LOSS OF WIMMERA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17859, 3 August 1918, Page 10

LOSS OF WIMMERA.

THE INQUIRY CONTINUED. [Puk Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 2. The inquiry into tlie loss of the Wimmera was resumed to-day. Mr Mays, for the Department, said that it was proposed to show, through Captain Hall Thompson, that instructions had been handed to Captain Kell in Sydney in regard to the route to be taken, a course to which Mr M'Veagh and Mr Blomfield objected. Captain Hall Thompson said he had been naval adviser to the New Zealand Government for the past year. All confidential instructions from the Admiralty and other instructions were issued through him. Mine-sweeping operations at present carried on were subject to his control. Confidential instructions to ship masters were issued in writing. In regard to the Wimmcra, ho produced a copy of confidential instructions of recent date sent to the Collector of Customs. A long argument took place regarding the admissibility of a. copy of the (Vieument. Mr'M'Veagh and Mr Blomiield objected on the ground that it was only a portion of the document, and that the whole or none must bo produced.

Mr Mays stated that he proposed to ask the Court to take judicial notice of the fact, that the Naval authorities issued instruction! to ship masters from various ports, and also of the fact that the nation was in a state of war. He proposed to prove actual and official knowledge, of the fact thai the Naval representatives in Sydney did issue instructions to ship masters He submitted that the Court could take judicial notice of the fact that the Admiralty had issued warnings, orders and instructions, especially route warnings, from Sydney, which was a naval station. He would prove, through Captain Hall Thompson, that actual warnings had been issued, especially in regard to the voyage from New Zealand to Australia and back. Mr M'Voagh, for. the Huddart-Par-kar Company, further objected. Mr Cu'ttcn, S.M.: There is on© difficulty that arises. Suppose "T concede everything you suggest, Mr Mays, and hold that' this cablegram from Sydney can ho given in evidence here as received officially by Captain Hall Thompson. That does not get over tho fact of proof of delivering to Clip tain Kell. Mr Mays. I am asking the Court to presume that Captain Kell got it. Mr Alexander, for the widow of the third officer, pointed out that if they assumed that this particular document had been given to Captain Kell, it would be an admission of the very thing the Court was asked to inquire into, and, therefore, it was most pertinent. He suggested that, if necessary, tho Court should adjourn and have tho original document produced. Tiro case could go on in the meantime, and the further question of the protest could be restored. Mr Mays said he could get a copy of it, with an affidavit thai it was signed by Captain Kell Mr Outten said it seemed to him that tho best course was to adjourn and get evidence from Sydney. After some further' d.'iscussion thei Court decided to leave the point. Captain Hall Thompson gave evidence regarding the issue of instructions to shipping masters, the nature of the mines discovered in New Zealand waters, and precautionary measures taken Tho Gour;-. adjourned till Monday.