AWARUA’S DRIFT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 6 October 1926, Page 9

AWARUA’S DRIFT.

INQUIRY OPENED. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION. ) WELLINGTON, Oct. 6. An inquiry has opened regarding the recent adventure to the small steamer Awimia, which during a, bad weather passage from the Chathams ran short of coal and was eventually located by H.AI.S. Dunedin and .towed to Wellington. Air. Riddell, 5..A1., presided, Mr. Taylor represented the Alarine Department, and Air. White the owner® of the vessel, Fisheries Ltd The master of the Awa.rua, Captain Sawyers, said that he had been in command of the vessel for 18 months, .she left Chatham Islands with full bunkers and ten tons in reserve, a total of 28 tons. When she reached Cape Palliser five tons were left, and this was considered ample for Wellington to be reached. The wind increased, and the vessel made no headway for about two hours. At. eight o’clock that evening two tons were left. Signals of distress were sent out to the Alakura, hut no assistance was forthcoming from her. The force of the wind prevented him .steering the vessel, so he put the engines slow and started to go back to Cape Palliser to signal for assistance and to tell the lighthouse-keeper to instruct anyone coming after him to follow. V’it ness related how he set sail, but was blown far to sea and steered north-east to escape shipping water. The vessel eventually ran before the storm until picked up by the Dunedin. Mr. Young, who appeared for the Seamen’s Union, asked what time the Alakura was sighted. Witness said at eight o’clock in the morning. Air. Kirkcaldie, for the Alercliant Service Guild, objected' to Mr. Young’s questions, .saying that the inquiry was as to how the vesseUran short of coal, and they did not want evidence that might be detrimental to somebody not in court. * Mr. Riddell said that the matter could be left in his hands. Eventually he adjourned the inquiry sine die, pending the return of the Alakura.