THE KEILAWARRA INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7827, 22 December 1886, Page 6

THE KEILAWARRA INQUIRY.

Tax Marine Board oommenoed an inquiry on Tuesday, the 14th inst., into the circumstances attending the collision between the steamers Keilawarra and Helen Nioholl. James MoGeorge, chief officer of the Keilawarra, was the first witness examined. He stated that the night was fine, but clouded a little, with a heavy atmosphere ; the wind was fresh from the north. Thirty-three lives on the Keilawarra were lost. When about three miles distant from the North Solitary, he saw smoke ahead, and reported it to the captain. He could not make out any lights, nor could he make out in what direction the smoke was blowing. He could not make out whether; it was a eteamer they were overtaking, Or whether she was approaohing. At the request of the oaptain, he examined the Keilawarra's lights and found them ail right. The oaptain was on the bridge, and had several looks ahead with his glasses. The oaptain gave orders to "port," and they were duly obeyed. The Keilawarra was on her proper oourse. He assisted the man at the helm. Whilst doing so he smelt the smoke of the Helen Nioholl, and reported the faot to the captain. The oaptain at once gave the order, "Hard a-port," which was obeyed, 'lheir own smoke was then blowing over their starboard quarter. A few seconds later he saw a green light and a masthead light. The oollision took place immediately afterwards. Robert Grierson, third mate of the Keilawarra, knew nothing of an approaching steamer until she was only about three lengths distant, The smoke was coming very heavily from her funnel, and the vessel appeared to be coming full speed. He thought the Helen Nioholl must have starboarded or she would have cleared them, or atruok them further aft. On Wednesday James MoGeorge was reoalled, and gave evidence to the effect that the Keilawarra was well found in lifeboats and life-saving apparatus. The lifeboats were in proper order, and, if properly managed, were capable of carrying 150 persons on such a night. Several other witnesses were examined, their statements being mainly corroborative of that given by the chief officer, that smoke could be seen ahead, but no lights. Peter O'Brien, second mate of the Keilawarra, said that when he went on board the Helen Nioholl he shook Captain Eraser by the hand. Captain Fraser said his second mate did not call him until he was into them. Several persona on board the Helen Nicholl told him they saw the Keilawarra's lights 20 minutes before the accident. Captain Fraser, of the Helen Nicholl was one of the witnesses examined. He described the night as hazy, with north-east weather; after passing the North Solitary, hit* bell was struck twice, which indicated that there was a vessel or light on the starboard bow ? he heard the second officer remark "There's a fellow coming right into us he rushed to the instrument to order his steamer astern, when he saw the Keilawarra's red light; his lights were all burning , the Keilawarra appeared to port her helm. The witness then described what took place after the collision, Tho Inquiry was adjourned.