THE WRECKED YACHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 83, 16 April 1901, Page 2

THE WRECKED YACHT.

CAPTAIN EXONERATED FROM CHARGES MADE. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Oamaru, last night. The inquiry into the stranding of the yacht Ariadne was concluded to-day. The ovidenco was similar to that already given, and the Magistrate said in reply to Mr Hanlon, that the Court was satisfied the Captain had no intention of casting the vessel away, nor had it been proved that the owner desired to placo the vessel in jeopardy. Mr Hanlon called expert evidence to show the trend of the currents on the coast where the Ariadne was lost, to show that the captain had-acted prudently. Tho Bench will give its decision tomorrow.

Reports from different sources tend to show that the yacht Ariadne, which is ashore at the mouth of the Waitaki river, would have fared no worse had she stranded within reach of the natives of New Guinea. No secret is made of tho fact that the hundreds of sightseers who have visited tho vessel havo rifled her from stem to stern, and helped themselves to “ souvenirs ”of their visit. It is stated that many portable and attractive articles, from brackets to binnacle lamps have been openly carried off by these freebooters. If this is the ease the owner, on arrival at tho scene of the wreck, will be painfully apprised of the fact thatlio is in a free country. Surely the wholesale plundering of a wreck in this manner should be made impossible. As tho Ariadne is lavishly fitted up the loss to the owner and the gain to the beachcombers will be considerable.