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Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1930, Page 4

It was a happy issue indeed to learn from Tuesday’s news that though the steamer Tahiti had sunk, the passengers and crew were all saved, and quite a quantity of an important overseas mail saved. Writing at a time when particulars are hot available of the untoward cause of this serious shipping disaster, the story is iiot of course complete, but enough is known to realise that for a long period there was grave peril to all concerned, and it is indeed pleasing! to know that as far as human life is concerned, all is well. The wonderful adaptation of wireless again justified itself, and emphasises the need for adequate equipment being installed in all oversea voyages. But for the aid which the wireless brought, a serious tragedy would have had to lie recorded. It was splendid how the 'call for help was answered. The steamers within reach raced to succour the distressed, and happily arrived in good time to effect a very gallant save. From the scraps of news broadcasted by the wireless there is no clou'bt all on the ship wei*o in very grave peril. It may easily be realised that all worked with a will to keen the ship afloat. There is a hint of this in the message of reply sent by the passengers to the Gover-nor-General’s very thoughtful message of concern and enquiry as to the plight of those in such a precarious position. The great save which was effected shows that everything possible was done to keep afloat to ensure the passengers being got away safely by the rescue ships. Equally satisfactory was the care which must have been shown by the success of the transfer of the ship’s company across the ocean swell to the Ventura. Here, again, the highest seamanship must have lieen shown, and all (concerned deserve the greatest praise for the careful skill which overcame the treachery of the sea There was one incident in the great experience through which those concerned passed, through which showed the spirit of those on hoard in the face of the peril presented. Despite the plight of all concerned, over the air, from the Tahiti came ail enquiry as to the progress of the test cricket match' The ruling spirit comes out in that episode and shows the stuff the men are made of who go down to the sea in ships. When the story of the loss of the Tahiti is told, we have no doubt it will he a moving tale of courage and resource and outstanding seamanship in the face of an unusual and most unexpected accident on the high seas. In !tlic face of dire disaster evidently the hgil.est traditions of the sea and the race were observed.