THE KETCH ENVY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 202, 26 August 1899, Page 5

THE KETCH ENVY.

AN UNFOUNDED ALLEGATION.

After the ketch Envy had arrived at Auckland,from Wellington on Wednesday last it was alleged that when she left Wellington her bulwarks were faulty, and her deck-houses were packing cases. The Marine Department instructed Mr Alex. Rose, Collector of Customs, to hold an inquiry and ascertain if the allegations were true An inquiry was accordingly held, the result being to completely disprove the charges. Captain Champion was the first witness called. He gave particulars of the vessel's experiences, as published in our issue of Wednesday evening. During the gale heavy water came' aboard, breaking a portion of the starboard bulwarks and stanchions, and the lower portion of the aft deck-house door. The repairs would not cost more than ■ £ 10, and a specification of repairs made out by Captain M. T. Clayton, Lloyd's -surveyor, was handed in. J. Kild, the mate, stated that -the only damage done during the gale was the breaking of five stanchions and bulwarks of the railing, and the bursting in of the lower portion of the deck-house door by the weight of the water. The vessel was a very strong, tight little vessel, and a- good sea boat. The bulwarks were strong, and the houses on deck, well built, ... The crew, J. G. Christian, M. 11. Anderson, M. E. Champion, and A. Bell, stated that they considered the vessel was strong and well found. They had nothing of which to complain.' On the voyage to Wellington part of the bulwarks carried away, and this portion was repaired, making them stronger than before. Their evidence as to damage was similar to that of the mate The Envy was a tight little vessel, and sailed excellently through the gale. _,' '