INSPECTION OF THE VESTRIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 21 November 1928, Page 7

INSPECTION OF THE VESTRIS

ADMISSIONS BY INSPECTOR (Ueceived 21st. November, 0.10 a.m.) NEW YORK, 20th November. Dickerson Hoover, inspector-general of the United Stall's steamboat inspection service, opened an inquiry into the inspection of the Vestris, at which Edward Keaue. one of the inspectors wdio cleared the vessel, admitted that six coal ports were not thoroughly inspected before the Vestris sailed. Keaue explained that he was able to examine only four ports on each side because the other six were filled with coal, but he expressed certainly that they were shut light and all properly gaskettcd. Keaue previously testified that the inspection was thorough, lasting four days, and thai of 601 life, preservers 68 we're found rotten and were replaced. He declared I he boats were in excellent condition and fully equipped with food, Wider, flares, compass, etc. He said he tested each lifeboat by placing 65 persons in if, which was above the capacity, and lowering Hie craft, although not fully to Ihe water because barges were adjacent.

LEAKS ON THE STEAMER A survivor named Isaac Scott, a waiter, testilied before. Mr Tuttle that the Vestris leaked on the last four voyages from the starboard door six feet above, water, lie slated that none of tho crew were assigned to Hie lifeboats on the last voyage and there had been DO drills for passengers. Thomas Connor, head waiter, said: "In my opinion the Vestris had a list on all five voyages on which I sailed. The lis; increased on the last voyage five hours from New York." Gilbert Ford. negro chief fireman, said ii was not unusual to find water in the engine room. He said he was unable to make the screws work on the leaking ash hopper. The last lifeboat drill he could remember was on the Vestris on the last northern trip.