Manager of the Union Company could advise headquarters and get instructions. When the Mimiro left, the Tokomaru was at anchor five miles off the Gable End Foreland. The Tyser liner reached Gisborne at halfpast one. ; THE MIMIRO'S HOSPITALITY.

r The members of the Gisborne party 1 were most hospitably entertained by the j officers of the Mimiro, and despite the . unfavorable state of the elements and the , circumstances under which the trip was made the outing proved mo c t enjoyable. | Excellent berths were provided, and the cuisine was of the best. NECESSITY FOR PROMPT ACTION. As showing the necessity for prompt action in sending assistance, we have only to instance the way in which the Taviuni drifted from the time she broke her tail shaft on the Thursday morning. The accident occurred at 1 a.m., and at 5 o’clock the same morning when the first officer left the steamer was about 20 miles due east of the Ariel Rocks. From that time to the same hour on Friday morning the steamer had drifted in a northwesterly direction for a distance of 25 miles, and when picked up was nearly off Tokomaru, and within 10 or 12 miles of the shore. The wind being strong from the south east, the Taviuni may have had the misfortune to go on the rooks before any steamer from the North could have reached her. The Union Company are to be cemme: d:-d for the prompt manner in which they sent assistance to the disabled steamer. In addition to the Tyser liner Mimiro the Talune was despatched from Auckland. The Omapere was also requested to take up the search, and the I

troopship Montrose was instructed to keep a sharp look-out. Tlie need for immeiliato action in such cases is manifest. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Captain Felgate, of the Mimiro, is to be complimented upon the excellent course that was steered with a view of picking up the Tavium, the first signal in response to tlte rockets sent up by live Tyser liner being right ahead of that ttr 1 liter Capt ,itt Frigate is a typical Bii'.ish sailor, and there are few who can give him points as a navigator, lie has been trading to New Zeal md for about | melee years He had a trying lime since j last Xiuusdity, and was on the bridge Irotn j a most the whole time the Mimiro was out ol the b ty. From the time the accident happened to the Tavium the cltiel officer of that steamer, Mr Alec M. Edwin, who by-tlte-bye is a son of the redoubtable Captain Edwin, had a very trying time, but he must have been well satisfied with his efforts when lie returned to his ship with

the tow line that was to assist them to an anchorage. The launching of the boat to bring the news of the accident ashore was effected with difficulty, and was dangerous in tlie extreme, whilst the attempt to land in the open boat on the Waiinti beach in suclt weather was almost tempting Providence. The long trip in tlie boat in stormy weather was a sufficiently hard experience, but immediately after reaching Gisborne to be taken off to the Mimiro to assist in the searcit of the disabled steamer, was adding to tlie hardship. Mr Edwin was most cheetfttl throughout, and his indomitable pluck and courage won for him the admiration of hi-s comrades, and the approbation of all persons engaged in shipping circles. Mr Edwin had only been a fortnight in the Taviuni, having been transferred from the Rotoiti in tlie West Coast trade. He was previously in the Island trade, and Thursday’s splendid leat was not the only one of which he had been the leader. Captain i. O. East, Marine Superintendent of the Tyser Company, lent valuable assistance to Captain Felgate, the former’s knowledge of tlie East Coast proving of great advantage. lie willingly lent a hand whenever called upon, ana with Captain Felgate is entitled to the thanks of the Union Company for tlie prompt manner in which the Taviuni was picked up.

TAVIUNI IN TOW OF OMAPERE,

ARRIVES SAFELY IN ROADSTEAD.

INTERVIEWS WITH I’ASSENGERS,

Tito news of tho Taviuni received on Saturday afternoon was lo the effect that tho Hiiddart-Parker Company's steamer Elingamitc had been signalling tlie disabled vessel, nnd, after steaming round her several times, had passed on to Auckland. A message from l'akarac was received late in tho evening, stating that tlie steamer was riding comfortably at anchor and that tlte weather was clearing. THE OM ARE RE'S MOVEMENTS. The Union S.S. Company’s Omupcro loft Tolago Bay at 9 o’clock on Saturday night, and arrived off Gable End Foreland at midnight. Site steamed round tho disabled vessel, and stood off and on until daylight, when efforts vvoro mado to connect with tho Taviuni. Two Manila lines of 120 fathoms were used, and everything was made fast by 7 o'clock, when a start was made for Gisborne. On tho run down, one of tlie lines parted, and there wits a delay of about half-an-liour, but tho damage being soon repaired tho two steamers wore rounding Tuahino Point and making good headway into tlie bay beforo 1 o’clock. TAVIUNI IN THE BAY.

A great deal of interest was taken in the arrival of the Oiuuporo with the Taviuni in tow. As the Wailii left tho wharf, a largo number of peoplo assembled along the railway lino and sought other points of vantage to get a sight of tho vessels as they entered tho bay. The scene was an animated ono. It was a beautiful spring afternoon, and with tho fivo steamers and numerous small craft Hitting about thero was much to claim tho interest of tho spectator. From tho flagstaff a good / view of the steamers was obtained. Far out was the Omaperc towing the Taviuni,

ana men came me xyscr company s uno steamer Mimiro, whilst tlie freshly decorated Waihi in tho cxubcrunco of her jubilation was steaming out to meet her consorts. Then came tho Moura, and last, but not the least welcome, was tho pretty little Tutanekui, which had an anchorage close to tho shore, and could be seen to full advantage. There was a crowd of spectators on tho bench, and general satisfaction was expressed to see the disabled vessel brought safely into tho bay. “ SA BULA VINAKA ” was tho first greeting heard as the Waihi approached the Taviuni. 11 Yes,” replied Mr Edwin, “ llow aro you V” “ All well.” “ I like your bouquet,” laughingly exclaimed Mr C. A. Griffiths, from thd 1 Island steamer. There was some moro of tho soft liquid Island lingo. “ You did not have those flowers in your buttonhole when you left us,” jokingly remarked tho genial Mr Riemenschneidcr. “ See fho the doctor’s patient ?” said another passenger. The injured man it turned out was tlte iamptrimmer, Mr L. Hunter*, who had received a nasty smack over the eyes from a flying missile when tho winch was. in trouble. Dr. Fox had kindly stitched the wound. Tlte rope ladder being cast over tho aide the Times representatives wero the first to get ABOARD THE TAVIUNI.

The object of the prossracn was to interview those on board, but the scribes were immediately besieged with anxious enquiries for information as to the progress, gfc affairs generally. At first there wasV strong feeling in regard to the Mimiro leaving the helpless vessel on Friday's# evening, but on the position being explained the passengers stated that J they were quite satisfied that the very best had been done under the circumstances, CAPTAIN LOBB.

Captain Lobb, on being interviewed, said that there was very little to say. It could all be condensed into one short sentence, that the tail shaft had broken, and that after some trouble they had now reached Gisborne. Questioned as to tbo position of the vessel, ho said that luckily the weather looking bad a course was shaped outside the Ariel reef. 11 1 was reuj;“];;ncr that we were making better time than belore we reached Auckland, when u-r-r-r —away she went. I knew what that meant—the shaft had gone. I knew that too well, because I had been in several boats before when similar accidents had happened.” Tbo captain then related what had happened much the same as Mr Edwin had done. When the accident occurred the Taviuni was between threo and four miles off the Ariel Reef, and a few hours later, when the first officer and men left in the ship's boat, the disabled steamer had drifted in a north easterly direction for about 10 or 12 miles. Early on Thursday morning the wind changed, and then the vessel drifted about due north

and afterwards to the northeast. “Taking ! i: right through from the time >ve broke down we made a due north course,’’- remarked the Captain. “We were about twelve miles off the land when we broke down, and about the same distance when we were picked up. I was doing all I could to get her to keep into the shore,” In regard to the anchoring off the Gable J- nd Foreland, the Captain stated that the anchor had held well. It was not correct that it had dragged, but he could quite understand anyone from the shore believ-

ing that such was the case, owing to the length of cable and the way the steamer was riding. In reference to the Elingamite steaming near by, they had signalled asked him if he wanted a tow-, and he replied, asking if they had had instructions from Gisborne, the answer to which was in the negative. Captain Lobb then stated that he did not wish to be taken in tow. At that time the wind was blowing from the north-west, and he was quite sure the way the vessel was holding that she was then snug enough. The captain looked worn out, and this was no wonder, for he had had very little sleep for a week. MR C. A. GRIFFITHS. Mr C. A. Griffiths, head of the wellknown firm of Messrs Griffiths and Co., fruit brokers of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, stated that though of course they had an anxious time, they had much reason to bo thankful.

11 I havo not much to say_ about what bapponed,” said Mr Griffiths, 11 as far as wo aroconcorned it is really what might have happened V All that wo have suffered is the inconvenience by loss of time. Wo have been treated splendidly on board ; although now we arc anxious to leavo the helpless vosscl, it really seems a shame, as wc cannot but regard our connection with it as something to be long remembered. Ido not mean tho anxiety, for that wo shall soon forget. But it is really something to havo seen the splendid way in which Captain Lobb and all con nccted with this boat have worked. You really cannot say too much in their praise. The Captain has hardly had any sleep, and tho other ollicers have also been equal to tho emergency. Mr Edwin’s trip to the shore was undoubtedly a very dangerous oqo, and ho and those who went with him deservo every credit for the gallant way

thoy set out.” Mr Griffiths is the owner of most of tb cargo of fruit aboard. Ho stated that has kept well, and would be landed in firsl class condition. THE CHIEF ENGINEER.

Mr C. MciKirdy is tho chief engineer, and although very affable, ho had a great aversion to being interviewed. “The last timo you interviewed me you gave me a column and a-half,” he remarked, “ and I have no desiro to acquire fame by airing my opinions in tho press. I tell you what X will do if you like ; you go and ask the captain to get me in there, and you can ask me what you like and I will try and toll you.” Tho reporter remarked that there wore so many tail shafts being broken nowadays that it suggested some sort of enquiry. 11 We havo soon a good doal in regard to enquiries in Now Zealand,” said tho engineer, 11 but what can they tell you in a caso of this sort ? You oannnot toll how or when such an accidont will occur. Wo camo through farrougher weather on the trip up to Auckland und tho shaft stood alright, and as to your idea that it is duo to tho vo3sel boing jighfc there is not much in that. As far as tho shipping laws in Mow Zoaland are concerned, thoy aro tho best in the world, and a eloEor inspection is made than in any other place.” Tho boat was about to leavo, and tho scribo could not sec tho captain as tho engineer had suggested. MR RIEMENSCHNEIDER. This gontlcman, accompanied by his daughter, is on a trip to Sydney for the good of his health. While there he hopes to obtain an interview with Mr Seddon on Eiji mattors. “Wo have nothing to complain of,” ho said ; “ wo missed no meals, and thoro was plenty of food on board.” Mr Eiomenscbneulcr is one of tho jovial sort, and took mattors very lightly, chailing all and sundry, ono of his littlo jokes boing that no ono unlaced their boots on Eriday night, when things looked most desolate. 11 It certainly did soom hard,” ho said, “ for tho big boat to clear away and loavo us liko that, and at tho timo we thought it roally cruel, but now wo understand things bettor, and perhaps should call back all wo were going to say.” Continuing, ho said that tho passengors had been treated well throughout, and though | there had naturally been unxioty, they know that however things wont thoy wore in tho best of hands, Captain Lobban and all others working night and day with a 1 will- 11 Ho is a grand man,” said Mr 1 Riotuenschniodor, with an admiring glanco as tho Captain walked along tho dock. Everyono worked with a will, and nothing was left undone that might help.

MR LEONARD GRIFFITHS was coming from Fiji to join his brother’s firm in Wellington, He also spoke very highly of the tireless way everyone on board worked. THE PURSER. Mr F. Hill, the purser of the Taviuni, has many friends in Gisborne, and our representative found him easy to get on with. “ Nearly all had retired an hour or two before the accident happened,” he remarked, “ but the accident of the shaft breaking soon brought them all on deck. The passengers were not at all alarmed, and seeing that those connected with the ship took the matter very quietly they soon went back to their warm berths. When Mr Ed.vin and tho others loft tho weather was pretty bad, but we reckoned that thoy would strike either Fakarae or Tolago Bay. The most anxious timo for thoso on board the Taviuni was on Friday evoning, when tho boat was anchored off the Gable End foreland. About two o’clock it blow very hard, and wo feared that tho boat would drift, but fortunately sho did not do so. ship has a good amount of fruit on board, including 8125 bunches of bananas and 3500 cases of fruit.” Mr Hill is well known in tho East Coast trade, and was recently on tho Moura and other ships. DR. FOX. “ It was roally a grand sight to view tho plucky Mr Edwin and his party setting off to sock assistance,” said Dr Fox, who then described how tho boat had boon swung off. What Dr Fox had to say was largely a repetition of tho simple narrative told by others. Dr Fox is proceeding to England, mainly in connection with tho complaints against tho arbitrary administration in Fiji, wbero tho natives aro now getting bitterly paid out for supporting annexation with New Zealand. Ho goes homo as a delegate to interview Mr Chamberlain, and ho will also interview Sir Joseph Ward at Wellington. Mr Riemcnschneidor is chairman of tho League, and hopos to interview Mr Seddon at Sydney. Miss Roimonschneider was tho only lady pass'ongor, and was accompanying lior father to Sydney. The rough trip lmd caused her to suffer from seasickness, blit when tho mishap occurred tho young lady proved that sho was among tho bravest on board. j : : DEPARTURE FOR NAPIER. Completo arrangements wero mado by Mr Crawond, the local manager of tho company, for towing the Taviuni to Wellington, via Napier, the Moura undortalung tho work, boing accompanied by tho Omaporo. At 7.30 tho Moura blew three long and threo short blasts, meaning thoroby 11 Is your hawser fast ?” and receiving an answer in tho affirmative tho steamers forged ahead. The Waihi steamed attor tho throo vessels for a couplo of rmjbs, an J w hen it was soon that they wero jnaking good progress tho launch returned. "The soa had gono down considerably, apd thoro is ovory prospect of a smooth trip to Wellington. Tho lscal manager of tho Union Company is desorving of much praise for tho completeness of the arrangements made for searching for tho Taviuni, and also in regard to towing tho steamer to Wellington. The prompt action taken by Mr Cramond was tho means of saving tho company enormous exponsc.