EVIDENCE AT THE ENQUIRY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7728, 23 February 1909, Page 3

EVIDENCE AT THE ENQUIRY.

WELLINGTON, February 23. The Penguin enquiry was resumed to-day. Captain Kennedy, of the Mapourika, stated that on the Saturday following the wreck, he passed through Cook Strait with the Mapourika, bound from the West Coast to Wellington. It took him 2J- hours to do thirteen miles. In witness's opinion", the course steered by Captain Naylor on the fatal night was safe under ordinary conditions. The abnormal set through the Straits would account for the accident. Counsel: When there is no light visible m the Strait,' it is suggested that it is the duty of a captain to put out to sea. If that were the rule, what would happen? Witness: It could not be done. At almost every point on the New Zealand coast the weather alters. It might be calm at the Brothers and a gale blowing at Terawhiti. If a captain followed the course suggested he would be stopping and pulling out all the time. You must run your ship to a position. Counsel: You must keep her going. Witness: Yes; m Cook Strait, where there are undue influences against you. Captain Dewhurst, who- was also called by Captain Naylor's counsel, stated that on the I3th his vessel, Putiki, was sent eight or nine miles out of her course while bound from Picton to Wellington. He had never experienced such a heavy " set-in ". before. Captain Stringer, Assistant Superintendent, said he last surveyed the Penguin m July, 1908. The compasses were adjusted m December last. The vessel was m thoroughly good order, arid the boats were particularly good. The falls of the boats were also m good order. The boats would accommodate 139 people and the rafts 44.

AVELLINGTON, February 22. Another body was recovered at the scene of the Penguin wreck this evening, but it has not been identified yet. The body is that of a man, and on one of the fingers is a ring m the shape of a true lovers' knot.