SYDNEY HARBOR DISASTER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2393, 7 January 1909, Page 5

SYDNEY HARBOR DISASTER

GABLE 'NEWS

AN INQUIRY OPENED.

THE FEDERAL PREMIER’S

CONDOLENCES

United Press Association Copyright

* "Sydney, Jan. 6. The tow line between the launch and the pinnace was 60ft long. The steamer’ struck the line first. This almost immediately after fouled the pinnace’. The captain of the Dimmore states that he was going dead slow. When'ho saw that an accident was- inevitable, the engine was reversed, and tho stamer was almost at a standstill when it struck the boat. The survivors, after the first moments of consternation, during which a number of those in the water were pushed under in the struggle, and bud no chance to rise, displayed great coolness, and performed many acts of heroism, those able, to swim helping non-swimmors. One managed to swim ashore. The rescue boats from the warship were on the scene within three minutes.

An inquiry was opened on H.M.S Encounter aiid .adjourned. Mr. Fisher, the Federal Premier sent condolences'to the Admiral.

FUNERAL OF THOSE DROWNED. A SOLEMN IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE. (Received Jan. 6, 9.25 p.in.) SYDNEY, Jan. 6. Tho funeral of the fifteen bluejackets this afternoon was a solemn, impressive spectacle. Between four and five hundred naval men, dressed in white, first assembled in the temporary chapel at Garden Island, where the coffins of their comrtfues lay. A brief service was hold. The wives of the captain in charge of the naval depot and the captain of the Encounter deposited two beautiful wreaths in -the chapel to the memory of the men. After a prayer the assembled men sang in unison the hymn “Brief life is here our portion.” Strong men brushed aside tears as the thrilling service proceeded. The service concluded with the hymn, “For those in peril on the sea,’’and the white garbed sailors stood as the “Dead March” in “Saul’,’ was played. Then they filed past the row of coffins out into the sunlight to take part in the landing and burial of their dead. At the man-of-war stairs the bodies were landed, where marines with fixed bayonets formed a guard. As the coffins covered with the Union Jack passed, the marines stood to attention and the bugle call sounded. It was the last solemn salute to the dead. The cortege started. Dense crowds thronged the route to Redfern railway station, whence the bodies were taken to the necropolis. Hushed stillness pervaded the great throng, and flags were everywhere at halfmast. Colonel Wallace,. A.D.C., represented the Governor-General. Detachments of the military forces were present, and representatives of all the shipping lines attended the funeral.

RELIEF TO RELATIVES OF THE DROWNED.

APPEAL BY MAYOR OF PORTSMOUTH.

(Received Jan. 6, 10.55 p.m.)

LONDON, Jan. B

The Mayor of Portsmouth, in an appeal for contributions to the naval disaster fund, remarks that the heroism, resourcefulness, and sympathy displayed by the officers and men in tlic earthquake made tho country, prouder than ever of the navy, but the terrible boat accident at Sydney would necessitate fresh calls on the funds. The bulk of the >ampujnt sub •scribed in 1908 was allocated to the widows and orphans of the men lost in the Tiger and Gladiator. The public are asked to put into practical shape the admiration which the King had graciously expressed and which all must feel.

SYMPATHY FROM NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, Jan. G. Sir Joseph Ward has asked His Excellency the Governor-to convey to Admiral Poore the sympathy of tho Government and people' of New ZeaJant. in connection with tho disaster at Sydney, where so many bravo men belonging to the warship Encounter lost their lives.

CONDOLENCES FROM PALMER- . STON. PALMERSTON N., Jan. 6: During November a large squad of the Encounter’s men were in Palmerston for several days taking part in the military tournament. To-day the Mayor, on behalf of the townspeople, despatched a cable to Captain Fyler, expressing regret at the calamity that had overtaken tho ship.