LOSS OF THE WARATAH

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1929, Page 8

LOSS OF THE WARATAH

NEW LIGHT ON THE AIYSTERY. Tim mvsterv of the Varatali is referred to in the “Daily ALtil.” P u'ill be remembered that this Blue Anchor Line steamer, with 900 pus--engers on hoard, vanished completely after leaving Durban for Capetown in July, 1909. Air IT. D. Barry, of 555 Christchurch road, Bosconilic, Bournemouth, writes to the “Mail” as follows:“While on a visit to South Africa in 1913 I was in the Trans Koi, a native reserve between East London and St. Johns. It was common knowledge among the inhabitants of AY illov.vale that, the loss of tii-o AAaratah was witnessed by at least one white nan. 1. travelled down to his camp at Qolca (pronounced Cocker) Rivet; mouth, and lie told me that cue very wild night he saw a large sicame*’ •lose in-shore. Tie returned to His hut fob his night-glasses, hut on regaining the short* found that The steamer had disappeared. “He know nothing of the loss of the AA'aratah until some three months later, hut al’tei comparing dates lie was certain it was the same steamer. He was also in possession of a piece of wood with the letters WAR carved on it.

“Considering Tin* terrific surf am 1 ides that run on the razor-like rock** and reefs, also tin* tremendous depth >f water outside, it is quite conceivable that a. boat could turn nil tic and leave no trace. Sharks would accounl for any human being, even if then could keep afloat.” BAiS'SEXGKR’S PR BMONITION. The “Alai!,” in a leading article, recalls that there were strange happenings in the AA’aratah before she vanished. One of her passengers who was bound 1 1 > England, insisted on going •islioie at Durban, "because be declar'd that she rolled excessively, and •Iso timt three* times in succession before he reached Durban a terrific ipparition threatened him. He told this tale before anyone knew that the ship had gene, and hi* further telegraphed to his wile on landing that lie had left the AA’aratah because sbe seemed top-heavy.