THE PORT KEMBLA.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 230, 28 September 1917, Page 8

THE PORT KEMBLA.

SUN REWARD FUND

rPßjsas Association.] (Received Sept. 27, 9.10 p.m.)

SYDNEY, Sept. 27

The Sun newspaper has opened a reward fund in connection with the Port Kemblrt explosion. Several business houses have contributed.

FJIYDING OF NAUTICAL COURT.

WELLINGTON Sept. 2S

T%> Nautical Court, at the inquiry into the sinking of the Port Kembla, found that the vessel was loaded under conditions showing proper ca.ro for the safety of the vessel and the crew. In tho opinion of the Court tho weight of evidence showed that the explosion was internal and due to the placing of a quantity of high explosives in the after part of No. 1 lower fore hold or the 'tween decks. Such an act must have been-deliberate and done with the intention of destroying the.vessel and ere v. The tremendous force of the explosion and the extent of the damage done indicate that the. quantity of explosives used was considerable, bur, there is no definite evidence to guide the Court in determining ik; nature with any certainty.