THE RIPPLE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18149, 12 August 1924, Page 10

THE RIPPLE.

NO TRACE FOUND BY RURU. POLICE SCOURING THE COAST. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, August 11. Richar&son and Co.'s steamer Ruru reached ®WclliD§ton last evening after making a close search down the coast for signs of the Ripple. Captain Haraldson says that he left Napier on Thursday evening. The weather was still stormy, , with heavy wind and sea from the south, so that little headway could.be made. After rounding Oape Kidnappers, the ship could make very little headway, and only did twenty-eight miles in fourteen hours and a half, so she turned back on Friday morning ■ and sought behind Cape Kidnappers, and remained there till 9.30 o'clock on Saturday morning, when she put to sea. The sea was still heavy, with a swell on, and the wind blowing fresh from the south-west. The visibility, however, was good most of the Way. In "pursuance of the owners' orders, the closest search was made. "We searched every yard of the Bhore from Kahu Rock to Cape Palliser, as well as the open sea, with glasses. Had anything been afloat, .we could not have failed to see it. The Ruru "steamed slowly from one to- two miles off shore. We could not make a landing at Flat Point owing to the heavy swell. We • deviated considerably between Kahu Rock and Flat Point, all hands hoping that something might be seen of the missing ship or the crew. A man was seen riding* along the beach at Glendhu." Captain \ Haraldson declined to express an opinion regarding the Ripple, simply remarking: ,"It is. a very'sad affair." , The Ruru has left for a further search. ■ ■ . • Judging by; the wreckage washed up at Gastlepoiritj more bodies probably-' will come ashore there. A search is being made,. extra constables having b'een dispatched to Castlepoint. Two lifebelts marked "Ripple'' were found at Castlepoint. A considerable quantity of "benzine and barrels of lubricating oil .were found on the beach at the mouth of tho" Karori stream, between Happy Valley and Terawhiti Station. .It was thought at first that the oil might have been part of the cargo carried by the Ripple. Captain Petersen states definitely that oil of the description found at the mouth of the Karori stream was not carried by the Ripple. It is presumed that the tins, and barrels forming part of a deck cargo were washed overboard from some vessel running across the strait. INQUEST ON CAPTAIN NORLING.

MASTERTON, August 11. The body of Captain Norling was brought to Masterton this morning; when the inquest was opened. Edward Benson, fireman, Wellington, identified the body. He said he received his discharge from the Bipple on Tuesday last, and saw Captain Norling before the Ripple sailed on Wednesday. Constable Berthelson stated that while patrolling the beach yesterday at 2.15 p.m. he discovered the body at, a spot 3} miles south o£ Castlepoint. The body, which was clothed only in troasers, underpants, shoes and socks, was found face upwards >on the "rocks. The inquest was adjourned sine- die. With the exception of lifebuoys found at Castlepoint, a thorough day failed to locate any further trace of the missing vessel or the crew. Doubt was expressed. sis to whether. Daniel Crawford, steward, was on- the Hippie at the time of the but the fact that he was a memljer or the crew is confirmed •by his bi other, Mr *\V. Crawford. Deceased. was 25 years of age and had lieen on the_ ltipplo for six months. He l'esided in 'i'liiakori load, Wellington.