A THRILLING STORY OF THE SEA.

Kumara Times, Issue 997, 10 December 1879, Page 4

A THRILLING STORY OF THE SEA.

Captain Henry Banks, of the steamer Neera, who has just arrived in Glasgow by the overland route after leaving Mauritius, has favored one of the local papers with the following strange narrative On Saturday, the 18th of May, Capiain Banks’ steamer left Tamatave, having in tow a large dismasted vessel called the Sophia Joachim, laden with wheat, and bound from Adelaide for Liverpool, When within 50 miles of Mauritius a storm compelled the captain to cast loose the Sophia—the .Neera, however remaining close at hand. Till about daybreak of the 29th the two vessels were thus situated when a large steamer was descried in the offinp, standing in for Reunion, On approaching this vesssl signal guns were heard, and fligs of distress seen displayed, and it was otherwise evident that the ship was in a sinking condition. When hailed, the steamer proved to be the Samanood* belonging to the Khedive of Egypt, and bound for Mauritius with machinery. Being already in charge of the Sophia Joachim, also disabled, the Neera could not take the Samanood in tow, and her captain then lowered his boat and came on board the Neera. Then ensued such a scene as baffles description. The crew of the sinking vessel, lOi ia number, became perfectly panicstricken, and hnriied to lower the boats, which they filled with trunks, clothing, &c[ almost to the water’s edge. Then they scrambled in—a quite demoralised mob—and made for the Neera, whose deck soon became a wild scene of excitement and confusion, as she was carrying passengers from Tamativo. One boat, with 24 seamen, sank from overloading and of that number of struggling, drowning men, only one could be saved. The chief engineer of the Neera boarded the wreck and saved some valuable portable effects. And now came a strange incident of the terrible drama. a Mr Mclntyre, who was in charge of the machinery, had his wife and three children on board, an old Arab doctor, and a sick woman, had been unaware that the crew had left the sinking ship. It was only when tr e lady was seen to come on deck of the that the passengers and crew of the Neera became aware that there were stili fives to be rescued from the doomed vessel. Ihe Neera’s lifeboat was quickly launched' and the seven persons were soon safe on board the steamer. All the time of this exciting tragedy taking place the sea wai very rough, and a high wind blowing. Captain Loseo and the saved from the Samanood were landed at St. Dennis, there to await the decision of the Ottoman Consul-General rf o i, fc Louis aa to their destination.—Daily Review, 15th September, 1879.

_An Italian professor has discovered that scents have a varvellous effect on the moral faculies. He caused 75 girls (says the New York Times) to be subjected to different perfumes, where musk produced amiabilty; geranium, decision of character; violet, gentleness and religious fervor ; and patchouli, moral depravity. I don’t believe one word of this, but even if It were true, it would not be the first time when young persons, and for that matter, old ones, have been led by the nose.