THE WRECK OF THE WANAKA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8539, 13 April 1891, Page 5

THE WRECK OF THE WANAKA

NAUTICAL INQIRY. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 New Plymouth, Saturday. The nautical inquiry into the cause of the stranding of the s.s. Wanaka on the Puketapu Reof commenced this morning before Mr. Kettle, R.M., and Captain Adams, of Wellington, nautical assessor. Mr. Samuel appeared for Captain Meads. The evidence given by Meads was similar to what has already been wired. He said the course he gave the steersman would have brought the steamer straight to the breakwater. The captain went on deck at two o'clock, and the chief officer reported that the log showed they had run 98 miles from the Manukau Heads. There was smoke about, and the land was invisible at that time. At three o'clock the log showed , that 100 miles had been run. At this time there was still a haze or bush smoke about. The distance between the Manukau and the breakwater was 120 miles. In cross - examination Captain Meads stated that three other steamers, the Rangitira, Airedale, and Bellinger had gone ashore in the vicinity of the reef. He said that the accident was due to one of three things (1) the compass being affected by the ironsand ; (2) one of the men steering wrong ; (3) an unknown current. He had never previously had any accident happen to him during his professional career. At the conclusion of Captain Meads' evidence, which lasted till 5 p.m., the Court adjourned till Monday morning.