ATTEMPT TO FLOAT THE STEAMER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 88, 15 April 1891, Page 8

ATTEMPT TO FLOAT THE STEAMER.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day.

Mr Danielo, shipwright bo tho Union Coinnany, who has been examining the Wanaka, returned lasb nighb, and as a resulb of his inspection ib has been decided to make an effort to floab the vessel, seeing she withstood the last severe gale and suffered very little damage from ib. Ib is believed there is every likelihood of her holding oub until the mechanical preparations for gobbing her alloab can be completed, as it is proposed to construct a wooden false bottom and then pump out the water, and take advantage of the spring tides to tow her oub. Mr Daniels expects to have everything in readiness to float her by the spring tides in the firsb week of May.

After lunch yesterday, Captain Meades was recalled to give evidence relative to the compasses. lie said he gave his orders bo the man at the wheel by a standard compass, bub he regulated ib by the bridge compass. Tho second officer, who was ab Palmerston North, had been telegraphed for by the police, but the railway authorities refused to recognise the order and witness was not presenb. The Court decided not to call that officer. Counsel addressed the Court, Mr Samuel, who was for Captain Meades, going over all the evidence, showing that the captain and officers were all sober and at their posts, and thab the accident was from an error in the compasses or an unknown current must have taken tho vessel oub of her course. Loth ('apt. Meades and the chief officer were on tho bridge at the time of the Wanaka going ashore and for more than an hour previously the log was out, and the distance recorded misled him. He referred to Captain Kennedy who lost the Airedale in 1871 off the Waitara, who had his certificate returned, and was complimented for his conduct on the trying occasion.

The Court announced that written judg ment would be given at 2 o'clock to morrow.