PORT KEMBLA

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1917, Page 7

PORT KEMBLA

NAUTICAL INQUIRY

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 27

At the Port Kembla inquiry tiie Jirst and second officers testified that tlie explosion was manifestly internal, and was as violent as if the vessel had struck a mine or had been hit by a torpedo. Part of. the lire hatch Was blown off. The second officer (Mr. Churton) said that the fumes after (lie explosion were very dark with an acrid taste-. They made him sick. After the explosion lie into the boat. The chief engineer (Mr. MTiIP, who

was on the Port Adelaide when she was torpedoed, and other members of the crew who had been in torpedoed ships, declared that the explosion occurred internally. Gunner Rcnneberg said that the ammunition was stored in a special chamber aft. There was no other evidence. The Court, will give its decision to-morrow. RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY. DUE TO INTERNAL EXPLOSION.

DELIBERATED ACT OE PERSONS UNKNOWN.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Nautical Court of Inquiry into the sinking-of the Port Kembla found that the vessel! was loaded under conditions showing proper care for the safety of the vessel and crew. In the opinion of the Court the weight of evidence showed that the explosion was internal and due to the placing of a quantity of high explosive in the after part of Hie No. 1 lower forehold, or ’tween decks. Such an act must have been deliberate and done with the intention, of destroying the vessel and crew. The tremendous force of the explosion, and HiA extent of the damage done, indicate that the quantity of ex- v plosives used was considerable, but there is no definite evidence to t'uide the Court in determining its nature with any certainty. ' REWARD FUND OPENED. SYDNEY. Sept. 27. The “Sun” has opened a reward fund in connection with the Port Kembla. explosion. Several business bouses are contributing. A LARGE REWARD OFFERED. [■Australian and N-Z. Cable Association.] Received litis day ai 8-45 a.m. MELROFRNE, This Day. The Federal Government lias offered a reward of 4:5000 for information the Port Ivomlda outrage.