LOSS OF THE BEGA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9117, 9 April 1908, Page 5

LOSS OF THE BEGA.

CHIEF OFFICER’S’ACOOUNT. Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, April 8. The steamer Peterborough, bringing part of the Bega’s castaways to Sydney, put into Kiama, [disabled, through an accident to an air pump. The castaways were landed aud the remainder made the journey by train.

Interviewed, Captain Davies, who was acting chief officer of the Bega, and in charge of the women’s boat, declared tnat the boats were fitted with everything necessary. He denied that one of the boats was without rowlocks, and the plug out of the passengers’ boat towing the women’s boat. He confirmed the statement that the suggestion was made to cut the painter by a seaman, who produced a knife. This was strongly resented by the others in the boat, and anyone attempting to u e the knife was threatened with rough treatment. The knife was afterwards returned to the owner.

All pay tribute to the coolness and bravery of the women and children. The steamer Goomonderry, which had been sent to the relief of the remaining castaways, met with an accident to the engines, delaying her for several hours.