THE KARU WRECK

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 79, 3 April 1926, Page 5

THE KARU WRECK

EVIDENCE ABOUT LEAKAGE

EX-NAVAL MAN'S STATEMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, 2nd April. Tho inquiry into. the circumstances touching the wreck of the Karu on 28th February, near Cape Maria Van Dierne'n, was continued at tho Magistrate's Court. William Bobert M'Laren, an A.B, at present on 1 the Hurunui, said that he had been at sea for thirty years, and was seven years in the Navy, leaving with a first-class petty officer's certificate. He had discharges, some marked "very good" and one "superior." He joined the Kara 'in February at .Auckland, when she lay at tho Western Wharf. The first day he carried sevoral sacks of sand on board. Tho sand was used in the mixing of cement to box her up from the forward bulk"head to several feet aft. and several feet high. . On the trip from Auckland to Hokianga all the crew were employed bagging coal in the hold. Whilst bagging the coal, witness noticed water over the skin, from the bulkhead, gradually diminishing forward. It caused discussion in the messroom. Sanders started the discussion by saying that he had been working on the bilge pumps all morning, but could not get the water clear. Witness remarked: "There's water somewhere, because it is above the skin," and Verjonin, a leading seaman, said he would like to know where it was coming from. Witness left the Karu at Whangape, and then boarded the Ohinemuri as a passenger for Onehunga. He would not by any means describeytho blow experienced after leaving Whangapo as a cyclone. Had there been a cyclone the square sail of the Karu would have been blown to tatters. Witness made no close examination of the Karu, but had there been a new plate in her he thought he would have noticed it. Mr. Mays: "Had the Karu been ordinarily sound, was there anything in the weather you saw at Whangape or Hokianga to cause her to founder?",.. • Witness: "Absolutely nothing, bar an accident." ■ • Mr. Moody: "You made no complaint about what you saw in the Bhip?" Witnesß: "No; it was not my place to do so. That was for the' leading seaman." • Mr. Meredith said that the Marine Department, in view of the evidence which had been given, was anxious that the ship should tie inspected. She was on the beach, and would be thoroughly examined by an engineer. That would place beyond any doubt whether the evidence of Halliday was correct. * Mr. Moody asked the Court, if the •inquiryevwas to bo further adjourned, it/was necessary for tho captain to remain. He submitted that there was nothing in tho evidence which even suggested that the captain had not done his duty and capably managed the ship. There was no evidence that he should not have taken the Karu to sea. Mr. Mays said lie had nothing to say against Captain < Richmond. Mr. Moody suggested that, Captain Richmond should be allowed "to withdraw from the inquiry completely. The Court: "I hardly think wo can go that far; but the Court will say this: that there is nothing in the evidence to affect his certificate. He can go to work as usual." The inquiry was adjourned until 28th April. '