THE WAIRUNA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 4 October 1917, Page 7

THE WAIRUNA

ENQUIRY "OPENS AT AUCKLAND EXIW Jfr~ .nAry LAXIT Y OF SHIPOWNERS. AUCKLAND. Oct. 1. The Court of Enquiry in regard to the loi-g overdue steamer Wail'ulia was opened this mornliig. Mr Mays, counsel for the Crown, mentioned that the vessel took a deck load of coal., as sne had <i long voyage, but a special permit was issued onlyafter a special survey by one of Lloyd's surveyors. The cargo consisted of kauri "gum, hemp, pelts, copra, ,and cocoa, which, when carefully stowed, involved no special risk. The facts that he had gathered showed a lamentable absence of precaution against enemy action. Apart from naval action, no precaution of anv> value had been taken locallv to protect shins and crews leaving New Zealand, !?« had evidence in regard to the probability of enemy action up to ,a-certain, stage, and preparations were made to get more. It'might be necessary to hold this portion of the enquiry in camera, though if taken in open Court it might have the effect of arousing public opinion as to the extraordinary laxity on the part of shipowners in taking precautions for the safety of their ships. When the L.onrt had seen the manifest of the Wairuna, and th e character of the persons who shipped tne cargo, it would come to the conclusion that something must be done to protect the ships. Mr Mays also reierred to the reports of mysterious boats that had been seen in the pacific. ,

At this stage Mr (Mays intimated he had some important disclosures to make to the Court privately, and the Bench withdrew for consultation.

(A message yesterday stated tliat the inquiry had been adjourned for a fortnight:') ;