The enforced stop over is costing the company many thousands of dollars a day. The passengers are at liberty to pick out the accommodation they require at the hotels, and charge their meals and other expenses to their rooms.
The free holiday does not appeal to many, for in the 24 hours prior to the sailing of the Asia travellers were besieging the ticket offices in an effort to get Asia bookings. Many are business-men ito whom time means bard cash, there are others. returning to Japan and China after furlough spent in Europe. It has- been estimated that the delay will cost the company from $150,000 to $200,000, as in addition to the liabilities for the passengers there is ths expense of maintaining the big ship and heavy penalties probably for delays to the mail, which, however, went out to-day on the Em. press of Asia, Officers gave up their berths to passengers.
The accident occurred at about 4 p.m. last Saturday, September 30. Suddenly, there was a thumping and crashing which made the great hull quiver. The passengers. werd not frightened but were very curious. The engines were shut down immediately. Coming in on her starboard engine the ship haved well. Investigation is being: conducted by officials to ascertain the real cause of the accident.
BOUND TO CENTRAL OHINA, Inconspicuonsly though distinetively clad in smart dark blue oostumes, indinding cape and -bonnet, a group of five comely young women sriied on the Empress of Asia for their initial venture in the China, mission field. They are en route to Tchang in Central China and hail from Pittsburg, Pa. Rev. E. O. Parker and Mrs. Parker of Colorade head the party. Returning to the Orient was Mise Nellie Elliott, general secretary of the Y.W.C.A. in Hongkong. Her home is la Toronto and she has spent four years in China. She was the guest of honour at the "Y¥" here shortly before her departure.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.