THE LOSS OF THE COLONIST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9149, 3 September 1888, Page 3

THE LOSS OF THE COLONIST.

CORONER'S INQUEST. NEGLIGENCE OF THE HARBOUR AUTHORITIES. [by TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sunday. At the inquest yesterday on the body of Captain Bailey, of the schooner Colonist, Charles Burns, the only survivor of the wreck, gave evidence, the particulars being same as already telegraphed. Evidence was adduced that the signalman reported to the Harbour Board that a vessel was in distress, and that had a steamer been sent- on receipt of such information, possibly the lives and the vessel might have been saved. The jury found a verdict of " Accidental death," and added the following rider : — "That we are of opinion that there was ample time from the time the vessel was reported flying a signal of distress to have rendered assistance by sending a steamer from Wellington. We find that gross negligence was displayed on the part of the Harbour authorities and others, and we recommend that a strict investigation be held into the matter." None of the other bodies came ashore. Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs : —"The identity ot the man who was proceeding to Auckland, and working his passage, has not yet been discovered. He was a potter by trade, and leaves a wife and three children at Tokomairiro, Otago. His intention was to get work in Auckland and send for his family." I — —