WRECK OF THE KIA ORA: A FEW SIDE LIGHTS.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 325, 9 August 1907, Page 2

WRECK OF THE KIA ORA: A FEW SIDE LIGHTS.

(TO THE EDITOR.) Sir,—The public has almost had ite fill of the Kia Ora enquiry, as far as tbe dark side is concerned. If it had not beeu for the passengers I am afraid the officers and crew would have breu left to starve and perish on the Mangunu beach. Of course the said passengers did all in their power to get the news of the wreck through aud aid to the poor officers and crew.

Sidelight t No. I.—As a settler knowing the country and tbe coast, the J world that has read of the disgraceful way the officers and crew had behaved would naturally believe that they were unworthy of the name of men or Britaius to behave as they did. But the light now appears as to what they really did after safely landing the poor unfortunates on the beach. On the spur of the moment, and while the spur was felt, Chief Officer De Wolfe aud Chief Engineer Baggstrom, knowing that tbe second officer and second engineer were knocked out, decided to go and seek aid. I, as knowing the country, am quite sure from tbe position seen by these mon, I would have done the same(a9 they would uotkuow how far they wore from assistance, and also considering the likelihood ot a night or two exposed to the weather then prevailing). After all is said and done, what about warfare? When a few are ambushed those who aet out for aid have always been recognised as heroes—the men who did'the same on tbe occasion of the wreck were, from tbe reading that has gone out broadcast, “ curs.”

Sidelight 'No. 2.-—Valuable service was rendered by Harry Watson, an old man, who, when De Wolffa and Baggstromarrived at Sherae, set out with a uote to the nearest store, telling them of the wrack. This man walked a road which would have staggered men such as office clerks, and I may say the majority of readers of this letter Yet undaunted, this old tuau started, without anything to-eat, aud was iualrumeutaliu getting first aid. Not one single word has beeu said of hie services. After the survivors were aafuly placed under shelter, and kindly looked after by Mr Shorn, then again tbo selfishness (!) of tbe officers aud orew appears. Baggs trom said, “ail you men that are able to strikeout for Marokopa do so. It is only 10 miles.” Do Wolfe and Baggstrom setout over the—what shall 1 say, pig mire, not road, andjhad it not beeu for Mr Willison coming along afterward I doubt that these men would have troubled the public any longer. After arrival nt Marokopa and a meal h*d boon partaken of, these two men set out for Haribari (7 miles distant) on horseback. Here they mat with the

hospitality for which Messrs Bell Bros and Boss are renowned. This is the only place where a surf boat is kept. With the valuable'assistance of the Bell Brothers, on Sunday morning they got the boat off aud sounected with the'steamer Kothesay. By the way, not a word has been said about the assistance of the Bell Brothers; of course that was far too significant a service to be acknowledged in open court.

Sidelight No. 3.—Arriving at the beach where the survivors were, another arduous feat was performed. Cargo was surfed ashore, the passengers taken off to tbe boat, whilst tbe boat’s crew then returned to shore for another load of produce. In this matter I must not forget to mention Mr E. D. Hamilton, who rendered most valuable uid When al! were safely landed nt Kawhia I c u well imagine the feelings of boriiß-tggs trom and De Wolfe. Yet tho news has gone broadc <>t that these m n (and also the other members ot the crew) were worse than hru es—not »« single word in praise I know that neither of the officers meutiuuel look for laurels, but give to them their ju-t dues, for they worked m mfully aud heroically. Sidelight No. 4.—ln just ce to Mr Peterson, who was so cruelly treated in Auckhnd. a tew wards of praise sro also due to bi n. Hibravery and coolness as a steward were recognised by all, and this m»n -aved, by tkilful mmipuUtiou of the raft, the iiyes of t* n men, anti IL. ukare in a measnre due to him or the cssulty hat would hsyc been f»r greater. A“ to ‘h-j aspersion c>st on his character during the tria*, I c»n safely say I hat he is a m st temperate man, aud I would stake my life on the fact of his sobriety jvheu going to Onehuuga at 10 o’clock in the m >rn ing. Sidelight No. s.—Why was the fact not mentioned that when the boat came to the rescue of Baggstrom, be and three others were on the sun deck aud he remarked, “I am all right ; take the others ; throw mo a lifebelt.” Who threw the lifebelt ? Why, another of the crew, tbe stewardneas. Was that not wor’h bringing out at an enquiry ? Sidelight, No. 6.—1 say that the suggestion that the Kia Ora was a M drunken ship ” was a diabolical lie, and an insult to the memory of tbe late lamented captain. Another insinuation, ab int the settlers relying on the steamer for their liquor is about as true as many more of the statement*. Trusting that the few facts above related will appeal to lovers of truth, —Yours, ntc , JUSTICE.