THE STEAMER AEON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2311, 2 October 1908, Page 3

THE STEAMER AEON.

A HOPELESS WRECK

CLEVER SEAMANSHIP ON MANUKA. United Press Association, Copyright (Received Oct. 1, 10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct, 1. The Aeon rail smoothly on to a coral reef. The night ‘was very dark. The engines were kept running full speed astern for an -hour and a-linlf, but the wind swug the vessel broadside on to the reef. Tho skilful manner in which the Manukx was handled by Captain Morrisby and his officers as she lay all night off the dangerous shore with a strong current running, and in the morning took on board 500 mail bags, without tho slightest mishap, excited groat admiration among tho passengers, and led to the passing of a resolution of commendation. The Aeon lies on a level keel, 20 yards from the beach. Her recovery is hopeless, her bottom being knocked out. and s'h© is full of water. Much of the cargo could be saved provided good weather prevailed. THE CAPTAIN'S STORY.

EXPERIENCES OF THE CASTAWAYS.

United Press Association, Copyright . SUVA, Oct. 1. Captain Downie was interviewed this afternoon, but was reticient as to the cause of the disaster, attributing it, however, to strong currents. “AVe were,” lie said, “four weeks fitting an engine in the life-boat. On August 17th we started for Fanning Island, myself, the chief engineer, the second mate, and tho third engineer. The engine broke down the first day and tho jib and rudder also broke. Having no sails, we drifted about until the current carried us back to Christmas Island, and ave effected a landing .next morning six miles from the camp. We set to work and refitted the boat with sails, and though the engine broke down often, the sails kept ns going until we reached Fanning Island on September 18. The Manuka picked ns up on the 22nd, a,nd proceeded- to Christmas Island to succour our castaway companions. The Manuka was unable to anchor, and it was with difficulty that all got aboard by noon of the 24th. No one was left in charge of the ship, which is not broken.” One of the lady passengers states “It was a dark night when the wreck occurred, and great confusion prevailed. The Chinese grabbed all the life-belts, and did nothing for anyone hut the captain. Boats could not be lowered at first, owing to the panic ■among the Chinese. The captain kept very cool, and finally all were provided with belts. None dared to go below, so all waited oil the deck till daylight, when we rejoiced to see land, though' it was bare and miserable sitting on the rocks in the sun. Everybody did all they could for us. A case of preserved milk was saved and given to Mrs. Patrick for her child. Then, filially, the men built an hospital, and she had all she wanted. When we knew the steamer was coming we all broke down and cried. It was such a relief after what seemed an eternity of waiting. The Chinese looted the wreck. The captain ordered them off, but tliev refused to do shore work. There was always a European guarding the Chinese, who were armed with knives and pistols, which they got from the cargo. Mrs. Patrick was confined to her bed when the Manuka arrived, and her bed was lifted and placed in a boat and hoisted on to the deck Life on the island was wearisome, the only incident being the catching of a wild cat.” „