How Sir H. Elphistone was Drowned.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 471, 14 May 1890, Page 6

How Sir H. Elphistone was Drowned.

Particulars of the circumstances under which General Sir Howard Elphinstone was di’owned while on a voyage from Plymouth to Teneriffe, show that about half-past nine on the same night, when the Tongariro was at the mouth of the Channel, the General went on the saloon deck to look at the lights of Ushant, which were coming into view. He was talking with Mr Vivian, junr., son of Mr Arthur Pendarves Vivian, who with Lady Jane Vivian was a passenger in the ship, and was just before the chartroom on the port side. Mr Vivian was sitting on the skylight, and Sir Howard was facing him. The weather was clear, with a fresh wind and a somewhat rough sea, and the shipwas occasionally rolling, although not heavily, While Sir Howard was on his feet the vessel gave a heavier roll than she had previously done, and as she was recovering herself the General slipped and was thrown against the gunwale chains with such violence that he turned a complete somersault and disappeared over the side. The fourth officer and Mr Vivian both saw him strike a partially open port below, and he bounded thence into the sea. Theengines were immediately reversed, and a patent life-buoy, bearing a light, was thrown overboard, and a boat lowered and manned. The ship cruised about the spot for two hours, but no trace of the General was seen, and the search had to be abandoned.