NAPIER.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 4992, 12 January 1885, Page 2

NAPIER.

This day

There was a narrow escape from a fatal boat accident at the port.on Saturday. A boat belonging to the ship Waitangi, which had made an ineffectual attempt previously to get out against a heavy flood tide, was taken in tow by the s s. Sir Donald, and when just off the end of the Western Pier, the steamer was caught on the bow by the tide, and suddenly slewed to the eastward. This brought the boat broadside on, and she capsized at once, her crew of five (including Captain Leeman, of the Waitangi) being precipi tated into the strong current. Two of the men began swimming in the direction of the Iron Pot, and those on board the Sir Donald devoted their attention to saving the other three men, one of whom (the steward) could not swim. Captain Leeman, fully dressed and with a pipe in his mouth, just as he was sitting when the accident occurred, immediately made for the steward, and supported him till help arrived. The accident had been observed from the shore, and the pilot boat, in charge of Mr Provis, of H.M. Customs, and a surf-boat, in charge of Mr H. Kraert, put off at once to the rescue. The two men swimming were first met with, but they professed to be all right, and asked the boats crews to look after the steward. In a short space of time the whole of the men in the water were rescued, the steward undoubtedly owing his life to the bravery and coolness of Captain Leeman. In consequence of the establishment of an omnibus company, the cab proprietors have reduced their fares.

The refrigerating chambers aboard the the Arawa has been discovered to be too small to hold the intended shipment, and 2000 carcases will be left behind from here. The steamer was thrown open to the public yesterdsy. The fare by the launch was half'-a-crown, and the proceeds will be given to the Dreadnought Seaman's Hospital. About 600 visited the vessel.