THE GROUNDING OF THE PENGUIN.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 122, 22 November 1881, Page 3

THE GROUNDING OF THE PENGUIN.

, . ? The inquiry into the grounding of the Penguin was continued before Mr. Hardcastle," 8.M., after we went to press yester-

i ] day. Mr. W. Watson, of Dnnedin, a 111 1 passenger by the steam* r, who deposed that i j Captain Malcolm and the r-hief officer were 1 1 quite sober, was examined by Mr. Edwards, i who appeared for the chief officer, and said : — ¦ It was dark at the time of the mishap, i Wonld not swear that (h chief officer was on i the bridge. The lady passengers were a little excited. Witness signed a docnment testifying to the good conduct of the chief officer. He (witness) came on deck after the ship struck, and heard Captain Malcolm giving orders. Hemrietta Watson, wife of last witness, Betid she was on deck at the time of the casualty. Heard the mate call Captain Malcolm about a quarter of an hour before the vpssel struck. Arthnr 8. Collins, Scttlar, residing at Nelson, who wan a passenger on board the Penguin, aaid that he saw nothing remarkable about Captain Malcolm. A few minutes before the accident he heard Captain Malcolm tell the man at the wheel to " starboard," and the steamer passed the buoy on the starboard side. There was no confusion on deck berore the accident. By Mr. Slaw— The night was dark. There was no excitement amongst the passengers after she was agronnd. Captain Malcolm did all in his power to get the vessel off. By Mr. Edwards —At the time the order was given to " starboard," I believe the ship was on her course, and that if the order had not been given the ship wonld have gone through. In my opinion the order should have been to steer her a little port. I think I heard the chief officer say to Captain Malcolm, "Do you see the beacon on the starboard bow?" The captain then repealed the order to starboard. T formed a very good opinion of the chief officer's conduct. On the application of Mr. Shaw, the further hearing of evidence was adjourned until next Wednesday. Their Worships ordered Captain Maioolm to deposit his certificate in Court until that data.