INQUIRY HELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 146, 21 June 1940, Page 8

INQUIRY HELD.

NIAGARA DISASTER. FORMAL PROCEEDINGS. ASSISTING OF SURVIVORS. A preliminary inquiry into the loss of the Canadian-Australasian liner Niagara was held to-day by the superintendent of mercantile marine in Auckland, Captain M. A. Dillner. Evidence was taken from tHie master of the ill-fated vessel, Captain W. Martin, and various <tfficer« and members of the crew, and Mr. Dillner's report is . to be forwarded to the secretary of the Marine Department in Wellington. The proceedings were not open to the Press, and no statement was issued at the conclusion of the inquiry. It is not anticipated that there will be a magisterial inquiry in the case of the Niagara, Appreciative Crew. The work of attending to the immediate needs of passengers and members of the crew of the liner is etill going on in Auckland, and those who have benefited by gifts and various kindnesses shown them are highly appreciative of them. To-day members of the crew wrote to the "Star" stating that they would like to express their deep appreciation of the. wonderful way they had been looked after since the unfortunate sinking of their ship. The crew of the rescuing ship did everything possible for their comfort, it is added, while the National Service Movement had worked wonders in attending to transport, and were now providing attention in many ways. Clothing was being supplied through the officers of the National Service Movement, by the Red Cross Society, the Victoria League, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Apostle of the Sea Society, the Flying Angel Missions to Seamen, the Dunedin branch of the Shipwreck Relief Society, and various city firms and hotels. "All members of the crew have been overwhelmed with kindness which will never be forgotten," the letter concludes. Several instances of individuals giving assistance to the survivors are also reported, and Mr. W. G. Hart, quartermaster of the Niagara, called at the "Star" to express appreciation of the gesture of Mr. M. Moodabe in having himself and several companions fitted out with clothing and shoes. The Niagara's crew signed on in Sydney and were under Australian articles, which provide for payment of their wages until the owners have returned them to their home port. The seamen are entitled to receive £20 each to replace lost effects, and the • Union Steam Ship Company, the Auckland agent for the lost vessel, has already advanced them £10 for their immediate wants. The providoring staff have also received a similar amount, although no provision is made in their award for the sum. It is also explained that the award relating to sailors and firemen makes provision for the payment of wages to the men for any period of employment up to two months directly due to a wreck. On the recommendation of Captain Dillner, the Shipwreck Relief Society headquarters in Dunedin yesterday authorised the issue of orders equivalent to £5 to each member of the crew. The crew will remain at hotels and the Seamen's Home at no cost to themselves until they are sent back to Australia next week. Most of the officers and engineers will remain in the Dominion, where they will report to other ships. Thanksgiving Service. The Flying Angel Missions to Seamen has interested itself in the welfare of the men also since the beginning. The men made great use of the mission's institute yesterday, when some clothing and knitted socks were distributed. Again this morning orders were issued to the men for suitcases. A thanksgiving service for the safety of the officers and crew of the Niagara was held in the Mariners' Chapel of St. Peter last night, and was attended by men from the liner, other seafarers and members of the Harbour Lights Guild. The service was conducted by the Rev. H. K. Vickery, port chaplain. I