THE HEROISM Of THE ELINGAMITE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 697, 17 December 1902, Page 4

THE HEROISM Of THE ELINGAMITE.

Hir, —In the Auckland Ilcrald a letter appeal'd under above heading, in which " Anglian ” pays a litting tribute of praise to that brave forccubin stewardess Alius (not Alta) McUuirk, whose undaunteii courage and sublime .self-abnegation are worttiy of the best traditions of the guuid old Celtic stock from which she came. “Anglian” suggests that the ladies ol the Delict Counnittee should cause inijuiries to be made fouebing her family. AJay I supply the information'.’ Tito Sydney Catholic I’re-s of recent ditto thus refers to the wreck and its heroine: “ Where heroism win; so genet a! it is invidious to make comparisons, but if tiiere were heroes, tiiere was one heroino whose noble conduct in that tragedy Jills us with heartbreaking pride. Thus was the forecabin stewardess, Alisa Margaret AleUuitk, who saved so many lives by iter cooi courage and devotion. AVhen the shiji was foundering, and the panic was at its height, site was to be seen moving quickly hither and thither, serving out lifebelts to the passengers. Jlany of the saved admit that they owe their lives to her alone, bo engrossed was she in her efforts for others that she did not secure a lifebelt for herself, and it was only chance that guided her to the raft. During the terrible hours of thirst and suffering that preceded her death on the frail plunks that barely kept them alloat, Miss McUuirk behaved with wonderful fortitude. Bite preserved her courage to tlio very end, dying uncomplainingly like a soldier on the battletield. Aden wont mad about her. Delirium was upon nearly everyone. The torments were intense. In the midst of these awful scenes she passed away without a sign of fear. At home we learn she was equally courageous and devoted. A true Irish-Australian girl, and a devout Catholic, she nobly supported her aged mother and her young sisters in lio/ellc, iialmain. Miss McUuirk was just close upon HO years of ago. She was born at Jiinda, near Goulburu, in 1872, her father at that time owning a small selection. About twelve years ago, her father being dead, the family removed to Sydney. Alias McUuirk obtained the position of companion to a lady who toured through Xew Zealand, and tho sea air proving remarkably invigorating to Alias McGuirk’s constitution, she determined to qualify for the position of a stewardess. Khe wee successful in Obtaining a position on one of Messrs Howard .Smith's steamers, and some lb months ago joined tho Burrumbeet. The Blingamite at this time was laid up, but as soon as she was out of dock Miss McGuirk was transferred to the new boat, and remained with her up to the time of her death. She occupied the position of forecabin stewardess, and, strange to say, this was intended to be her last voyage on the Blingamite. inasmuch as she was likely to be promoted to the grade of saloon stewardess in another vessel. She was very popular with passengers, and usually received letters thanking her for her kindness from ladies in all parts of Australasia. Since the sad occurrence letters of condolence have poured in upon Airs AlcGuirk. When the sad news of Miss AlcUuirk’s fate came to band the Bov. Bather J. Hyland was with the family and administered all the consolations in his power. The scene in the little home was heartrending. It would be impossible to get a family more devoted to one another, '— i am, etc., i OwEt-y Muitity. 1