LOSS OF THE KAIAIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 17

LOSS OF THE KAIAIA

SUITABILITY FOR WORK

COMMENT AT INQUIRY

' (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 15. . the inquiry into the sinking of the 35-ton auxiliary scow Kaiaia near Mercury Bay on March 25 was concluded this afternoon before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M,, with whom were associated ( as assessors Captain D. Bell, Captain E. W. Norton, and Mr. E. E. Lane. The Crown was represented by Mr. V. N. Hubble.

Evidence of the mishap was given by, Douglas Bowie Stubbing, engineer of >the .Kaiaia. He said the engine pump would normally cope with 1000 gallons of water an hour and the twohand pumps together about 1500. The scow was fitted with two engines. This machinery was all in working order. ' The other three members- of the crew substantiated the evidence given by the; master, and engineer.

, Various shipwrights and surveyors who worked on and examined the Kaiaia''in December testified to the Soundness of her hull and to her full equipment bf life-saving appliances. Questioning Leonard Robertson, master mariner and marine surveyor* Mr. 'Walsh asked whether he considered' the Kaiaia wa£ suitable for a total engine power of 54 horse-power and for cruising on all the coasts of the Dominion which her classification as a

"home trade vessel" enabled her to dp.

The engines were quite suitable, said witness. The uiatter of the vessel's classification was ruled as beyond the scope of the inquiry. "The. classification of this type of craft," said*; Mr. Walsh, in reviewing the evidence, "as a home-trade vessel, is no more- than the licensing of coffin ships. If nothing is done to protect, men sailing in these scows, there will be some terrible disasters."

Mr. Wilson said the finding of the Court would be submitted to the Minister of Marine.