THE INDRADEVI FIRE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 3, 4 July 1910, Page 3

THE INDRADEVI FIRE.

NAUTICAL ENQUIRY. EVIDENCE OF THE CAPTAIN. [BY TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCI.VT.tON.] AUCKLAND, 2nd July. A Nautical Court, consisting of Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., Professor D. Brown, and Captain H. J. Reed, opened an enquiry into the cause of the fire on the steamer Indradevi, on 2nd June. Mr. Wetherill, surveyor, expressed the oipnion that the fire originated in the 'tween decks forward, on the starboard side. j Captain Wilkie stated that the Indradevi commenced discharging on the morning of 21st June, from numbers one and four holds. There was no sign of fire at 11 p.m. The cargo in number ono hold in the 'tween docks had not been touched that day. 'Ihe "tween decks were completely full of cargo, and there was no chanco of a man getting in or out except by way of the door in the bulkhead dividing tho forecastle from the main deck. The chief officer was responsible for the key of the door, which was secured on the night of the fire. The insulation consisted of ten inches of charcoal, enclosed in two-inch white pine boards. Electric lights only were used when discharging cargo, the current being supplied by a cable from the dynamo in such a position that it could not come into contact with the cargo. There were no wires to cause fusion. The chief oificer gave the alarm at 1.30 on the morning of the 22nd. Smoke was issuing from number one hold, and it appeared to witness that the seat of the fire was in the insulation below the main aeck. The smoke was more in the nature of choking fumes. Captain Wilkes said that an examination after the fire showed that it originated in the vicinity of the paint locker, but there was nothing to show that the fire came from the paint locker. Waste oil was bound to be about, and some was spilt through the rolling of the vessel on voyage. It was possible for a little water and oil to get into the insulation, but not probable. Witness made an investigation of the floor of the oil locker, but did not see any crack in the plates. He estimated the damage to the steamer at £8000, exclusive of the damage to the cargo. Charles Meillsy, chief officer, also gave evidence. The enquiry was then adjourned till Monday.