STRANDING OF THE VESPER.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 65, 18 March 1910, Page 8

STRANDING OF THE VESPER.

[press association.] AUCKLAND, This Day

The magisterial enquiry opened in connection with the stranding of the scow Vesper, at Whangaparoa. Peter Peterson, master, deposed that on the day of stranding, the Vesper, with three hands, including himself, were removing mutton carcases from the steamer Kaipara. Before they left the steamer three bottles of whisky, and one bottle of rum were taken aboard the scow. Witness had about four drinks of whisky on the voyage down the channel. Witness took charge when the other men were below. The night was clear. At about 3.40 a.m. he went below to get a cigarette, and collapsed owing to being up for two nights in ■succession. He fell asleep, and the next thing he knew Mas one of the men calling out that the vessel was ashore.