The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1922. SNATCHED FROM DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1922. SNATCHED FROM DEATH.

The story of the "wreck of ! the ocean liner Wiltshire, the terrible ordeal of the men on that illfated vessel, the trials of the helpers, and the ultimate snatching from the jaws of deoth of all on boaid. forms a thrilling episode of maritime perils that will long live in the memory of the people of the Dominion. When the news came to hand last Wednesday night, that the Wiltshire, one of the largest liners trading to New Zealand, had struck on the Great Barrier reef, and that heavy seas were pounding the ship, there being no possibility of either boats being launched or- other vessels approaching- sufficiently near to be of service, fears for the worst were entertained. Here was a splendidly equipped modern liner, with watertight compartments, within a few hours’ sail of her destination, suddenly helpless and at the mercy of the furious waves, being held fast in the grip : of a treacherous reef, and appar-1 ently destined for destruction, en- ; tailing a terrible loss of valuable ' lives. Once again that wonderful j wireless invention sent forth its nerve-racking appeals for help, bringing vessels to the scene of the disaster, though only to see the futility of any attempt to be of service. What those on board the wreck went through in those | first and subsequent periods of suspense is beyond words to express. We know, however, that the heroism and courage of the British race was fully in evidence, even when the ship broke asunder and the stern portion slid away into the deep water. Providentially a line from the shup was floated ashore, and eventually a rope connection was made with the land, whereby four men were safely rescued, the remainder of those on board being left in the darkness of the night in a state of high tension as to what would happen. Happily the daylight came and found them safe, but still surrounded by danger. Nothing daunted the rescuers. On they went with their work, and when additional help and equipment arrived the process of rescue was expedited, and at last the whole of the crew were safely brought ashore. That must, have been a glorious moment when the last men were landed safely, and the knowledge that over one hundred men had been snatched from the jaws of death, it can readily be imagined, was a source of infinite thankfulness and relief, not only to those who had taken part in the work, but of all humane people. It is on such occasions that the noblest and best traits, of mankind come to the surface and glow like a fierce light piercing Cimmerian darkness. Everything possible was done by the authorities, to render help as promptly and effectively as possible, the Katoa’s men being especially prominent and determined in their efforts. When it is considered that this rescue was carried out in the teeth of a howling gale and mountainous seas, its complete success, without any accident, is little less than a marvel. No wonder that throughout the Dominion there is a feeling of intense thankfulness at the end being achieved. It was, indeed, a splendid'performance that reflects the utmost credit on all concerned. As to the Cause of the disaster, that, of course, will be a matter for inquiry, but it. is known that the night was very thick and visibility very low. it being difficult to pick up the lights in that dangerous region. For the present it is enough to know that over a hundred lives were gallantly rescued. and that British pluck and resource have once more been signally exemplified.