FOUNDERING OF THE TE AROHA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13465, 18 April 1907, Page 6

FOUNDERING OF THE TE AROHA.

RESOLUTION BY TRADES AND

LABOUR COUNCIL.

FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS URGED.

Reference was made at last night's meeting of the Trades and Labour Council to the foundering of the Te Aroha. Mr. W. S. Moxam moved, "That this council places on record its cordial thanks to the press of Auckland for its outspoken remarks on the recent foundering of the Te Aroha. We consider it an outrage that seamen's lives should be jeopardised by such a vessel being allowed to proceed to sea, and we strongly urge upon the Minister for Marine the necessity for the fullest investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case."

Mr. W. D'Anthreau seconded the motion, and said when such a boat as the Te Aroha was allowed to proceed to sea it naturally raised the question as to whether boats carrying passengers here were seaworthy and whether the certificates were justified.

Another speaker suggested that Mr. Moxam should add a clause to his motion asking the Minister for Marine to set up a Royal Commission to inquire into the seaworthiness of vessels registered and trading in Auckland Harbour. The suggestion was accepted. Mr. Lang stated that he knew of a case in Auckland where a 12-months' certificate had been issued to a steamer, notwithstanding that her boiler was in a dangerous condition. Three months later the bottom of the boiler fell out and the steamer had to be laid up in order that repairs might be effected. The motion, with the addition, was then put and carried, and a deputation was appointed to wait on the Minister for Marine in reference to the matter on his first visit to Auckland.