THE STRANDING OF THE JESSIE READMAN.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8725, 22 February 1894, Page 5

THE STRANDING OF THE JESSIE READMAN.

m> (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, February 21. * An enquiry into the stranding of the ship Jessie Readman at the Chathams on the 23rd December last, was opened this morning before Mr Martin, R.M., and Captains Dawson and Adams, Nautical Assessors. Mr Gully conducted the enquiry on behalf ci the Customs Department, and Mr Skerrett appeared for Captain Burton. Captain Campbell, of the steamer Kiwi, -gave evidence as to the existence of strong currents trending from New Zealand to the Chathams, which were not known to masters of ocean-going steamers. In consequence of ignorance as to these currents five vessels had been wrecked within a . radius of twenty miles of the spot where toe Jessie Readman was lying. He thought a lighthouse on the island would be of great service to mariners. No directions as to currents were given in any nautical works, and he had only gained his kuowledge through trading to tho islands. Captain Burton, in his evidence, ex- - plained how the vessel went ashore. On r the 22nd the weather was overcast, and he went on deck at 2 a.m. on the 23rd, Mr , Swapp, the second officer, having the watch. (Che weather was still very thick, and he altered the course from S.E. by east to southward. He reckoned tho vessel was ,thea twenty-five to twenty-eight miles south ol all outlying dangers at the Chathams. At 3.15 a.m. land was observed, and he : brought the ship to the wind ou the starboard tack. Breakers ahead were then reported, and he ordered the vessel to be put on the port tack, but the wind failed and she missed stays. He let go the aachor, but she struck almost immediately and bumped heavily. He had three boats on board. The lifeboat appeared in good condition, but the false stem was found to be rotten, and the planks partly ; OMae away. It was also discovered that one of the other boats was not fit for service. Eventually, however, all hands got ashore in the life boat. the. enquiry was adjourned till Monday to hair the evidence ot Captain Romerill of toe Kahu, who will speak as to the earrents setting in to the Chathams.