THE SANGSTER INQUIRY

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10919, 30 March 1896, Page 5

THE SANGSTER INQUIRY

TAMPERING WITH A LOAD-LINE. [Per Press Association.] MELBOURNE, March 28. The Sangster Board is inquiring into the charge that the load-line of the steamer Buninyong was improperly shifted fifteen inches, and that the Marine Board took no steps to investigate till after it was shifted back to its proper place. Sayer, one of the steamer’s crew, stated that the vessel stopped when leaving Sydney and a quantity of cargo was discharged. When they reached Melbourne the load-line was put up eighteen inches. She stole away from Sydney late at night. Belfrog, an official of the Seaman’s Union, stated that he called the attention of the Marine Board to the fact that the old load line had been painted out and new marks painted above, and the Board promised to report the matter to the proper officer when the Buninyong returned, but when she did the old marks had been restored. Mr Sangster corroborated these witnesses. Captain Deary stated that he visited the vessel on behalf of the Board. The line was then in its proper place, the paint being quite fresh and still wet. In reply to a. request that the inquiry should be extended to cover charges in connection with a number of other vessels, the President announced that it was not the duty of the Board to make a recommendation, but it had no objection to a request being made to Ministers. It was decided to ask the Ministers to appoint an expert to survey the Wendouree.