FATAL EXPLOSION ON BOARD THE MOSES TAYLOR. SIX PERSONS KILLED.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 23, 1 July 1871, Page 2

FATAL EXPLOSION ON BOARD THE MOSES TAYLOR. SIX PERSONS KILLED.

For the first time since the organisation of the steam lines between San Francisco and this port, we are called upon to record a most painful and fatal accident. The Moses Taylor left San Francisco on Wednesday, the 24th of May, and when but a few miles outside of the Heads at the entrance of the Bay, a flue of the starboard boiler collapsed, and the escaping steam and water from the boiler instantly killed four fireman, and so seriously injured the first assistant engineer and a water-tender, that they survived but a few hours. The fol'lowing are the names of the unfortunate victims of the disaster :—Thomas Harrison, first assistant engineer, a native of New York ; Nicholas°Pendergast, fireman, Ireland ; Hugh Mooney, fireman, Ireland; Paul Nicholas, coal passer, Ireland ; William Young, coal passer, New York; Oliver Hayes, water tender. We are unable to give any particulars as regards the cause of the disaster. We understand that the vessel was thoroughly overhauled and her machinery repaired during her stay in San Francisco, although nothing was doue to her boilers, which had been in use for some time, but which were considered to be in good condition. Great credit is due to Captain Bennett for continuing the voyage after the disaster, notwithstanding the vessel was only a few hours' sail from San Francisco. We are informed that it was with the utmost effort that the crew, particularly the firemen, could be induced to undertake their duty for the passage, all of them desiring to return to San Francisco. By his prompt and energetic action, Capt. Bennett has been enabled to deliver the mails to the Nevada in. time to cause but little or no delay in their transmission to the colonies. —Hawaiian Gazette, June 7.