EXCITING EXPERIENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9656, 22 November 1909, Page 5

EXCITING EXPERIENCE.

A BARQUE IN TOW SINKS. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 21 The Takapuna, which arrived to-day from Nelson, via Picton, picked up the barque Hippolas in ballast o"d water logged at 3 p.m., or. Satutc'ay on the Jackson's head side of the French Pasa. The Hippolas had six feet of water in her. She was flying the signals "immediate assistance," and when boarJed by the chief officer of the Takapuna and a part) of her rrew, she was found to be deserted. A quantity of used diatr- s.s signals were lying about. There was every indication that she had buen left in a hurry. The haraue's boats and belongings of the crew had gone. The Takapuna used the barque'd wire line and her own hawser as a safeguard, and shipped one of the barque's anchors and heaved the other on board and commenced to tow. lhis she did for five hours when the water in the barque gained rapidly on the ship's pump. The Hip polaa gave an ugly lurch, which acted as a warning to the "skeleton crew" on board ner from the Takapuna. AH hands took to their boat and an alarm was soundad to the Takapuna to cease tnwing as the barque was sinking. Captain Stewart stood by at the stern of the Takapuna, and with a hatchet severed the tow lines just as the Hippolas took her final plunge. The Hippolas sank within three quarters of an hour's run to Picton in 35 fathoms of water.

The Takapuna's crew doing duty on the Hiopolas had just time to leap over into the steamer's boat alongside before the Hippolas disappeared bow first.

Ii is believed that the barque's crew have reached one of the homesteads in the Soundb or miy have been picked up by some steamer. The Hippolas was bound from Timaru to naipara in ballast. She was commanded by Captain Morris, formerly of the barquantine Jap. Captain Morris joined the Hippolas recently at Clarence Riven

THE CREW PICKED UP. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, This Morning, The crew of the Hippolas were picked up by the steamer Elsie an 3 landed at Picton. All are well. They, report that the Hippolas struck Walker RocU at 2 o'clock on Saturday morning, and immediately sprang a leak. The crew t\ erefore left to se k assistance. Shortly after they saw the Takapuna take the barque in tow. Eve y coin try has products in which it excels;.-";very maker has particular I specialities. Eveiy house, to©, has exclusive goods chosen because they are absolutely the best of their kind. Thus, most people know that the Broadwood, the lionisch, the Lipp and the Steinway are four great pianos, and that the sole agents for these magnificent instruments in this I'omniion are the Dresden Piano Company, Ltd It is remarkable how many friends "The Dresden" possesses—a support built up by consistent conduct of busine3- on the best principles. The Company's exceedingly simple timepayment system is wonderfully popular. Many a wage-earner has this to thank for the ''music in his home." The Company invites every visitor to inspect its warehouse. IS o need to buy—-just come tol n ok. "The Dresden' - is proud of its splendid stock of pianos and crgans. The Company's North Island manager is Mr M. J. Brooke?. Local representative—J. W. Mitchinson.* 8