AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9052, 11 February 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

THE WRECK OF THE WINDSOR

A SURVIVOR'S STORY

Received February 10, 9.36 a.m. PERTH, February 10,

The steamer Windsor en a reef west of Pelsart Island) has completely disappeared. Most of the boats were washed away after the first contingent of the crew were landed.

Nicholson, an apprentice, who was the last to leave the ship, says:—"As wo had no further boats it was impossible to gain the reef. Captain Walters gave orders to endeavour to float ashore lines attached to the gratings in order to establish communication with those on the reef, and also fired rockets attached to signal halyards, but all of theafj fell short. The chiefgengineer made attempts to swim ashore with a line, and after a desperate struggle succeeded in gaining a footing on the reef, but was exhausted with his efforts and was carried away by the backwash. He was then carried out to S!?a and drowned in view of all hands. Shortly afterwards the funnel fell by the board, and it was seen that the vessel's back was broken, By this time tremendous seas were thundering over the decks, and all hands were clinging to tte lines'on the bridge. At about four o'clock in the afternoon the mainmast went by the board and was washed ashore. All this time the second and third officers remained on the reef, but were powerless to render assistance, and at sunset the latter left for the island. Captain Walters and the mate remained in the saloon, but the rest of the crew and apprentices stayed forward. Upon coming on deck the following morning we found that all the after part of tbe vessel up to the foremast had been broke up and washed on to the reef, the captain and mate being lost. Next morning a party searched the shore for the bodies, but without result. We then took refuge in one of the deckhouses, and again endeavoured to float lines ashore. A. rescue party also attempted to reach ua with rockets. A couple of the rockets fell over the ship, but the lines broke. The Chinese with us appeared to become paralysed with fear and exposure. All the time we kept boys tolling the bell to attract attention. When we saw the rescue party leave at sunset we gave up all hope, and remained all night huddled in the forecastle. Nvixt morning the Chinese took their pigtails down, and prayed to their Joss for the wind and sea to subside. They then turned into their bunks and commenced wailing. About an hour after, the Chinese cook attempted to commit suicide with a chopper. Up to this time we had been without water, and two of the Chinese commenced drinking salt water. The sea was now sweeping completely over the vessel, which was rapidly breaking up, the forecastle being gutted. In the afternoon a Chinese trimmer lashed himself to a plank and jumped into the surf, saying he might as well die that way as remain on the ship. The surf carried him in, and after being carried out again for some distance, the seas carried him to the reef, where he was rescued. All the others followed his example, and were washed ashore in an exhausted condition. The rescuing party were up to their armpits in the surging water. We remained on the reef all night, and were taken to the island in the morning."

MUSGROVE'S OPERA COMPANY

LOSS OF £298 ON RECENT TOUR. Received February 10, 10.35 a.m SYDNEY, February 10.

The balance-sheet of the company which brought out the German Opera Company has been published. After absorbing the whole of the capital, Mr Musgrove is left with a loss of £298. The profits made in Adelaide and Melbourne were absorbed by losses in New Zealand. Tasmania and during the second season in Melbourne.

UPROAR AT A CONFERENCE,

Received February ,10, 10.35 a.m SYDNEY, February 10.

The method of procedure of selecting candidates for Parliament caused great uproar at the Political and Labour League Conference. The frequent stuffing of ballots was alleged. Mr Rae accused the executive and Parliamentary members of the party of discreditable tactics at last election, principles being sacrificed to gain seats.

STRANDED BULGARIANS

Received February 11, 1.25 a.m. SYDNEY, February 10. Mr Wade, State Premier, states that his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of Bulgarians have landed here, and have become stranded, being unable to get employment. It seems that a number of men from European countries, mostly Bulgarians, are being induced by some person or persons to emigrate to New Zealand. As far as can be ascertained they have been shipped by German or French lines, but as they were unable to pass the test the shipping companies have refused to carry them on to the dominion, and they were left here. More are expected within the next few months. •Mr Wa-le has placed the facts before Mr A. Deakin, Federal Prime Minister.

PLAGUE IN BRISBANE.

Received February 10, 10.43 a.m. BRISBANE, February 10. Two cases of plague were reported during the week.