LOSS OF PORT KEMBLA.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16018, 28 September 1917, Page 9

LOSS OF PORT KEMBLA.

EVIDENCE OF INTERNAL EXPLOSION. (piirSS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAJI.) WELLINGTON, September -■?. The enquiry into the sinking of tho steamer Pert Keaibla opened to-day, before Mr W. G. Riddoli, S.M., Dr. Maclaurin, Government Analyst, and Captain .xevilie. jir Alacassey, counscl for the Marine Department, iu ouuiuug, gaid tncre was no uouot aoout tno veaiOi naving been sunk 0v an internal explosion, but he did not propose to snow now or by wnom tne Dumb was placed on board. That was a matter tor tne police. Captain Jack narrated tiie details or the sinking. Ho said &i 6 instructions to come to Wellington were secret, and ho did not think any member ot the crew was aware of thcni. .Great procautions were taken in loading tho vessel. There was a military guard on tho wharf and ship, and no ono was allowed on board without a pass. The labourers were searched and everybody with bags and parcels was examined. Every opening on the deck Into which anything could be dropped was covered with wire gauzo. The explosives must have come on board in the cargo. Tho ship was loaded by free labour and members of the crew. Tho first and second officers testified that the explosion was manifestly internal. It "was not so violent as if the vessel had struck a mine, or been liit by a torpedo. Part of the fore hatch was blown off. The second officer, Mr Churton, said the fumes after tho explosion wero very dark, with an acid tasto, and made him sick after he got into a boat. The chief engineer. Sir "Watt, who was in the Port Adelaide when she was torpedoed, and other members of the crew who had been in torpedoed ship, declared that tho explosion occurred internally. Gunner Keaneberg said tTie ammunition was stored in a special chamber aft. No other evidence was called. The Court will give its decision tomorrow. (By Cable.—Press Association,—Copyright.) SYDNEY, September' 27. • The ''Sun" newspaper has opened a reward fund in connexion with the Port Kembla disaster. Several business houses are contributing.