THE ELINGAMITE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1612, 21 January 1903, Page 50

THE ELINGAMITE

AUCKLAND, January 13. t The inquiry into the loss of the Elingamite at the Three Kings on the 9tli November last was resumed this morning before Mr W, R. Haseldcn, S.M., and Captains Smith and Waddilove and Mr Twigden, assessors. The addresses of counsel were continued. Mr Cotter, who appeared on behalf of the engineers, devoted himself to supporting the evidence given by those in the engine-room that the propeller’s failing to reverse just before the vessel struck was d\ie to its being jammed, probably by striking some obstruction outside the ship, before the order could ho carried into effect. In any case, the subordinate engineers could not be held responsible when acting under the personal direction of their chief. The evidence that there ivas no wedge which would prevent the engines reversing was conclusive, as it was shown that they would not stop if the wedge existed. All * the evidence agreed that the engines w'ere stopped within a few seconds of the order being given, though they failed to reverse. Mr Tole, w T ho appeared for the Collector of Customs, gave an address of three hours, in th© course of which he said regulations should be made and observed as to drill and the manipulation of boats. He hoped one result of the inquiry would be the framing of new regulations. Mr Haselden, S.M., here remarked that however strongly the Court might feel on the matter, he did not think they would make any such recommendations./ This was rather a matter for a Special Commission, which could found its conclusions upon disinterested evidence. No doubt, however, the evidence which had been taken would form the basis of some action. Mr Tole, proceeding, contended there had been imprudence, negligent and unskilful navigation of the vessel prior to the v-reck. There had been a defective log, false reckoning, and too much theory as to the ship’s position. There was also a want of preparedness on the part of those in the engine-room. The Court hopes to give its decision oil Monday.