THE HEROISM OF JIM GIVENS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1855, 19 February 1889, Page 4

THE HEROISM OF JIM GIVENS.

The latest reports of the Mississippi steamer disaster give an account of a remarkable deed of heroism, performed by a deck band named Jim Givens, When the burning steamer touched the bank and bounded away the pilot left the wheel and sprang overboard. Givens quickly realised that the salvation of all depended upon the steamer being brought back to the bank. The pilot house was surrounded by flames, but the brave fellow got to the wheel and brought the steamboat’s head again to the bank, and, in order to keep her there, made the wheel fast in proper position. The fire swept over the pilot house, and he was enveloped in flames. To escape it was necessary to push through a wall of fire. He made a dash for the side of the vessel, and,' although frightfully burned succeeded in reaching it. With his clothing all ablaze he jumped into the river and struggled to the bank, where he was pulled ashore by willing hands in a horribly burnt and exhausted state. He died after indescribable agony a few hours later. The; case is a striking parallel to that of Jim Bludsoe, the hero of John Hay’s poem, who died at the helm of a Mississippi steamer which was on fire, in accordance with his vow to “ hald her nozzle agin the bank till the last galoot’s ashore.”