TOTAL WRECK OF THE RODONDO.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2723, 11 October 1894, Page 3

TOTAL WRECK OF THE RODONDO.

AIBANT, Oct. 9. The schooner Grace Darling, from Israelite Bay reports that, she picked up a boat containing twelve survivors of the steamer Rodondo, bound from Adelaide to Albany. She struck on Pollock Reef, off Cape Arid, at 2 a.m. on Sunday, and became a total wreck. The exact number of drowned is unknown, but all the crew and officers were saved. One passenger sh>t himself while in the water. The boat picked up was in charge of the chief officer going for assistance. Those in her were for 24 hours on one biscuit and a chop each. After picking up the boat the schooner made South-east Island at dawn, and the Rodondo's boat's crew left her to try and bring the survivors from the Island, but owing to a heavy sea were unable to effect a landing.

Particulars show that the vessel struck in smooth water, floated for twelve hours, and then sank stern foremost. The passengers were in a pitiable plight with regard to clothing.

The survivors left the steamer in seven boats and two rafts. It is marvellous how they got ashore, as the spot sea cely affords a landing for seals. Later in the morning boats were able to communicate with the schooner. The first to reach her was a boatload of women and children, and, the officers and crew working {heir hardest, by noon all were safely transferred. The conduct of the firemen was most disgraceful. When the ship struck they, with a number of passengers, rushed two of the boats. Their weight broke down the davits, and all were hurled into the water, some paying the penalty with theis lives. The ship's papers were saved. The second officer had the tops of two fingers taken off. So far as can be ascertained the missing passengers are Messrs Falls, Parry and Wormwood. Those saved number a hundred and sutty passengers, and thirty-six of the crew. One passenger lost three hundred sovereigns. Tha Bodondo was far out of her course, which is accounted for by a large boiler carried on deck affecting the compass.

Sydney, Oct. 9

Captain Hill, commander of the Rodondo, was formerly connected with the New Zealand-Newcastle coal trade. The steamer is insured for her full value at Lloyd's. It is believed that the missing passengers hail from Sydney.

GISBORNE, Oct. 9. Among the passengs by the Rodondo wore two Gisborne young men, Tom. Witty and Arthur Martin, who were on their way to Coolgardie. A cablegram received here to-day Mr Witty states that both were rescued.