THE MISSING DUCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 7

THE MISSING DUCO.

WAS SHE OVERLOADED?

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.

' [by telegraph.—press association.]

::" , Wellington, Friday. , The magisterial- inquiry into the reported loss of the steamer Duco was opened today, before Dr. McArthur, S.M., with Captain W. J. Gray and Mr. Jas. McLean as assessors. Mr. C. S. Nixon, Collector of Customs, represented the Marine Department;' Mr. Dalziell appeared on behalf of the Wellington Steam Ferry Company (the owners of the Duco); Mr. T. Young on behalf of the three engineers (Messrs. Waddilove, Menard, and Waiters); Mr. Gray for Captain Abrams, and Mr. Menteathfor the Royal Exchange and other underwriters.

Captain Sydney Stringer, assistantsuperintendent of mercantile marine and surveyor of ships, stated that he had surveyed the Duco several times. The annual survey took place in July last, and the vessel was found to be in good condition. Before she left for the Chathams the Duco took a considerable quantity of coal on deck, and witness ordered the men to cease loading when between three and four tons were aboard. The Duco,was safely loaded, if no more cargo were put in after he left.

To Mr. Menteath : She signed articles the day before at the Customs. She left them behind her. This was irregular, as she should have taken her articles with her. The boat was in a fit condition .to sail to Chatham Islands. Witness would take her round the world without hesitation under those conditions.

Mr. Menteath : Are you aware she took in 60 tons : of coal from .a hulk in the harbour ? ■ ' *

» Witness : No.

• You' did not inspect her as she left the wharf? —I could not stand by until the last minute before she sailed. Between 12 and two she might have taken 20 tons of coal aboard. '

Alfred Calvert, surveycu- and inspector of machinery, gave evidence of surveying the hold and machinery of the Duco.

; To Mr. Menteath : He could not say whether the Duco was overloaded or not. He thought she might carry 60 tons of coal. Some might go into the refrigerating chamber. The Duco was almost as good as* new, though 17 or 18 years old. He did riot think the coal if it got adrift could interfere with the steering gear.

Captain George Gordon Smith, superintendent of mercantile marine, said he saw .the Duco going down the harbour at about 2.10 en the 7th inst. She seemed to be in good trim, wits f ully 2ft of freeboard on each side.

' Edward G: T. Zohrab. secretary of the Wellington Harbour Ferry Company (owners of the Duco), said the boat was insured for £2509. The boat was fully equipped in every, way. There was some difficulty about getting engineers. Mr. Young : Was that because they did not like the ship? V: Witness : I am not aware. •> To Mr. Menteath : The value of the Duco in the company's books was £5300. Mr. Young : I submit we should have some of the crew here, who were with the Duco on her previous trip. 'We want to know something about' the behaviour of the ship at sea. We have heard nothing from anybody'who loaded the ship.

j « Mr. Menteath : And there is the fact that this boat went to sea without complying with the usual custom of clearing her articles from the Customs. This in itself calls for some more evidence.

It was decided that the inquiry should be adjourned until Monday next, when further evidence will be called.