Mrs Rachel Don, who is in attendance as a stallholder, has recently visited the Ramabai Mission, and has returned with a stock of information relating to the splendid work done in the interests of Indian women and children.
In the evening Mrs Don delivered an interesting address on the work done in connection with the Ramabai Mission.
Rugged individuals prevail
Strong gales and heavy seas were experienced by the Commonwealth and Dominion Line steamer Port Augusta when crossing the Atlantic early in January last. The vessel, which arrived at Dunedin yesterday morning from Philadelphia and New York by way of Panama, Auckland, Napier, Wellington and Lyttelton, suffered considerable damage as a result of the buffeting she received. The steamer left Fawey (Cornwall) on January 3 for Philadelphia. When halfway across the Atlantic a strong gale sprang up and increased in fury hourly. Heavy seas constantly washed her decks and threatened to envelop her. The hatches were torn away and the rails twisted. The cargo shifted and she developed a dangerous list to starboard.
On January 21, when the vessel was 700 miles from Philadelphia, the steering gear carried away, and she had to be stopped at the mercy of a westerly gale, and drifted for a day, buffeted and tossed about by huge seas. A slight abatement next day enabled the steering gear to be repaired, and she continued on her way. However, on the following day a sea stove in the forward bulkhead of the engineers’ quarters and the galley door. To make matters worse, the fresh-water pump was also smashed, it being necessary to ladle out the water required from the tanks.
During the height of the storm the boatswain was internally injured through being thrown down and first officer was hurled to the deck, breaking his leg. When the vessel arrived at her destination they were admitted to hospital. Th continued heavy weather caused a shortage of coal fuel, and to keep up steam it was necessary to burn all spare wood available, even bulkheads, but the steamer’s driving power gradually diminished, and she had to be towed from the mouth of the Delaware River to Philadelphia.
May one leave work early?
As to-day marks the opening of the duck shooting season, it is probable that many sportsmen will take advantage of the fine weather to make an early start after the game. It is reported that birds are fairly plentiful in many of the country districts.
No sign of sought man
No further developments have occurred in regard to the Wharekuri tragedy. The police are still searching for Philip Hudson. There is a possibility that if he is in the fast-running Waitaki River his body may never be recovered. On several occasions previously persons drowned in that river have never been seen again. Should Hudson not be found dead or alive in a few days the inquest on Olive Rutherford will be resumed, when some interesting evidence is expected. In the meantime the reasons which prompted the tragedy are wrapped in mystery. — ODT, 1.5.1925
Compiled by Peter Dowden
