MYSTERY OF THE SEA.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1922, Page 1

MYSTERY OF THE SEA.

WRECK OFF BTRCIIFIELD

BRASS FASTENED DOOR WASHED ASHORE.

SUPPOSED TO BE THE STEAMER K A IRAKI.

(Westport Times)

Word was received from Mr 11. Carey of the 11-mile Peg, on Wednesday, that lie had found on the beach a door with large brass hinges, which appears to the door of a locker or cabin, also pieces of Unit it- pine planking, covered with barnacles.

Some persons believe that the wrecl is that of the steamer Kairaki. whirl was supposed to have foundered wliih on the voyage from Lyttelton to Grey mouth, with all hands.

It is about time the marine author tics took up l!i© matter of invostig; lion and sent the tug to the scene an n'-rertnined what tho wreck is. Failin this, we would advise the Mayor, A 1 Monzios, to. communicate with the ai tliorities in Wellington and impress o them 1 lie necessity for sending a stcan or to the derelict and settle all doubt as to her identity.

If the vessel is that of the Kairaki perhaps the remains of some of thosf lost in her still remain aboard, and il so thev should receive proper burial Messrs Carey Bros., of 14-mile peg express their willingtoii to do all ii their power lo guide a vessel to tin

wreck. . It is over two years ago since the news of the wreck- was reported in the Westport Times and it is about time that something was done to . finally settle the matter of the vessel s identity.

ONE-LEGGED AVAR HERO

ROME, May 26

Italy is celebrating on Wednesday the anniversary of her entrance into the ivar liy giving a national funeral to Enrico Toti, a one-legged soldier who fell while fighting on the Carso. The body is being brought to its resting-place in Home The coffin, in a special compartment of the train is lost to sight in a sea of flowers. Four decorated companions in arms keep guard day and night and Toti’s father and two sisters travel in the same

train. In each town and village throng! which the cortege passed there was a renewed scene of patriotic fervour and on thusiasm. The Eternal City is flying to surpass all others ill its welcome to-morrow. The station is a mass of tri-colours. Patriotic associations have arrived from all parts of the country and tlie city is beflngged. Enrico Toti. although he had only one leg was an able swimmer and indefatigable cyclist. At the outbreak of war he appiod to the .Ministry of War to be allowed to join a fighting regiment. Thrice liis request was rejected. Then lip sent a special petition to the Duke of Aosta, who refused to send the mutilated man to the front Toti again petitoned the duke, and this time the royal leader assigned him to the 3rd Cyclist Battalion of Bersaglieri Toti's death can best be described through a letter written by his colonel to his father : “lie was the first to reach the enemy trench and fought like the devil. Wounded ho continued to fight, inciting li is