THE LOSS OF THE WAIRUNA

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10106, 13 October 1917, Page 2

THE LOSS OF THE WAIRUNA

(Released by the Censor for publication). J AUCKLAND. Oct. 12. 1 The finding < f the Court of Enquiry into the loss of tin Wairtma is: “It is highly probable the Ic.-.s was caused by enemy action either through the operation of a raider or through the placing of a timed bomb on board the ves cl before she left I part Of tiie.-.e two. the latter is the more probable, cause. ’ 'J he Court makes the following n commendations Io» serious and urgent consideration by the Government:: —(1) That stricter precautions be t. ken to prevent: the ap proach oi unauthorised persons to v.-sels and wharves. (2) That stricter precautions be taken to prevent unde-irable men being employed on vessels and wharves. (3) Tiiat. linns having members of alien enemy nationality lie not permitted to ship goods. (4) That all persons going on hoard vessels 1,0 searched, and ail luggage taken on to vi sols .be examined. (5) That, all cargo lor shipment; he packed under Government, supervision and be retained (herealter under Government, control until shipped, (5) That if then- arc eases "here compliance' with the immediately preceding recommendations is not practicable, in such eases packages he retained in Government control for an indefinite time before shipment. • To a reference to a recent official announcement to the press that the German raider had been responsible for Ihe sinking of (he Wairnna, it is now officially slated by the naval authorities in New Zealand that there is no truth whatever In the rumour that the Vtainuia’s crew were landed on any part of tho American coast.