THE NAVAL DISASTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2525, 6 July 1893, Page 3

THE NAVAL DISASTER.

London, July 3. After the collision Admiral Tryon ordered the Camperdown to go astern, and the immediate effect of this command was to flood the Victoria. The Camperdown's bow entered the Victoria a distance of eight feet, without taking into account the length of the ram. A mass of sailors collected above the port propeller, and those in front were compelled by the pressure of the crowd behind to jump into the sea, where the screw mangled scores of them. Captain Bourke reports that the Victoria was going full speed astern at the time of the collision. Admiral Tryon sent, him below to see if the watertight doors were closed. He found them all closed, and the men at their stations. The conduct and steadiness of the crew, he states, is beyond praise, and there was no sign of panic. He himself was sucked down, but rose with the wreckage and was rescued by one of H.M.S. Nile's boats. Lieutenant H. L,. Hetty states that seeing collision was imminent he ordered the closing of the watertight doors, and that the collision mats be got out. They tried to place the mats, but found it impossible as the ship settled down by the bows.

Flag-Lieutenant Gillford states that after the collision the Victoria's engines were put half-speed ahead, but a minute later the steering gear broke down.

Staff-Commander Hawkins Smith was twice sucked under, but supported himself by oars.

The survivors of H.M.S. Victoria, who are at Malta, state that nobody attempted to jump overboard till the order was given. Some of thorn allege that the Victoria was to blame for the collision, The Admiralty have promised to »' sider the question of award'*" •" JU " pensions to the fam' I*' 1 *' - l S y ear ty were drowned- ~ os of tnose who Nav* 1 ' %. . experts agree that it must have oeeu impossible to execute Admiral Tryon's order to reverse the position. An Italian inventor offers to raise the Victoria in two days for £40,000. It is officially stated that Staff-Cotn-mander Hawkins Smith advised Admiral Tryon to range the ships eight cable lengths apart, and the Admiral assented, but the signal was afterwards given for six. Admiral Tryon was specially informed that the order was flying for six lengths, and he replied "Let it remain." Admiral Markham, who was on the Camperdown, hesitated, and the Victoria signalled to him by semaphore "What are you doing V Admiral Tryon afterwards came on deck and personally gave the order for the fatal turning movement After the turning began the Victoria, and Camperdown, both seeing the danger, reversed one screw, and narrowed the circle. The Camperdown had her doors closed, and was prepared for a collision. Rear-Admiral Markham's official report confirms the accounts already published of the effect of the order to reverse positions. He states that when he saw that the collision was inevitable, he ordered "Fuli speed astern," but before the ship's way could be checked, she struck the Victoria at an angle of 80 degrees, and crushed into her almost to the centre line. There was only a light breeze, and the sea was smooth.

The Camperdown's stem was broken, and there was a hole made in the port bow, 6ft by 10ft. It is reported that Admiral Tryon had been on the sick list for several days, and had only returned to duty on the inorniug of the disaster.

The Press blame Admiral Tryon for the catastrophe, but say that there was some excuse on account of his illness.

The survivors of the warship Victoria consider that the brave end of Admiral Tryon largely condoned his error. The naval officers at Portsmouth declare that the hesitation of the officers of the Camperdown to obey the signal probably produced the collision. The officers of the squadron state that they are unable to understand why KearAdmiral Markham, realising the danger, obeyed the signal at all.

Some of the Victoria's officers consider that Admiral Tryon was suffering from physical exhaustion. It is stated that Captain Bourke's hair turned white during the collision.

COLONEL FOX'S REPORT. The following are the remarks in Colonel Fox's report on the Volunteers regarding the separate corps in this district. His general remarks on the same corps have already been published:— Temuka Rifles. Present—l captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 35 rank and file; Absent—l sergeant, and 3 rank and file; Uniform—Blue serge frocks, glengarries ; officers in undress uniform; Arms and Accoutrements —Snider rifles, buff belts. Officers—Capt. Cutten : very good commanding officer; Lieutenaat Findlay, absent, about to retire ; Lieutenant Whitehead, a good officer; Noncommissioned officers—Good; Men— Good stamp. Turn out—A good muster; the frocks are not made uniformly, nor were the caps well put on. Drill—The corps drilled very well as a company, under the officers and non-commissioned officers; the manual was very well done, but the sword-bayonet exercise was indifferently performed. This corps is well looked after, and in good condition. Major Young was present at this inspection. Geealdine Rifles. Present—l captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, 26 rank and file, and 4 band ; absent, 5 rank and file. Uniform—Non-commissioned officers and men in kharkee; officers in scarlet tunics and black helmets; Arms and Accoutrements—Snider rifles; buff belts; Officers— Captain Pearpoiht; Is keen, but, I judge, lacks power of command; Lieutenant McKenzie, reported to be a good officer ; Lieutenant McDonald, wanting in application ; Non-commsssioned Officers— Not up to ordinary standard; Men—Good physique; Drill—The drill under the officers and non-commissioned officers, was much below par. I found this company not in a very satisfactory condition. Excuses were made that the men had been harvesting and threshing during the last few months, and consequently there had not been good attendances on parade. On falling out the recruits, 1 found that ten men, of about a year's service, fell out, and said they had never done their recruits' drill. Temuka High School Cadets. I inspected these cadets, finding them to be without any uniform, and at present not drilled with arms. This is wise as the boys vary in age from eleven to fifteen, the large majority being under thirteen. The marching and squad drill was very fairly done. There are a number of carbines and cut down rifles in charge of the corps ; these were not in good order.