Page 1 Advertisements Column 6

Temuka Leader, Issue 1194, 21 June 1884, Page 1

THE WRECK OF THE SYRIA. Levuka, June 11. —The loss of life by the st(anting of the coolie ship Syria is now definitely ascertained to he 56 coolies —3l men, 15 women, 8 boys and girls, and 2 infants. Great energy was displayed by the authorities and others in going to the rescue, and some nobly risked their lives in the boiling waves to rescue drowning men and women. Unfortunately hours elapsed before the news of the peril of human life could be got to Suva or Lavuka, and hours elapsed before help could be got to the spot, but in as short a time as possible the scene of lifesaving was a very busy and exciting one. Acting-Colonial Secretary (Hon. W. McGregor, M.D.), Head of the Emigration Department, Chief Harbor Master, and other officers were there, and also Rrv. F. Langham, Chairman of the Wesleyan Mission, and the Rev. W. W. Lmdsay, in whose more immediate locality the accident happened. Dr MrGivgor’s coolheadedness and energy in direction is spoken ot‘ in high commendation, as also the very efficient help afforded by Mr Langham arid bus crew of well trained mission students, by whose skill and pluck they rescued forty eight cooli-s with ihe mission boat. The Inspector of Poice (Mr FowL-r) is credited in the official oespaich with successful bravery, and four of the native police are recommended for the Humane Society’s medal. Ono of them swam through the w-.ves with a c ulie child n e: ch ha d, arid the mot' er on his back. Tim scene is described by a person present as terrible in one a.pect, dead bodies being driven backwards and forw irds, and women with their infants drowning before men’s eyes. Tire Fijians of the locality behaved well to the survivors, and the poor wretches who marched over the broad delta of the Rcwa were met by the villagers with kindly | signs of sympathy and presents of food and fruit. A tew black sheep are reported as giving themselves entirely to the loot, and neglecting the drowning, but they have not as yet been identified, and a subscription has been got up amongst planters and merchants for the benefit of the shipwrecked folk, and has reached £IOO. The vessel, which, with 1 her cargo, &c., was valued at £50,030, 1 was sold at Suva for .