Collapse of a landing Stage.

Manawatu Herald, 26 September 1899, Page 2

Collapse of a landing Stage.

A terrible accident occurred at Circular quay Sydney on Saturday evening, by which the lives of a larg<3 number of children were 'en« dangered. A Sunday School picnic paity was landing from a ferry (steamer, wh'n after many of the excursionists had got ashore in safety the staging collapsed. Sixty children were by the mishap thrown into / the water. A scene of indtscribable I confusion followed, wit'i women in

hysterics and m n in a frantic condition. Prompt measures werp, however, taken to get the young people out of the harbour. The officers and crew of a Japanese mail steamer which was berthed in the vicinity rttidered magnificent service in preventing a great loss of life, Thirty plucky " Japs " joumped into the harbour and went to the rescue of the children. The captain of the vessel threw overboard patent flarelights, which considerably facilitated the work of rescue. Assistance was also rendered by a :*t party of marines from H.M.S. Katoomba, who chanced to be at hand. The happy results of the rescuers' efforts was that, with the exception of two, all the children who were ..... plunged into the water were saved* gpr The unfortunate victim? were two lads named Loten and Grant. Five children who were taken to the hospital are now recovering from the effects of their immersion.