LOSS OF A STEAMER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 49, 7 December 1940, Page 7

LOSS OF A STEAMER.

ALLEGATIONS OF DELAY.

PREMIER STATES; FACTS,

(Per Press, Association).

'WELLINGTON, December 6. > Reports that a British ship recently lost 400 miles off the coast of New Zealand might have met her unfortunate fate because of the delay of her loading were, answered by the Pirime Minister (the R,t. Hon. P. Fraser) in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

“Beyond about one day' and a-half lost on account of bad weather, there was no delay in loading,” Mr Fraser said. It had been brought to his notice on several occasions, and mentioned in the precincts of Parliament Buildings and in letters, that there was some culpable negligence or responsibility in the loading of the ship. It was suggested, that there was a corresponding delay in. the sailing of tho vessel and that that might have been the cause of her meeting her fate. Naturally members were very exercised about that, and' when lie found how widespread the reports were, coming from various parts of New Zealand, lie immediately communicated with the Waterfront- Commission and asked it to givis the relevant facts. He also approached Mr C. M. Turrell, chairman of the Allotment Committee, who related to him exactly what had occurred.