AN EXCITING INCIDENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 202, 30 September 1909, Page 2

AN EXCITING INCIDENT.

RACE FOR A SALVAGE PRIZE. A STJCCESSFULPIECE OF BLUFF. By Cable.—Press Association.— Copyright Receives 30, 0.30 a.m. Sydney, September 29. I The American 'barque Alpena, which was in a dangerous position off the I Stockton beach, Newcastle, was safely

towed to Newcastle. The escape of the Alpena was only effected after an unusually exciting incident. Ever fiince the captain and crerf left the vessel, there had been talk of the possibility of salvage. The captain made arrangements with the tug Port Jackson to tow the vessel in. At the same time the tug Leveret was hoverin* about seeking an opportunity to sc-1 i cure the prize. When the Leveret was teen making for the vessel, the Port Jackson started in pursuit. Prior to her leaving Captain Neilrjn, of the Alpena, tried to get a gun from the police station, "as some blamed rascals" were Hrying to steal his vessel. The police official? explained that eucli methods were not sanctioned by the law. With a curse on such out-of-date legislation, the American captain dash-

Ed back to the t"g. An exciting chase commenced. The Leveret had a gnoi\ start, both going at top speed. A big sea was running. The Port Jackson hugged Stockton beach closer than her rival. The Leveret prepared to lower a boat, but the Port Jackson dashed in between the Alpena and the Leveret. The captain hailed the Leveret and threatened to draw a gun (which be did not posse.-a) ion the first man who attempted to [ board the vessel. I The threat caused those on the Leveret to cease the lowering operations. Noitson "then jumped into the boat lowered from the Port Jackson amd boarded his ship. The Leveret thei steamed off.