A NAVAL OFFICER'S ACCOUNT.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 363, 27 April 1889, Page 4

A NAVAL OFFICER'S ACCOUNT.

Lieutenant A. Alarix, of the U.S. Navy, was a jja'ssenger on the Manposa. When the vessel returned to port he proceeded to the Star Hotel, where he was subsequently waited upon by a representative of this paper. The Lieutenant was found in the smoking room. He kindly consented to furnish any information in his power. "You were a passenger on board the Manposa?" asked thereportei. "Yes, I left Sydney to go through to Washington." u Were you on public duty over there ?" " I represented the United States Government at the International Exhibition at Melbourne for the last 10 months. I was on my way home to Washington, after which I shall go to sea again." " What was the first you saw of the fire?" "Wellf I was awakened, when the engines were stopped, about 6 o'clock. I dressed and went on deck, and &aw everything going on quietly. There was no confusion, and very little excitement. I noticed steam forward, coming up through the hold. I saw the men lay the hose along the deck, and noticed that the sailors were working at the forehold. I never went forward at all, because I think the greatest help a passenger can give the officers and crew of a vessel at such times is to remain away, and not hinder them in going on with their work. For this reason E did not go forward, and consequently did not see anything of the fire. When I went to breakfast, 1 witnessed a 3ight such as I never expected to have seen. There we were, with the ship on fire, passengers on board knowing that such was the case, and yet not the slightest sign of fear, not even on the faces of the ladies. It was a surprise to me, and I consider such a result was entirely due to Che tact of Capt, Hay ward and the splendid

discipline maintained on board the ship. A panic would not have done any harm, excepting to the passengers themselves. But they showed no fear, bub wore sitting 1 about amusing themselves as much as over. Some were playing cards, others smoking, " " They seem to have taken it coolly ?" " They did. It was a great surprise to me. 1 have been going to sea 25 years and I have no hesitation in saying that on board a man-of-war, with trained men and no women, you could not have had a scone like that." *• Were you on deck when they turned back ?" " Yes ; they turned round not long after the lire was discovered. Ido not think Captain Hayward turned round because ho feared more trouble in tho hot zoneb. I think that being about 200 miles from a port he naturally headed at once for that port. "' " Then you think there was no danger of the tire destroying tho vessel ?" " hly opinion is~ that there could be no doubt but that Captain Hayward and his men could have got the the undci. Still ie Avas wisest to head back to the poit and get rid ot tho stun" in which the fire originated. I cannot tell you anything more about the iuc because I did not go to tho front while the men were woiking."' " Then you cannot add to tho particulars already published in our extra early this morning ?" " No, 1 fancy that must havo been written by a minis-tor ; I notice he mentions about the mercy of Piovidcnce. Of course I suppose ie was there, but J think it wafe in the shape of Captain Hayward and the excellent discipline of his oilieers and men."