FATAL ACCIDENT ON A STEAMER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1474, 2 March 1886, Page 3

FATAL ACCIDENT ON A STEAMER.

The s.s. Manapouri arrived at Gisborne from Auckland at half-past one p.m. on Friday and signals were made for a doctor. On the launch going off, it was

found that a terrible accident had occurred. The vessel left Auckland at 1.15 on Tuesday, and at 3 the hatches were taken off to get a parcel out of the hold for a lady passenger. On their removal, smoke issued in large volumes, and from the smell it was known to be some acid. Mr Morris, the chief officer and some other men, went below to get the package before the fire communicated with the other cargo. Unfortunately, it took some time to get at the package, the men being compelled to breathe poisonous air for a long period. Some time after the package was got out the men became inseneible and began foaming at the mouth. A

doctor waa on board and did all he could till the arrival of the steamer at Gisborne, but before Dr Pollen, of Gisborne, could get on board, the Chief Officer, Mr Morris, died. The third mate, Mr Laker, waa brought ashore, and taken to an hotel, and is not expected to recover. Five men were taken to the Gisborne hospital and are doing well. Several other men on board were injured, but not so severely. The accident caused little commotion on board, the vessel continuing on her way without interruption. Most fortunately the fire was discovered in the day time, as if it had remained till the darkness, the consequences would have been disastrous. Little damage was done to the cargo, though some water was poured down. The cause of the disaster was a small package of nitric or sulphuric acid, shipped at Sydney, for Christchurch, and the distinctive mark of the nature of the contents was insufficiently prominent, the mark being simply the word “acid.” Such cargo is usually carried on deck, or just under the combings of the hatch-way. At a meeting of the passengers of the Manapouri at Gisborne last Friday night, the Rev. Mr Cairns presiding, the following resolutions were passed “ That the passengers express their high appreciation of the efficient services of the captain, officers, and the crew of the ship in their successful endeavors to discover and remove the cause of the accident, and tender their heartfelt sympathies to the officers and crew who received injuries while doing their duty.” (3) “ The passengers desire to record their deep regret at the death of the chief officer, Mr Morris, who so nobly sacrificed his life in the heroic discharge of bis duty,” (3) “ That a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs Morris expressing appreciation of his bravery, and sympathising with her under her sad bereavement.” (4) “That a subscription litt in aid of officers and men and those dependent on them who have suffered by the accident be now opened, and that the proceeds be handed over to Captain Logan for distribution.” (5) “ That fbe passengers desire to tender their sympathies to Captain Logan under the trying circumstances and express to him their unqualified approval of the prompt and efficient measures taken for the suppression pf the fire,” (fi] ‘f That a Committee consisting of the Rev. Mr Cairns, Messrs J. Blundell, Batlley, and Maude be appointed to carry the resolutions into effect.” The sum of £SO was raised among the saloon passengers. One of the seamen at the Hospital, named R, G. Lloyd, aged 25, died on Friday night. The others are doing fairly well. Mr Laker, living, but the doctors hold put n'o hopes of his recovery. about eleven otclook on Thursday night eleven other men were taken ashpre, who are suffering from the effects of the accident. Those injured are—Jas, C. A. Laker, £hird mate ; and Edward Fipg. aged 24 ; Richard Jackson, 33; Sydney Strir.ge r ; 23; G. Peterson, 24 ; J. T. Andersen, 36 ; D Richardson, 27 ; c. Peterson, 27 • John Orathy, 24; A. W. Lambert, 30; and J. Allan, 18, 1 seamen. The doctors expect all but the third mate to pull through.

At the inquest at Napier on Saturday on the body of Alexander Morris, the chief officer,, the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” adding a rider blaming the shippers of the acid. Gisborne, March 1. Mr Laker, tho third officer of the Manapouri, tooK a turn for the better, and there were strong hopes of his recovery, but yesterday afternoon he underwent a relapse. Spasms again set in, and ho was suffering greatly for some hours. He died at midnight. All the men at tho Hospital are reported as doing well.