THE WRECK OF THE SCHILLER.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 482, 22 June 1875, Page 3

THE WRECK OF THE SCHILLER.

Particulars of the w,reok of the Schiller state that when the vessel struck the reef a rush was made to the boats, which were nearly all stayed. One boat with sailor 3 left the ship, and the captain endeavoured to compel obedience by firing a revolver oveu their heads. During two hours six cannon shots were fired, when the powder became dampened. Distress signal rockets and blue lights were unanswered. The waves were sweeping the decks and carrying away victims. At two o'clock the deck-house, with women and children on it, was swept away. The cries and shrieks of the victims were heartrending. Then followed a ghastly silence. Some sought refuge on the mainmast, and some elsewhere. At three o'clock the captain was swept away. At the time about ten persons were clinging to the rigging of the mainmast, and thirty to that of the foremost. At seven o'clock the mainmast, and at a quarter to j eight the foremost, both iron, fell. Then two of the St. Agnes boats came and rescued a few who had managed to keep afloat- An order was given that the first boat should take ' women and children. This boat was capsized. The deck was swept away with a crowd of people. One man was rescued after being ten hours in the water. Life preservers were distributed to the passengers. .The waves washed over the whole ship, and whoever could not cling to some firm object was ruthlessly swept away. All discipline was at an end. When the sea swept away the deckhouse with the women and children a heart-rending cry arose. The captain behaved bravely to the last. Many of the crew and passengers became intoxicated. A sailor informed a correspondent of the " Standard" that the wreck was due to this cause. Amongst the bodies found was that of a woman with her child clasped in her arms.