THE MANAPOURI DISASTER.

Kumara Times, Issue 2920, 9 March 1886, Page 2

THE MANAPOURI DISASTER.

Oil ilie arrival of the M&napouri at Lyttelton on the 2nd inst. (the Press reports) an inspection was made of the case of acid which caused the calamity near Gisborne on board that vessel. It

comprises a very slight made case, 21in. long, by 12iu. and 12in. Within the case is about two-thirds of the lower portion of a stone jar, the upper portion having broken off. The capacity of the jar would be about three gallons, and is about half an inch thick. There was over a gallon of the acid, supposed to be nitric, remaining in the jar, which was packed in the case with sawdust. On the top of the case, the letters “Acid (his side” are painted in black, the word “up” being painted on the side of the case. As already stated by telegraph, the chief officer, Mr Morris, the third officer, and the quarter-master, Mr Lloyd, lost their lives by this sad disaster. The third officer and the quarter-master were single men, but Mr Morris was only mairied in October last, and his widow is living in Melbourne. Mr Morris came out to New Zealand in command of the s.s. Ohan, some time ago, and on anival was appointed chief officer of the s.s. Penguin, with the view of gaining local knowledge. Latterly he has been in the Manapouri, getting acquainted with the intercolonial trade. He was a promising young officer, and would, if he had lived, probably have been soon appointed to a command.