LOSS OF THE OVALAU.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 240, 6 November 1903, Page 2

LOSS OF THE OVALAU.

FURTHBiH DETAILS, PEE PBKSB ASSOCIATIOS. Sydney, November 5. Only one or two of the male paesjngers and none of the ladies knew of the outbreak of fire till the Ovala"u reached Lord Howe Island. To the everlasting discredit of two members of the orew the Ovalau it is recorded thut while the ship was being destroyed by fire they stole away from their comrades, who were working at high pressure to save as much as possible from the burning ship, and forced an entry into the trade room, where the liquor was stored, and having found a supply they partook freely, and in a short space of time were practically in a helpless condition. When the fira gained such dimensions that it was imperative to abandon har, the captain called the small company left on board into one boat, and intimated that they must leave fcnmediatsly for tha shore. It was then that the two missing men were found enjoying themselves in the trade room, unconsciousof the danger in whioh they had placed theinsalves. They were itnplotvd to loave, hut declined to go on de; k. It was impossible to make them understand their lives were in great jeopirdy.

Captain Told, up in learning what had occurred, rtshed below through dense volumes of umoke and fumes from the burning copra, and entering the trade room caught the men by th« neok, odo with each hand, and by an almost superhuman effort dragge) them up the staircase of the burning vessel, Tne helploss men were then lowered over the side into the boat. Norfolk Island, November 5.

I An impressive and largely attended thuuksgiving service, for the preservation of the lives of the Ovalau's passengers and orew, was held at the Anulicm Ohurch, Archdeacon Oomens officiating.