THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 15 June 1907, Page 2

THE KIA ORA WRECK.

m\{ m TWENTY MINUTES. HHE WEATHER PREVENTS HORRIBLE CATASTROPHE. EIGHT PERSONS BELIEVED TO BE DROWNED. THE mwm PLIOHT. S!>lj;.\])lD IiKIIAVIOIS OF Til]] !'ABSEN(iIiI!S AXD CKKW. RABAWA'S iiESCUE VOYAGE. (liy Our Special m'Rli the, Huriiwa.)

on Iho of (hi- Hiu'awa at the ISrrnkwatrr :U 1 a.m. yesterday morning she was met liv Mr. Webster, local agent fur the Northern Steam Ship,_ Co., who conveyed to Captain Norbury the liew.s of the disaster to the Kia Ol'a, ami instructions from headquarters reM|MM.'Ung rescue work." The passengers were immediately disembarked, a special train being iu waiting, and shortly before six o'clock tlie Rarawa was sent full-speed for Turua I'oint, the locality of the wreck, which was reached after five hours' sail. On board were Mr. Webster, Dr. Wylie, Captain llood (Harbormaster), and a representative of, the Daily News. Home six miles south of tlie I'oint the lirst material

the starboard boat, but it was

EVIDENCE OF THE DISASTER was descried and picked up in the form of a portion of the gunwale of a lifeboat. All glasses were now turned on the shore, which was slightly obscured in liazc, and along which the ltarawa steamed at half-speed. Being well inside the usual course, the lead was kept going continuously. AN ABANDONED REFUGE. Shortly before 11 o'clock a boat was sighted drawn up on the beach a few miles south of the I'oint. There also appeared to be a small hut, which we afterwards learned was the Kia Ora's raft, stood 011 end for the shelter of survivors. A slight smoke was seen arising from a lire, but 110 one could be seen on the beach. The captain came to the conclusion that the survivors had made north along the coast in the direction of Marakopo.

THE SCEN E OF THE WKECK. Soon the wild Piripoki Reef, on whieli the ill-fated boat struck, loomed ahead showing at high tide only a few l'cet out of the water. The reel' is well defined, lying a little to the northward, and about a mile and a half oil' the Turua Point. The liarawa steamed slowly round the reef, the lead going constantly, but not a vestige of the Kia (Ira, which was lying only a few cable lengths away, was discernible.

Once round the point, a bay opened out, into which Captain Norbury conducted the ltarawa cautiously, the charts not showing soundings wilhin the reef. Evidences of apparent cultivation were now visible from the vessel, and proved to be rows of Has cut by Maoris for the Kawliia mills. The ltarawa's foghorn had been kept going at intervals since the vicinity of Tnrua was reached, and soon figures were descried on the strip of black-sand bench.

Anchor was immediately dropped, and a life-boat, under the charge oi Chief Officer Bark, was manned by four seamen. and lowered. Or. Wvlie was taken aboard, and the lifeboat east oil'. Stimulants, food, and nigs in plenty had been stowed away on board.

NEWS OF THE SURVIVORS. •Jusl at this moment, the auxiliary oil launch W'aitara (11.' J. Williamson) bore down from Kawliia. Hailing the Karawa, -Mr. Williamson informed those aboard that there were only a few of the crew at the point for which the lifeboat was making, and that the bulk of the survivors were some miles to the southward, lie also stated that he had a survivor aboard, but the name given could net be ascertained.

Captain Norbury decided to carry out his plans as commenced, believing that the southern camp mentioned had been deserted. The correctness of this hypothesis was borne out a few minutes later, when what appeared to be horses and a long line of people was made, out descending from I he scrub-clad eminence !to the beach. Meanwhile the life-boat was making good headway through a choppy sea to the beach, along which a nasty surf was breaking. It seemed to those on board the htauuer' that no landing could be effected, attempt after attempt being frustrated. The boat appeared to be in imminent danger of swamping on several occasions, but was splendidly handled. The launch Waitara stood by. cruising along just outside the broken water.

A LANDING EFFECTED. Eventually, after an hour's strenuous endeavor, the boat was seen to dash through an opening of green water, and | willing hands hauled her on the sands. I Now commenced a period of ANXIOUS WAITING to those on the rescue steamer. After iilxjut ;m hour it could be seen through the now descending land fog that attempts were being made to relaunch the boat. The sea by this time was rising, and the line of surf appeared more formidable than when a landing was effected. For over au hour launching efforts continued, and Captain Norbury was undecided whether the risk should be taken. The launch had in the interval gone to the south, so no assistance could be procured from that quarter. About one o'clock, however, the boat was seen to rise 011 a couple of seas and fall out--1 side the broken water. Then came a long pull against the wind to the Rarawa, which the boat made shortly before two o'clock.

SURVIVORS TAKEN ABOARD. No time was lost under difficult conditions in transferring the human freight There were fifteen aboard, and it was speedily ascertained that only nine of tlie strongest of the crew lmd been brought off. The men bore unmistakenble EVIDENCE OF SUFFERING. The second steward, llaynes, temporarily collapsed. Every attention was shown the castaways: Seamen Joseph Morris, David Forbes. Thomas Chambers. Fred. Martensen, Firemen Dunning, Walter Hodgson, W. Symes, Second Steward llaynes, and Chief Cook G. Betts. Once aboard, the anchor was weighed, and the Rarawa's head turned seaward and southward, and all speed made for New Plymouth through a rapidly rising sea. Particulars, were now forthcoming respecting the disaster and the survivors. Dr. Wylie had found his services urgently needed, ojm passenger having had his leg bvoken at 'V time of the wreck. Another, an i'id lady 70 years of age, had received s:«v«mv cuts and bruises about ihe head and face. Others were suffering from minor bruises, contusions and LUaiiw, ail needing skilled attention. I The do.i ;1" speedy attention io Ihe , cases, and lei 1 ail comfortable and iu no immcili.iio danger. It Wa* I'ound thaf there was a 'Maori whare and a- settler named Shearer aft

the spot, and thai (he oilier survivors were in kind hands. As soon as I lie men had rested, particulars of the wreck were forthcoming, THE STORY OF THE WRECK. Enginerooni man W. Symos gave the most Intelligent story. The Kin Orn, he said, Mt Waitara shortly after half-past nine on Wednesday night. He went on watch at midnight, and all went well until three o'clock. Ho had just finished "oiling round," and was in the act of putting away his can, when, with a horrible grating crash, the way of the vessel was stopped. The second ollieer, Mr llobinson, was on duty oil the bridge, having relieved Chief Ollieer R. Wolff a( midnight. Captain Waekloel; it is stated,' had left instructions to be called at a quarter past three. Tvervone imniedialelv rushed 011 deck, the captain to the bridge. The vessel was enveloped in heavy fog. and bumping heavily. She immediately com- ' me.iced to fill aft, leading to the eon- ' elusion that the bow had ridden over the ' reef, which penetrated abaft the engines. ' >

CAUSE OF THE DISASTER. The greatest regret is felt oil the coast for the loss of so popular a seaman as Captain Blacklock. No reason is at present advanced for the disaster, the vessel being about a mile off her course. Had she been a few yards further out. she would have passed safely over the reef. It can only be assumed that some mistake may have been made in the transmission of tlie watch orders, shipping men being loth to believe, that the most experienced ollieer on this portion of the coast could have made a miscalculation. CREDIT TO THK UESCt'BBP. The greatest cl'edT is due to the Northern Steam Ship Company. Capfain Xorbnry anil his crew for their prompt response to the call. Especially also is Dr. W.vlic to he congratulated on the pluck with which he faced a most trying ordeal. AVe regret that, more detailed information respecting (lie names of the survivors is not forthcoming, but, it was not procurable, and, under the. circumstances, it was lucky that the boat ma

"'LAUNCH THE BOATS," •WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST,"

was the captain's order. The port boat was promptly swung out, and launched under the charge of Chief Officer Wolff. Into this boat three lady passengers, the stewardess, and thre« children were safely transferred, and with, two seamen, the boat stood off from the wreck, drifting astern. THE STEAMER SETTLES DOWN.

The doomed steamer settled, rapidly, the bottom with the heavy rolling crushing down on the rocks. With extreme difficulty, seas breaking over those huddled aboard, could a footing be maintained. No time was lost in launching

able to return to the Rarawa with the information we have been enabled to give above. DESTITUTE PEOPLE.

ft is known that some of the passengers have lost heavily, two families, it is slated, having lust their all, including the furniture for their homes. All, especially the crew, are practically destitute, and the public, we feel sure, will cheerfully respond to any call for aid to those who have suffered by this im,3t lamentable calamity.

CRUSHED- TO MATCHWOOD between the vessel and a rising portion of the reef as soon aB it touched the water. Gradually those aboard could now feel the Bhip slipping back off the reef as the stern tilled. Suddenly the haze lifted for a moment, and the captain obtained a glance of Turua headland, showing his position. Not the slightest sign of panic had been apparent, not oven a child cried. As quickly as it takes to tell the subsequent events happened. Several were now iu the water, others in high positions forward offering shelter, while the Captain and Symes and Hodgson of the crew hung on at the funnel. The pantry boy, hanging on to a guy aft, waß heard crying to be saved, the captain fervidly remarking to his men,

"I'D GIVE MY LIFE TO SAVE THAT BOY." The rocks now held amidships for a moment, but in a second or two everyone, excepting the three at the funnel, were struggling in the sen. Symes, wl*i possessed a life-bout and a buoy, offered his captain the latter, which was accepted after the captain had been assured that Symes was provided for similarly. With a tearing crash, the vessel suddenly parted just forward of the engines, and the stern portion disappeared beneath the waves.

THE CAPTAIN DROWNED. At the same moment, Captain Blaeklock, saying good-bye to his companions, was seen no more. As the vessel went down a raft became detached and Hunted off, and to this eleven men battled, their way. Symes secured a piece of wreckage, on to whieli he assisted one of the ship's boys, and struck out for the boat, which was showing Hare lights some little distance oil'. The boat picked them up, along with four others who ve:'e in the water. About five minute:, a.uer the disappearance of the afi poK..;;i, the remainder sudOnlv canted over end disappeared, it is stated, ONLY TWENTY MINUTES AFTER STRIKING.

The Rarawa arrived back af (he wharf last night just before !) o'clock, and sailed shortly afterwards ft..' Auckland. NAMES OF ( i'T'TCEKS AND CHEW. Per Press Association. Auckland, June 14. i Captain Backblock, master of the Kia tha, was a married man, aged 35 years. Jlo leaves a wife and three children. The names of the officers and crew are: —('. it. Wolfe, first mate; .lames Robertson, second mate; E. L. liaggstrom, chief engineer; 11. Lister, second engineer; W. Hodgson, W. Dunning, and W. iSymcs. liremen; F. Martenson, Thomas Chambers, Anderson, J. Morris, and D. Forbes, A.li.'s; ,1. A. Peterson, chief steward; W. .1. liaynes, assistant steward; \V. Johnson, cadet steward; A. J. Keller, stewardess; R. Belts, cook; ,1. Decalmer, cook's boy. NO FOOD OR SHELTER. Auckland, June 14.

One of the passengers had his leg broken on deck when the vessel lurched, taking tons of wuteV over the bulwarks, most of the injuries sustained by passengers and crew having been sustained at the same moment. The, man, with the helpless limb was one of thpsc picked up in the water by the raft. The boat, with the raft in tow, drifted slowly southward waiting for daybreak. Shortly after nine o'clock on Thursday morning the raft got ashore, and the boat followed safely through the surf shortly afterwards.

The count was barren, with no sign of cultivation or habitation and light drizzling rain fell. Fortunately nearly everyone was more or less clad, although drenched, hungry and eohl. The value of Hoard of Trade regulations Mas soon evidenced, the hermetically sealed boxes on the raft containing, amount other necessaries, a quantity of dry mulches. The raft was raised for a break-wiud, and the boat overturned for shelter, and fires lighted. The chief mate and engineer set out'for assistance, and arrived at Shearer's place after many hours'

HARD WORK THROUGH THIS jjjf&ffc.. From there a man was despatched on a pack-horse to Marakopo with news of the disaster, and request for assist- j mice. The settlers lost 110 time in or- ! ganising relief, but in the utter absence of facilities for travel, it was not till 3 o'clock on Friday morning that packhorses with provisions, etc., readied the survivors, although the distance is only a little over ten miles.

After breakfast all set out for Shearer's. The injured man was carried up the steep hills, and strapped on to a j pack-horse. The women and children took spell about on the horses, and the trying journey was borne by young and old, injured, and the less unfortunate without a whimper. While iu the bush the Rarawa's fog horn was heard with surprise and jov, for they had not expected their plight to be kuown for some lime. Tiie whole party reached the sheltered cove just as the Rarawa dropped anchor in the bay. The rest of the story is now known. Regarding THE LOSS OF LIFE,

The latest news is to the effect thai the survivors are having a very ba< time in an exposed situation, without food or clothing.

the greatest uncertainty prevails. Owing to the difficulty of getting information the names of the surviving passengers were not procurable. The second steward states there were about 3.) aboard, and as only 27 arc accounted for there would seem to be

EIGHT MISSTNG, There is no certainty, however, that , other than three already reported have lost their lives, and there is also the possibility, although a remote one, that ••40me may have reached some inaccessible part of the coast. Meanwhile a sliarp h>ok-out is to be kept by the settlers. In whose charge the survivors ashore have been placed. A heavy sea has come up and it may be some days before it will bo possible to communicate with the beach from the sea. It is therefore more than likely, as soon as the weather clears, and the survivors arc lit for (lie journey, ihat a start will be made overland for Marakopo and Knwhia.

! AWFUL CATASTROPHE AVERTED. Despite the lamentahje results of the disaster, one vie,zing the scene cannot but realise what might have happened had a heavy sea, so frequent- on the coast at this time of the year, been running. Under such circumstances, the probability is that the Kia Ora would have been imHantly dashed to pieces, and not a survivor lefl to toll the story. For Ihe compel rafivelv small loss of life, the line behavior and seamanship of the capiain and crow in the moment of peril, coupled with comparatively smooth water, undoubtedly averted a calamity 1 hnt would haw filled Taranaki with horror.

News of the wreck was sent by a man who rode thirty-five miles to the nearest telephone station.

A relief party, including Constable McCarthy and Dr. Jenkins, left Kawliia this morning for the scene with food, clothing, and restoratives. Forbes, one of the men drowned, is believed to be a son of ex-Sergeant Forbes, and was well-known ill Auckland.

The Kia Orn was uninsured, except in the company's own furd. The cargo, a valuable -one, includes llax valued at £SOO for Kawliia.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN ON BOARD. The passengers leaving Waitara by the Ivia Ora were:— Mr and Mrs Mcintosh and two children. Mrr Cox Mr Gavannah, Mr H. Bratt Mr R. Ross « Mr W. Lash f. Mr Rarraclough. Mr Forbes Mr Partridge, and Maku, a native boy. The wrecked vessel was carrying an unusually small cargo, this not exceeding 20 tons. Her tonnage is 180.

GLOOM IN WAITARA. Writes our Waitara correspondent:— A gloom lias been east over the town by the wreck of the s.s. Kia Ora, and the loss of Captain Blacklock's and other valuable lives. The deceased Captain was held in the highest esteem in Waitara, and his untimely death is greatly deplored by many friends, to whom his sterling personal worth and his skill ns a master mariner are well known. The love and respect, in which he was held by those under his command will not be lessened by his last voyage, for, steadfast to duty in death ns in life, lie went down with his tight whitefunnelled little vessel, which so often, through fog. and storm, has fought her way under his guidance along a dangerous const and over treacherous bars to a safe haven.