Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1922, Page 3

THE FKANCE LOST. SYDNEY, July 13. : Further wireless messages have been received by the Sydney and Brisbane stations from the France, stating that the crew have, been praying for daylight. Big seas have been breaking on the reef, damaging the ship, and two of the masts were carried away. The lives of the crew working on the deck were endangered. The messages concluded:—“All aboard spent a night of hell.” Another message stated that if occasion arose, an attempt would be made to land tbe crew at daybreak. Later messages received at Brisbane stated the crew had taken to the boats owing to the danger from the falling masts and rigging, and that the France would probably be a total loss. Tbe station at Noumea later unsuccessfully tried to get into communication with the France. It is believed tbe crew reached tbe shore safely. WELLINGTON, July 13 The Secretary of the Post Office reports that the Noumea radio has advised at 9.3 G p.ni. as follows: —“All t|y. staff and sailors of the France have bperi saved.”