The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1886-09-15

Ong as lie c0ulu be sustained, IN
hopes of being relieved, but few, if
any, would attempt the feat just ac-
by Henry Norman,
Chief Officer of the Dunnator Castle,
and the six seamen who accom-
panied him. To leave the island in
an open boat in the face of head
wind, with only 20 days provisions,
and with l,200 miles between him
and a port of refuge, was, in the
opinion of some old experienced
an act of sheer madness, |
and could result in nothing but |
death. 1t proved otherwise. Mr..
Norman saw death staring him and
his comrades in the face, by remain
ing on the island, and the only
alternative was to face the dangers of
the deep and endeavor to reach
Honolulu This he did as already
recorded
He having accomplished his task
and brought the sad news of having
left % living souls on barren
island, it stimulated the authorities
to do something, and to do that
something quickly. The British
Government, ever ready to act with
promptitude in cases of emergency,
chartered II steamer to proceed to
the scene of the wreck, whilst the
Hawaiian Government sent physi-
clan with the necessary medical
comforts. There were also put on
board sufficient provisions for six
months cruise. All this was done
within Is hours of the news being
received.
Now the question is, has the best
thing been done that could be done?
In our humble opinion, yes. And
now comes the question, what can
be done for the future! Many sug-
gestions have been made by men of
experience. The building of house
or shed on the island, storing of
fresh water and provisions for the
future use of the shipwrecked
mariners, are commendable acts.
Also, the planting of cocoanut trees
will no doubt prove beneficial on
some future occasion.
But we have a suggestion to make,
that we have not vet heard mooted.
1t is, that a vessel be despatched to
cruise around this chain of islands
about three or four times year.
What use of water and provisions,
if no relief is forthcoming Mr..
Norman tells us they erected Il flag
pole and hoisted flag to attract the
attention of any vessel that light
pass. But 10 vessels pass that way.
1t is not, as rule, in the track of
merchant ships, hence flag as high
as the Egyptian pyramids would be
useless. But if, us we suggest, ves-
sci were to cruise around every three
months, there would be some hop,
of saving some unfortunate cast
aways.
1t may be said that the Hawaiian
Government has no vessel to sen,
on such an expedition, buta schoone
or steamer can at all times b
chartered for the purpose. Again
; the British Government might dies
patch one of their mosquito-heet O
gunbOatS on these merciful missions
instead of their hovering around
Watching the movements of thei
supposed enemies. The Unite
States Government, though not ovel
burdened with Il navy, might ais
take part in rendering assistance
9 the shipwrecked mariners.
u Had Mr.. Norman not had bra,
II heart, and been nobly aided by h
y companions, the fate of CAPITA
II Martin and his 81 seamen, would
II dreadful to contemplate. AS it
&c the worst is not yet known. Let
n hope for the best, and pray that t
IL combined efforts of the relief par
'e may be successful.
II In conclusion, word for t
10 Intersland S. S. Co. They deser
- the highest praise for placing
L steamer at the disposal of the Go
u ernment, much to their own inco
81 venience. In cases of emergen
they are always ready to assist, a
always do so with promptitude a
,a alacrity,